OTTO SIMANEK - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 10/02/1952 - HFSID 317092

OTTO SIMANEK
The Czech-born actor and performer sends a letter to Theatre World Founder Daniel Blum, forwarding along biographical materials to appear in the publication's forthcoming edition
Autograph letter signed: "Otto Simanek," in blue ink, 5x8. Chicago, Illinois, October 2, 1952. Accompanied by newspaper clipping showing Simanek's role in Stalag 17 (1951-1952) with his personal notes. Simanek writes the letter using very heavy blue ink which bleeds out a majority of the letter, making it difficult to transcribe. Thus follows what could be transcribed from the letter, which, in summary, details Simanek's intentions to send publicity photographs as well as the completed biographical form required by all Theatre World members. To "Dear Mr. Blum," in part, "I am thanking you so much for your cooperation. Sincerely & with many thanks," and post script, "If Mr. II would be strong enough after reprinting--then I should say it is the 'Best' picture. Don't you think so?" Czech-born actor and singer Otto Simanek (1925-1992) is lovingly remembered by fans as the silent wizard Pan Tau (1970-1978). Styled with an iconic bowler hat and white carnation pinned to his breast pocket, Simanek as Pan Tau (Mr. Tau) ran for eight years as a children's television show, and later became a movie in 1988. Along with his trademark show, Simanek appeared in numerous Czech television shows and movies, as well as in American films and theatre. He is credited to 5 Broadway plays, the last of which, Stalag17 (1951-1952), he was casted as a staunch German Captain, a role very contradictory to his more well-known whimsical character. Theatre World, founded in 1945 by Daniel Blum, is America's oldest annual record of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre, referenced by industry professionals, historians, students and theatre fans worldwide. Until 1998, when a separate nonprofit corporation was established, Theatre World's editorial staff bestowed the prestigious Theatre World Awards for outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway debuts. Screen World (from 1950) and Dance World (from 1966), administered from the same office, also furnished comprehensive information on those entertainment genres. Lightly creased and toned. Normal mailing folds. Edges slightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.