RAYMOND MASSEY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 12/23/1975 - HFSID 84880

RAYMOND MASSEY
Raymond Massey writes a letter to a teacher and his class thanking them for their many gifts.
Autograph Letter signed: "Raymond Massey", 1p, front and verso, 6x6¾. Beverly Hills, California, 1975 December 23. On his personal letterhead to "Dear Mr. Bean". In full: "I am very sorry that this letter will not reach you in time for Christmas. I have just opened in a play which is quite a strain on anyone in my years. Which are very nearly 80 in December and my correspondences has gone into retirement. Please tell the children that I am very grateful for their pictures, and cards and stamps and the gift of the calendar. I send each and all of them my best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a good New year and I am sure that God will bless them and give them the courage to face the trails and the spirit to accept the joys. Which may be in store for them. Best wishes to you for a successful New Year in your efforts for the children. Sincerely" In 1931, Raymond Massey (1896-1983) starred in his first talking picture as Sherlock Holmes in The Speckled Band. He divided his time between stage and screen, offering excellent performances in major motion-picture efforts (The Scarlet Pimpernal, 1935 and Things to Come, 1936). Massey's appearance in Abe Lincoln in Illinois was his most famous role; he appeared in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway production and then repeated his Lincoln characterization in this film version, earning an Academy Award nomination as Best Actor. Twenty-two years later, he played a cameo as Honest Abe in How the West Was Won (1962). On television, Massey hosted the 1955 syndicated anthology I Spy, and more memorably was Dr. Gillespie in the weekly series Dr. Kildare. Fold crease not at signature. Fine condition.