RICHARD "DICK" WATTS JR. - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/15/1974 - HFSID 315790

RICHARD "DICK" WATTS, JR.
Theatre critic sends letter of thanks to John Willis, editor of Theatre World, for the Christmas fruitcake and new editions of the book
Typed letter signed: "Dick Watts" in black ink. 1 page, 6x9. Original envelope included. December 15, 1974. New York City, New York. In full: "Dear Mr. Willis: Thank you for the incomparable fruit cake and, of course, for the annual volumes on stage and screen. The cake is delicious and both annuals are invaluable for checking and making sure my memory has not yet gone astray. As you may have noticed, I am no longer doing daily reviews for my paper but am confining myself to a weekly Saturday column on the plays I see. After decades of having to rush back to the typewriter to do my notices, it is pleasant to be able to have a leisurely dinner and a drink or two and write my comments next day. With all my warmest wishes and the hope that you will have a fine Yuletide holiday. And how strange it is that we still haven't met! Sincerely". Writer Richard "Dick" Watts Jr. (1898-1981) began his career at the New York Herald Tribune as a film and drama critic. After serving as a war correspondent in China during World War II, Watts became a theatre critic for the New York Post, also writing a regular column titled "Random Notes on This and That". John A. Willis (1916-2010), active in Theatre World from the beginning, became its chief editor in 1965, holding that position until 2008. Willis is regarded as one of the foremost theatre and film historians of the 20th century. While producing (and presenting) the annual Theatre World Awards, Willis also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. Theatre World, which received its own Tony for Excellence in Theatre in 2001, continues under chief editor Ben Hodges. Normal mailing folds. Very toned. Corners creased. Light ink smearing. Otherwise, fine condition.