RODDY McDOWALL
Handwritten letter, written shortly after he finished filming The White Cliffs of Dover
Autograph Letter signed: "Roddy", 2 pages (front and verso), 6x4. No place, no date, but circa 1944. To "Dear Anthony", in full: "Thank you so much for your nice letter. I am sorry to have taken so long to answer but I have been away on a tour and then I had to make 'The White Cliffs'. I have just finished it. I enclose a snap. [Item not included.] Always wishing you well - Sincerely". The arrival of London-born McDowall (1928-1998) in Hollywood came when he tested for the juvenile lead in Fox's How Green Was My Valley (1941), winning both the role and a long contract. McDowall's first adult acting assignment was as Malcolm in Orson Welles' 1948 film version of Macbeth. The actor spent the better part of the early 1960s playing Octavian in the mammoth production Cleopatra, co-starring with longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor. An accomplished photographer, McDowall was honored by having his photos of Taylor and other celebrities frequently published in the leading magazines of the era. McDowall's most frequent assignments between 1968 and 1975 found him in elaborate simian makeup in the Planet of the Apes theatrical films and TV series. Shortly before his death, the Academy of Motion Pictures named its photo archive after him. The White Cliffs of Dover was released in 1944. Vertical fold crease through center (toned). Toned at edges. Multiple unknown stains. Corners lightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.