BEATON REPORTING ON SOCIAL LIFE IN NEW YORK IN 1949 BEATON (Sir Cecil, 1904-1980, Photographer & Designer)

Fine Autograph Letter in pencil, Signed to “Dearest Ava”, Lady Waverley, signed “Cecil” (1896-1974, wife of Sir John Anderson, Viscount Waverley) saying that he has “tried many shops for your address book but nothing nice to be found after the Christmas storm had emptied every quarter, now however, I have bought one from Bergdorf Goodman. It isn’t really a good one, but may do, & I will bring it over when I arrive mid February. It has been rather a dull winter here - in comparison to London there is an orgy of glitter, food & excitement but no one is really content - New Yorkists very bored by their... existence yet unsure of the future & so chary of spending money. It is a very different atmosphere & it is quite remarkable to find how economical & thrifty most people have become - a semi slump, though nothing quite so dramatic as a slump, in the book cinema & theatre world. Men’s clothes reduced - ‘slashing sales’. Very... Play, Only Martita Hunt in the Folle de Chaillot is outstanding - a lovely imaginative play unspoilt by a poor production - I go to Philadelphia tomorrow to see ‘the Death of a Salesman’ which is supposed to be a beautiful play. The Sitwells are a big success & getting large sums for their lecture tours. Randolph C & newly wed also on circuit - also Evelyn Waugh & his wife... about to join the ranks of lecturers...”, 4 sides 8vo., with original autograph envelope, The Plaza Hotel, New York heaaded paper, 26th January

The Madwoman of Chaillot is a play, a poetic satire, by French dramatist Jean Giraudoux, written in 1943 and first performed in 1945, after his death. From December 1948 to January 1950 there was a production at the Belasco and Bernard B. Jacobs theatres on Broadway. This featured Martita Hunt (playing the role of the Madwoman for over 350 performances and winning a 1949 Tony Award for her performance), and John Carradine as The Ragpicker.

Item Date:  1949

Stock No:  42667      £275

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