LAWRENCE, GERTRUDE and BRYNNER, YUL
Telegrams from Gertrude Lawrence and Yul Brynner to Celeste Holm upon her acceptance of the role of Anna in The King and I, 1951. Two Western Union telegrams with affixed type, both dated 26 March 1952, 8 x 6 inches, toned and with a few marginal chips.

Rodger and Hammerstein's The King and I was a major Broadway hit upon opening in March 1951, with Gertrude Lawrence awarded the Best Actress Tony. But unfortunately her health rapidly deteriorated with what was later diagnosed as hepatitis, and it was quickly arranged that during peak summer heat Lawrence would recuperate and the role of Anna temporarily assumed by Ms. Holm in a highly unprecedented move. The full texts of both telegrams read: "Dear Celeste/Couldn't be more pleased and grateful to you for devoting a hot summer to help me out. Am sure you will enjoy Anna and I shall hope to see you love/Gertrude Lawrence" and "Welcome Darling/Looking forward/Love Yul."