Dec 15, 2023 10:00 EST

Stage & Screen

 
  Lot 5244
 

5244

George Bernard Shaw on cinema and Shakespeare

Estate / Collection: The Estate of Michael Feingold

SHAW, GEORGE BERNARD

Autograph letter signed. Ayot St. Lawrence: 1 June 1921. A one-page autograph letter signed "G. Bernard Shaw" on one sheet of personal stationery, about 13 lines in dark ink, the letter on cinema and referencing Shakespeare, the address panel on the verso in Shaw's hand. Framed with a portrait. Visually fine, not examined out of frame; Together with an autograph note signed with initials "G.B.S.," 3 April 1926, on similar stationery and with the envelope addressed in Shaw's hand, this note is about Shaw's review of Henry Jesting Jones' Samuel Butler, a Memoir, and closes with "I am half dead just now, and years in arrear in pressing work. Tempt me not."

In the first letter here, Shaw admits that he has seen films in many countries and admits that cinema has "raised the popular standard far above that set by the theatrical entertainments that our provincials see including such outrages as Shakespeare's Coriolanus compressed into one hour .... Shakespeare's plays as he wrote them are much more like cinema reels than like the productions of Irving..."

Sold for $819
Estimated at $600 - $800

Includes Buyer's Premium


 

Estate / Collection: The Estate of Michael Feingold

SHAW, GEORGE BERNARD

Autograph letter signed. Ayot St. Lawrence: 1 June 1921. A one-page autograph letter signed "G. Bernard Shaw" on one sheet of personal stationery, about 13 lines in dark ink, the letter on cinema and referencing Shakespeare, the address panel on the verso in Shaw's hand. Framed with a portrait. Visually fine, not examined out of frame; Together with an autograph note signed with initials "G.B.S.," 3 April 1926, on similar stationery and with the envelope addressed in Shaw's hand, this note is about Shaw's review of Henry Jesting Jones' Samuel Butler, a Memoir, and closes with "I am half dead just now, and years in arrear in pressing work. Tempt me not."

In the first letter here, Shaw admits that he has seen films in many countries and admits that cinema has "raised the popular standard far above that set by the theatrical entertainments that our provincials see including such outrages as Shakespeare's Coriolanus compressed into one hour .... Shakespeare's plays as he wrote them are much more like cinema reels than like the productions of Irving..."

Auction: Stage & Screen, Dec 15, 2023

  • Third Annual Stage & Screen Auction on December 15, 2023 Surpasses Expectations!
  • Art, Memorabilia, Autographs & Photographs of the Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
  • Held in Collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund


NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's third annual Stage & Screen auction on December 15, 2023 attracted determined competition from collectors and fans around the world resulting in a sale total that surpassed expectations! Held in collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund, the auction offered artwork, memorabilia, props, autographs and photographs from the vast history of the performing arts: Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.

Recognizing the importance of the performing arts to the fabric of New York, and the terrible toll the pandemic and recent strikes have taken on the entertainment community, Doyle is proud to donate 10% of our profit from this auction to the Entertainment Community Fund.

Highlighting the sale was an important 1969 letter and drawing from rock legend Freddie Mercury to Ibex bandmate Mick "Miffer" Smith that soared past its $12,000-18,000 estimate to achieve $50,400. Penned a year before forming Queen, Mercury discusses seeing Led Zeppelin, his sexuality, his songwriting, and his early bands’, Ibex and Wreckage, upcoming performances. The letter is a tour-de-force of descriptive thought and shows his growing passion for writing music.


The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund)

A special section of the auction comprising lots 5001 - 5019 featured celebrity memorabilia presented by the Entertainment Community Fund. While a portion of proceeds from every item in the auction benefited the Fund, 100% of the hammer price of the lots in this section goes entirely to the Entertainment Community Fund.

A highlight of this section was the stunning pink double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket worn by Daniel Craig to the world premiere of No Time To Die at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021. With competition from both sides of the Atlantic, the tuxedo jacket sold for $10,710, more than doubling its $3,000-5,000 estimate.

Founded in 1882, the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization for performing arts and entertainment professionals. The Fund helps address the specific needs of those in the industry, with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in a life in the arts. Read More ►


We Invite You to Auction!

Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a free auction estimate.

For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141, ext 248, or email Peter.Costanzo@Doyle.com

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