Lot 736
Gish, Lillian. Widely considered the quintessential silent screen heroine. Discovered in her teens by film pioneer, D.W. Griffith. Star of countless films including, Broken Blossoms and Sweet Heart Susie.
The story of this collection began in 1919, when Joseph Assante was taken by the nuns of his orphanage to see Broken Blossoms in a converted church. It is a touching story of a gentle "Chinaman" who befriends a young girl (Gish) who is brutally beaten by her sadistic prize fighter father. Assante was so moved by the sad tale that he cried himself to sleep in the choir loft. He was found the next morning by the theater manager and returned to the nuns who never even missed him. Some years later, Assante wrote to Miss Gish about his childhood experience. She seemed genuinely touched by the note and a pen-pal relationship began which lasted for over 50 years. In addition to writing, he would buy her little gifts and leave them with her doorman or at the theater. He eventually introduced himself to Ms.Gish at a testimonial dinner in 1964. She was so overjoyed to meet him that she introduced him to Katherine Hepburn as the friend who wrote her constantly and brought her gifts.
Archive of 27 Letters. (3 ALS, 1 ACS, 4 TCS, 19 TLS) Dated between 1966-1993. A very touching run of letters.
"Dear Assantes: Sorry an early business deal kept me from seeing you on March 4th. We are working again on this beautiful ship. [QE2] Have just passed through that miracle the Panama Canal. Took 10 hours to get this big lady across and not an inch to spare. Hope to be home for Easter. Happy Spring time. Lillian G-".
Very Good.
Estimated Value $500 - 750.
|
| |
| Realized $403 |
