Lot 416
Cohan, George M (1878-1942). American actor, singer, playwright and producer whose songs and musicals dominated vaudeville and Broadway for much of the early 20th century. In 1940, Cohan was awarded a special Congressional medal for "Over There," the song that became a World War I rallying cry.
Autograph Letter Signed ("George. M."). One page, 6½ x 5", Atlantic City, "Tuesday later" (pencil notation at upper left "5/20/24"). On The Shelburne hotel stationery. To Mr. Belasco. One horizontal mailing crease, some smudging and minor toning at left. In very good condition.
Cohan writes to "Mr. Belasco", presumably playwright/producer/impresario David Belasco: "Please use the enclosed instead of the other - I feel this way so I might as well be a man and say so." Unfortunately, the enclosure is not included. Cohan was gradually returning to life on Broadway, following a self-imposed absence after the bitter Actor's Equity strike of 1919. The plays he wrote and produced upon his return to the were not always well received, but The Song and Dance Man (1923) and The Merry Malones (1927) did help reestablish his reputation as one of Broadway's brightest light.
Estimated Value $200 - 300.
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| Realized $207 |
