Beschreibung:

3 Autograph Letters Signed ("Larry O.," "Larry Olivier," and "Larry"), 15 pp recto and verso, 8vo, London, January 8, 1956, April 24, 1956, and August 12, [likely 1971-72] to Joseph L. Mankiewicz, on various stationeries including his home, "Notley Abbey," together with 1 telegram dated February 6, 1973. In the January 8 letter, Olivier discusses his concerns about but interest in making The Quiet American with Mankiewicz, provided his part does not get changed or reduced after signing on, which had happened to him during the filming of Carrie (1952). He writes, sheepishly, "I'm not a difficult person, you understand, but a teensy bit old to have my pants removed with becomingly boyish submission." In the April 24 letter, Olivier, having now read the screenplay, expresses his opinion about it and declares that he does not like the part and does not want to play it. Fast forward 16 years, the August 12 letter likely was written after Olivier was directed by Mankiewicz in Sleuth (1972); Olivier thanks Mankiewicz profusely for his kindness during filming and apologizes for having waited so long to write: "...[I was] in poorly condition without even the courage to lift my pen to you, just lying sleepless, listening to my own breathing gurgling through my trachea." The Feb 6, 1973 telegram from Olivier to Mankiewicz thanks him for accepting an award on his behalf. 6 x 8 in.