| Title |
Autograph letters and telegrams to Beaton |
| Reference |
A1/343 |
| Creator |
Alfred Lunt (1892-1977) |
| Covering Dates |
18 Dec. 1946–22 July 1967 (2 letters undated.) |
| Extent and Medium |
19 letters, 3 telegrams; paper; Manuscript |
|
| Content and context |
Actor. |
| Index Terms |
| Lunt, Alfred (1892-1977) actor |
| St John's Library/Beaton/A1/343 contains: |
|
1
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Has had a delightful afternoon in the theatre with Lynn [his wife]. The settings and the clothes were perfect. The acting was good too. Tells Beaton not to mind those "old witches" in the box. Had the "happiest of times" and has so many things he would like to talk about.
2p; paper. |
18 Dec. 1946 |
|
2
|
Autograph letter to Beaton. Talks about the set design for the ballet. Explains where the table should be. This would give the impression of privacy which the scene needs.
2p; paper. |
11 May 1952 |
|
3
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Have just returned from New Haven where they have received an honorary degree from Yale. Talks about a play and hopes Beaton can arrange the stage. Discusses stage directions. Is sending ground plans and costume sketches.
2p; paper. |
17 June 1961 |
|
4
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Is thrilled at the thought of Beaton doing "Traviata". Has doubts about his own capabilities - "it's the damned chorus that gets me down". Is going to Mexico in December for a couple of months. Violetta is the only character that really matters in the opera. On her depends the success of the whole performance "and the eye and ear must never leave her". Beaton must do what he thinks the most ravishing and romantic. Letter was put aside by mistake when the house was disrupted by illness. Will write from Mexico.
2p; paper. |
17 Dec. 1963 |
|
5
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Have returned from Mexico, which was most interesting. Hopes Beaton can come over so that they can work on La Traviata. It is no use doing it by letter as there is so much to consider. Thought his article on "My Fair Lady" in "The Journal" was very good.
2p; paper. |
15 Feb. 1964 |
|
6
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Is glad that Beaton can come over. Has just got out of hospital after catching a bug. Has lost 12 pounds in one week.
1p; paper. |
26 Feb. 1964 |
|
7
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Hopes the dates in March suit Beaton. Is very anxious to see him. Is feeling much better.
1p; paper. |
2 Mar. 1964 |
|
8
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Leaves for New York on Monday 9th March. Would love to have Beaton. The house is comfortable and warm and the food is usually good, although he may find it boring. Postscript dated Mon 9th March informs Beaton that they are snowbound and have to postpone their flight to New York. Perhaps it would be safer if Beaton came after the 16th.
2p; paper. |
7 Mar. 1964 |
|
9
|
Autograph letter to Beaton. The designs arrived at last. This note was delayed because of a terrific storm. Discusses the designs, ideas and stage directions. Thinks it is "marvellous" that Beaton is making a "spectacle" of Traviata.
2p; paper. |
25 June 1964 |
|
10
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Enclosed clipping states that Lunt and his wife have been awarded the medal of freedom. It was very kind of Beaton to send the book of Guy's drawings. The note was interrupted by the fourth of July, and guests, telephone calls and telegrams. The clipping will explain. They are very pleased indeed. The photographs of the sets have arrived. Discusses the sets and the play as a whole. Asks if Beaton would like him to send a volume of Guy's drawings.
2p; paper. |
3 July 1964 |
|
11
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Confirms the number of actors in the ballet. Has written twice but all the post seems to be weeks old. Asks Beaton if he would like a book of Guy's drawings. Has had three weeks of really hot weather. Has heard that Beaton is in Turkey "of all places". Is off to Chicago for his annual check-up.
2p; paper. |
3 Aug. 1964 |
|
12
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Was good to have Beaton's card from Venice. Hasn't written as there was nothing to write about. Hasn't given the opera much thought since they last met. Complains that it is a year since Beaton sent the designs. Has been nominated for the Emmy awards. Recorded the sound of his hens in the poultry house.
2p; paper. |
3 Sept. 1964 |
|
13
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. The Met is asking Karinska for an estimate of how much "Traviata" will cost. Has been taken through the "biggest, coldest building" he has ever seen. The gypsies in the ballet need to be dirty and "picturesque". Is going to Jamaica in March, then England for April and hopes to meet Beaton. The TV is a great success. The maid that looks after his house has been hit by a car. Sends his love and Lynn's.
2p; paper. |
15 Feb. 1965 |
|
14
|
Typescript letter signed to Beaton. Beaton's letter has just arrived. Is pleased about Karinska. Assumes she is going to do the costumes. Had a note from Bing saying he had never received his signed contract, even though he sent it months ago. Plans to send the next one registered. Feels Karinska should one day read Beaton's letter, or at least parts of it. Lynn sends her love.
1p; paper. |
14 Sept. 1965 |
|
15
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Has been in hospital for over 2 weeks with pneumonia. It is "a great big bloody bore". Lynn is staying in Chicago with his sister. Is full of antibiotics. Sends his love.
1p; paper. |
21 Nov. 1965 |
|
16
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Wishes Beaton was here. Is having problems with a sliding door which destroys the whole scene when it is closed. Act 4 is not good as they have had to move the bed forward. The wigs are terrible. The father looks like "a dame in "Cinderella"". The cast are very good-natured and "work without a complaint". Is told that the conductor is going to be difficult.
2p; paper. |
22 Aug. 1966 |
|
17
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Hopes he and Beaton can meet in September. His own trip may have to be postponed as his eye "has become an awful mess" and there may have to be an operation. Has begun a number of letters but tore them all up as they were dreary. Is "as dry of ideas as a rain barrel is of water in August". Lynn's new pet is enchanting. They are having an interesting time here.
2p; paper. |
22 July 1967 |
|
18
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Knows Lynn has written thanking him for the photographs. Suggests she didn't mention Beaton's thoughtfulness in sending Peter Lindamood's address. Beaton's visit gave great pleasure. Has been doing a lot of work in the garden. Has had no news from Noel but believes the musical is a smash. Goes into fits "thinking of you and the aquaVit and beer". Sends their love.
2p; paper. |
|
|
19
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Informs Beaton that Violetta should be on stage at the rise of the curtain, "and a good thing too". Have had a glorious time in New York. Jane behaved beautifully although she is very unhappy. They are having a beautiful spring. His eyes are bad, so he is going to stop writing.
2p; paper. |
|
|
20
|
Telegram to Beaton. Asks Beaton to come here after the 16th. He can fly directly to Chicago where they will meet him.
1p; paper. |
9 Mar. 1964 |
|
21
|
Telegram to Beaton. Finds he must remain in New York until 23rd March. Does Beaton want to come here on the 15th or come to Genesee after the 24th?.
1p; paper. |
11 Mar. 1964 |
|
22
|
Telegram to Beaton. The Lunts return to Genesee June 17th.
1p; paper. |
10 June 1964 |
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