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Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer
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Letter to Mr Marcus

Draft typescript letter, in which Beaton writes that he has heard from Miss Le Maire that Mr Marcus is in Europe and unable to make any firm decision about the backdrop for the Bridal Salon until he returns. Beaton thinks that he will stay until the first week of April, but cannot be certain of that. However, he believes that he may well return in the late summer and would be interested to hear from Mr Marcus at any time. Beaton thinks that the backdrop could be a great success and would be willing to take photographs.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Rudolf Kaetchen Kommer

Typescript letter to the writer, producer and impresario, Rudolf K. Kommer (1886-1943), in which Beaton writes that he has been sight-seeing in southern Morocco and has taken lots of pictures. He is currently staying in a lovely house in Tangier, which overlooks the Governor's Palace. Thanks Kommer for his advice on various matters and asks him for his opinion on how he believes Beaton should respond to Walter Winchell's most recent attack on him. Beaton understands how difficult it is to sue a newspaper, but the allegation that he sent a copy of his work to Goebbels is a complete lie and should be recognised as such.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Statement on Beaton's relations with George Cukor

Typescript draft statement, unaddressed and unsigned, though clearly written by Beaton, in which he airs his grievances in working with the American film director, George Cukor (1899-1983) on the Hollywood production of 'My Fair Lady'(1964). In particular, Beaton writes that the limits Cukor has imposed on his taking photographs of the actress Audrey Hepburn while she is on set demonstrate a distinct lack of consideration for Beaton and his work. Beaton believes that this lack of consideration is another symptom of some deeper resentment on Cukor's part, and unless it can be overcome, there will be further pressure on a relationship that is already strained.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo

Complains of recent cold weather. Writes that he enjoyed his week in Paris, although he caught a cold. Describes a day he spent with Diana at Chantilly. Sends news that Diana has been left a legacy by a Spanish Marquis called Emmanuele. Describes Edmond Rostand's widow [Rosemonde Etienette Gerard] whom he sat next to at a dinner. Plans to return to Paris on the following Friday. Enthuses over a French marble bust of an eighteenth-century woman that he has bought. Reports on his search for and purchase of Reddish House, Broad Chalke, Wiltshire. Regrets that Dove, his gardener, did not live to tend the garden at Reddish. Writes about his design work for 'An Ideal Husband' and 'Anna Karenina'. Praises Sir Alexander Korda. Postscript: Details recent purchases, including a new car. Asks Greta to remember him to Elizabeth, the Irish maid, and Eugene, the waiter, who had served him in America. Mentions recent plays he has seen, including Shaw's 'Back to Methuselah'. Recounts a scandal story from the newspapers. Reminds Garbo of their conversation whilst admiring the Park Avenue lights from the roof of a penthouse. Writes that he wants to marry her. Asks her questions.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Pelham Place, London

Recounts his dream about Garbo. Describes a night spent unsuccessfully waiting to be put through to her on the telephone. Asks her to write to him. Praises Sir Alexander Korda as a director. Questions Garbo about her activities.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo

  • Beaton/A/A2/14a/3
  • Item
  • 30 Mar. 1947 (Circa. Letter dated 'Sunday afternoon'. Above date derived from context.)
  • Part of Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

Reports that he is staying at the Old Priory with the Oliviers. Refers to Larry with his hair dyed blonde to play Hamlet. Describes the hectic atmosphere at the film set on which he is working for director, Sir Alexander Korda. Refers to a weekend of productions of 'Twelfth Night', 'Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Hamlet'. Praises Constance Collier, who dined with him. Considered inviting Oscar Wilde's son to dinner. Suggests that Garbo should play Dorian Gray and he Lord Henry in a film. Announces that he has put a deposit on a house in the country (Reddish House) and plans to visit it again at Easter. Remembers their visit to Paley's house the previous Easter.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo

Announces that he will be taking possession of Reddish House in June and describes a trip to view it at sunset. Refers to their visit to Bill Paley's house. Asks Garbo for a communication. Complains of long hours at the studio of 'An Ideal Husband'.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

ALS and carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Paris

Reproaches Garbo for her lack of communication with him. Refers to the long hours he has to work at the studio of 'An Ideal Husband', as well as attending one or two theatrical parties. Complains that he become despondent about his play. Writes that he and Vivien Leigh travelled to France by boat because they are both scared to fly having had aeroplane accidents in the past. Explains that he is resting before the costume fittings for 'Anna Karenina' begin. Hopes to have time for personal shopping for items which he lists. Refers to his new home in the country.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

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