A collection of letters from Lauren Bacall and Bogart’s personal secretary, all to Bogart’s sister Frances, nicknamed Pat. Letters consist of a scarce two-page ALS, signed “Betty”; an Easter card, three postcards, one signed “Betty” and two signed “Bogie and Betty.” Also included are four one-page TLSs, signed “Kathie,” from Bogart’s secretary.
The scarce two-page Bacall ALS is written from Italy while Bogart is working on The Barefoot Contessa, and reads, in part, “Bogie is working hard and every day. We are going to have a few free days week after next and will go to Florence at that time. Then in location in San Remo and Portofino.” Bacall even mentions their children Leslie and Steven, writing “I miss my babies very much.” The Easter card, signed all in Bacall’s hand “Love from all of us, Bogie, Betty, Steve, and Leslie,” contains a short note from Bacall reading “Bogie is coming along fine. Still weak but feeling better everyday.” It is interesting and sad to note that at this time, Bogie health was in fact deteriorating as he would pass away less than a year later.
The four letters from Kathie all date from 1954, with one reading, in part: “Betty left last Monday and had been very busy…she will fly to Rome on Sunday to join Bogie. He is evidently very well and the picture has started.”
Bogart’s younger sister Frances, nicknamed Pat, was a troubled soul who spent much of her adult life in and out of mental institutions. She was a beloved part of the family and both Bogie and Bacall always ensured that she was well taken care of. These postcards and handwritten letter from Bacall were originally removed from Pat’s personal scrapbook. In overall very good condition, the Bacall ALS has been permanently affixed to a scrapbook page, with the first page having a tear half way through a horizontal fold and a small piece missing from bottom right. Priceless insight into Bogie and Bacall’s personal life while filming! RRAuction COA.
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