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Lot #811
Frank Capra

Capra presses Gary Cooper for a wartime donation—"The least we can do is to contribute a little happiness to those patriotic compatriots of ours"

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Estimate: $200+
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Description

Capra presses Gary Cooper for a wartime donation—"The least we can do is to contribute a little happiness to those patriotic compatriots of ours"

Terrific World War II-dated TLS signed “Frank,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Frank Capra Productions, Inc. letterhead, May 6, 1941. Letter to "Coop," legendary actor Gary Cooper, in part: "Here is a chain letter every red-blooded American should read with pride and act at once. On December 17, 1940, the American Eagle Club of London was started for the five thousand American volunteers now serving with the British forces. The club has reading and game rooms, a good canteen, an information bureau, American newspapers and magazines and shower baths. In short, it is attempting to supply for those American volunteers a 'bit of home' in London. To date, one thousand of the five thousand American volunteers have made use of the Club. Up to now some generous Americans in London have supported the Club, but the time has come when they must have help and they have appealed to the Americans here at home for money. The work is being sponsored by the American Field Service…You will recall that it was the American Field Service that gave so many ambulances and so much help to the French wounded during the last war, and during this war until France fell…The idea is that you write five separate check for One Dollar each, payable to the American Field Service Eagle Club, and mail them to five of your acquaintances, asking them to mail your check in the stamped envelope, addressed to the American Field Service…also to be enclosed for that purpose, just as I am doing with you and four others. You thus make a total contribution to the American Eagle Club of $5.00, and you do it in a way that encourages five friends to do likewise. Won't you act on this without delay? Don't break this chain. The least we can do is to contribute a little happiness to those patriotic compatriots of ours who are helping to do a job—for us." In fine condition. When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Capra left his career as a Hollywood director and received a commission as a major in the United States Army, eventually heading a special film team that would create the seven-part series 'Why We Fight.' Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #568 - Ended October 10, 2019





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