Humorous autograph letter signed by John F. Kennedy as president, "Louis B. Mayer," one page, 5 x 8, White House letterhead, no date but circa 1961. Kennedy writes to his brother-in-law Peter Lawford as a joke: "Read & be prepared for revisions at 8:30 AM—Louis B. Mayer." Prior to this letter, JFK had received an early script for the eventual movie PT-109 which would star Cliff Robertson as Lt. Kennedy. Peter Lawford, his brother-in-law at this time, was a veteran actor with much experience around Hollywood. Kennedy naturally wanted Lawford's opinion and advice on the draft, and so invited Lawford and his sister to spend a weekend at the White House.
That first evening after his arrival JFK and Lawford eventually went upstairs and over drinks JFK told Lawford that the MGM studio was behind the project. Unbeknownst to JFK, Lawford was then at odds and having contract difficulties with MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer, who Lawford detested. Lawford got really upset and told the president he wanted nothing to do to help MGM, who he was at war with and was making his life miserable. The following morning JFK left early for some meeting but before he did he left this incredible letter in Lawford's breakfast tray along with the draft screenplay. What a way to get a rise out of Lawford! Lawford jumped up, spilling his coffee and leaving a stain on the letter. This unique and unpublished letter is one of only a handful of known Kennedy handwritten letters as president on White House stationery. Another amazing artifact shining once again on the brilliant wit and great sense of humor and playfulness of JFK. In very good to fine condition. Accompanied by a glossy 10 x 8 photograph of Kennedy and Lawford together in a car.
Provenance: Patricia Seaton Lawford, Peter Lawford's wife at the time of his death.
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