World War II-dated ALS signed “Daddy,” three pages, 5.75 x 9.25, postmarked February 18, 1945. Handwritten letter from John Wayne to his children, "Michael, Toni, Melinda, & Pat," in full: "Daddy is now working in Florida on a picture with Jack Ford. We work on P. T. boats cruising between Miami Beach and a little island off the coast, that is covered with palm trees, rattlesnakes, tarantullas [sic], and sand flies—the flies worry us the most. Is my little ‘ole Melinda’ feeling better? I hope so. Toni, I didn’t get a chance to bring you the grass skirt. The studio car picked me up and took me to Pasadena to catch the ‘Chief.’ Well, Michael, here is the address—Blackstone Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida. I want you and Toni to tell me all the news and send me the latest jokes. Let Pat and Melinda write something. Write soon because Daddy misses you. Being this far away Daddy wishes he had seen you every day when he was home. Be good children.” Wayne adds a postscript on the third page and signs “Daddy” at the close: “PS. Patrick, old boy be nice to Melinda and be sure and write to me. Melinda, when we get back from location Daddy will take all of you to the beach and you can ride on everything down there. I miss you all very much.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original hand-addressed mailing envelope, with Wayne incorporating his autograph, “J. Wayne,” into the return address field.
At the time of this letter, Wayne was filming the 1945 war film They Were Expendable, directed by John Ford and co-starring Robert Montgomery and Donna Reed. The film is based on the 1942 book by William Lindsay White, which relates the story of the exploits of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three, a PT boat unit defending the Philippines against Japanese invasion during the Battle of the Philippines in World War II. The film, which received extensive support from the Navy Department, was shot in Key Biscayne, Florida, and the Florida Keys.
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