American character actress (1880–1962). In 1939, after a well-regarded stage career and a string of small, often uncredited movie parts, Blandick landed her most memorable role—Auntie Em in MGM’s The Wizard of Oz. Though it was a small part—Blandick filmed all her scenes in a single week—the character was an important symbol of protagonist Dorothy’s quest to return home. (Auntie Em and Uncle Henry are the only characters from the beginning of the movie not to have alter ego characters in the latter half). After Oz, Blandick returned to her staple of character acting in supporting and bit roles. She committed suicide by suffocation at the age of eighty-one. TLS, one page, 7.25 x 10, February 27, 1929. Blandick writes to John Brownell at F. B. O. Studios. In part: “With but two days’ notice to break up an apartment, I started for California to play my old part in ‘Skidding,’ (featured) with the Henry Duff Players…. I hope the Californians will like me. When I get to Los Angeles I am going to look into the talking pictures. If you can give me any sort of introduction I will more than appreciate it. Personal contact goes so much further than taking chances with thousands of others, we are all keen enough to take advantage of introductions if we can get them. I know you like my work, or I would not suggest it. Mr. Duffy is looking for good clean plays, and seems to have difficulty in finding them. His arrangement is to buy the coast rights of New York plays. I am so fortunate as to go over big here I am going to mention ‘It’s the Climate’ to him as a possibility, provided it is agreeable to you. I think it is a corking play and would go over big here, on account of the locale, even if it has not been done in New York. I would mention that the Frohman Co. paid advance royalty on it, but didn’t produce it because of the disastrous season, and are still holding it for later production.” Autograph material from Blandick is uncommon, and letters, particularly of such early date and in such appealing condition, take a place among the more elusive treasures of Oziana. In very fine condition. R&R COA.
