Fabulous collection of materials directly from the family of the founder of Bogart’s very first fan club, Eloise Coats. Collection consists of five ALSs from Bogart’s mother Maude to Coats, nineteen original candid snapshot photos including images of Bogart, his wife, his mother and Coats; and a collection of 56 issues of the Bogart Broadcast, the official newsletter of the Bogart fan club. Bogart’s mother’s letters range in date from April of 1939 up to August of 1940. In her letter dated April 10, 1939 she writes, “I thought the Broadcast very clever and most interesting. A propos of the Dark Victory. I saw the preview also, and I agreed with the critics who spoke of Bogies performance as outstanding in a small part. Bogie is very lucky to have such nice friends as all you people, and I know he appreciates you. He’s as delightful off the screen, as he is vicious and deadly on it.” Her following letter from two months later, mentions several snapshots taken by Eloise’s husband Woody (and which are described in further detail below), “I think Woody’s snaps in the Bogart patio were excellent. Either those taken of me above, or one of the two seated with you and the other two young girls…The Bogies left last Sunday for a two week fishing trip in Oregon…Whether he will be as successful killing fish as he is killing screen enemies remains a question.” Her next letter, dated July 6, 1939, mentions “Do get the August ‘Hollywood’ - With Bogie’s directions on how to be a glamour boy & Johnny Weismuller on how to be a Tarzan.” A letter dated July 1, 1939, has his mother asking an interesting question, “Why such a charming man as Humphrey should be such a spectacular and deadly killer on the screen, when in his more peaceful moments he doesn’t even shoot game, I’ve never known.” Also included are nineteen original candid snapshots (and negatives taken by Eloise, including shots of Bogart and his wife Mayo, Eloise and Woody visiting with Bogart’s mother, and one of Bogart taken at the film studio during the filming of Action in the North Atlantic, in which he played Lt. Joe Rossi. Also included are 56 issues of the Bogart Broadcast, the official fan club newsletter, produced by Coats, each containing a message from Coats, as well as fan tributes, honorary member messages from the likes of William Holden, Ronald Reagan, Bette Davis, Jimmy Stewart and others, member news, messages from Bogart regarding his film work and private time, and news on Bogart’s career and personal life. One issue bears a candid snapshot of Bogart chatting with Joe Louis, with both clad in military uniforms, with other small clipped snapshots scattered throughout the issues. In fine overall condition, with age wear and light toning to newsletters. A Bogart lover’s dream, and worthy of much further reading and research. R&R COA.
