Very scarce ALS signed “Bogie,” one page, 5.5 x 7, Dorchester Hotel, London letterhead, no date [circa 1950]. Bogart writes to Bob Thomas. In full: “Forgive me for not writing sooner but I hate writing letters to anyone but Betty [i.e., his wife, Lauren Bacall]. Will discuss your idea when I get back. Picture is on schedule despite numerous difficulties which I will tell you about and should finish May 10. Whether it’s any good remains to be seen....” Thomas (born 1922) has been an AP journalist for some six decades, spanning back to Hollywood’s Golden Age, as well as the author of dozens of Hollywood biographies. His stature in the industry is such that he is one of a select few journalists to be honored (in 1988) with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Included with Bogart’s letter is a 1999 biographical article on Thomas from the Los Angeles Times, as well as two 1999 letters of authenticity, signed “Bob,” which explain the origin of the item. In part: “I interviewed Bogie many times, from 1945 to a few days before his death in 1957.... During that period, we collaborated on several magazine stories. He did the talking, I did the writing, and the story appeared under his byline in the magazine. The letter concerned an article we were considering. He wrote it in 1950 from London where he was finishing the studio filming of ‘The African Queen.’ His comments gave evidence of his deep affection for his wife, Lauren Bacall; she had been in Africa with him during the location filming and had gone home to California. He always got lonely when he was on location away from Betty and the children. Since he didn’t have my address, he sent the letter to his secretary in Beverly Hills, and she forwarded it to me....” Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope addressed in Bogart’s hand. Ink a few shades light (but fully legible), otherwise fine, clean condition. PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA.
