A Rosalind Russell group of letters from Alec Guinness

A Rosalind Russell group of letters from Alec Guinness
Comprising two autograph letters signed 'Alec', 4 pages, 12mo, Los Angeles and Petersfield, England, March 15, 1961 to August 12, 1961, to Rosalind Russell on monogrammed and Kettlebrook Meadows stationery, one with original autograph transmittal envelope; with four autograph notes signed 'Alec' and 'Alec G.', 4 pages, Los Angeles, March 10, 1961 to May 27, 1961, one on monogrammed stationery, two with autograph transmittal envelopes; and five silver gelatin photographs, doubleweight matte finish, of Russell, Guinness, and others in scenes and candids from A Majority of One (1961).

Alec Guinness and Rosalind Russell were both in such awe of each other as actors that they both agreed to star in A Majority of One despite neither feeling right for their respective parts (Russell as a Jewish woman and Guinness as a Japanese man). Though tentative at first, Guinness' excitement at working with Russell was evident in his letters: 'I'm a terribly lazy actor, but any time you want to run lines or quietly read through a scene, just call me and I'll get in a cab'. Their eventual lifelong friendship was peppered with humor and up to date details on their current projects, as Guinness regaled Russell with making the classic, Lawrence of Arabia (1962), in 120-degree heat: 'It has the smell of a truly great film' (an understatement to say the least). Later, Russell praised Guinness' acting chops, calling it 'enthralling to see him in action. He worked like a precision watch'. Likewise, Guinness rhapsodized, 'I don't think I've ever worked with such a true actress'.