John F. Kennedy Autograph Letter Signed as President
President Kennedy Autograph Letter Signed on White House stationary—entire letter in Kennedy's hand as a joke to his brother-in-law Peter Lawford, circa 1961, signed "Louis B. Mayer."
Provenance: Patricia Seaton Lawford, Peter Lawford's wife at the time of his death.
"Read & be prepared for revisions at 8:30 AM —Louis B. Mayer—"
Background: Prior to this letter President Kennedy had received an early script for the movie "PT 109" which would eventually star Cliff Robertson as Lt. Kennedy. Peter Lawford, his brother-in-law at this time was a veteran actor with much experience around Hollywood. Kennedy naturally wanted Lawford's opinion and advice on the draft Kennedy was sent and invited Lawford and his sister to spend a weekend at the White House to go over this draft. That first evening after his arrival JFK and Lawford eventually went upstairs and over drinks President Kennedy told Lawford that the MGM studio was behind the project. Unbeknownst to President Kennedy, Lawford was then at odds and having contract difficulties with MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer who Lawford detested. Lawford got really upset and told the president he wanted nothing to do to help MGM who he was at war with, and was making his life miserable. The following morning JFK left early for some meeting but before he did he left this incredible letter in Lawford's breakfast tray along with the draft screenplay.
"Read & be prepared for revisions at 8:30 AM—Louis B. Mayer—"
What a way to get a rise out of Lawford! Lawford jumped up spilling his coffee leaving a stain still seen on the letter, but wisely keeping it for posterity. This background story is directly from Patricia Seaton Lawford and has been written about in Peter Lawford's biography.
Unique and unpublished letter and one of only a handful of known Kennedy handwritten letters as president on White House stationery. Another amazing artifact shining once again on the brilliant wit and great sense of humor and playfulness of President Kennedy.
Format: ALS
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President Kennedy Autograph Letter Signed on White House stationary—entire letter in Kennedy's hand as a joke to his brother-in-law Peter Lawford, circa 1961, signed "Louis B. Mayer."
Provenance: Patricia Seaton Lawford, Peter Lawford's wife at the time of his death.
"Read & be prepared for revisions at 8:30 AM —Louis B. Mayer—"
Background: Prior to this letter President Kennedy had received an early script for the movie "PT 109" which would eventually star Cliff Robertson as Lt. Kennedy. Peter Lawford, his brother-in-law at this time was a veteran actor with much experience around Hollywood. Kennedy naturally wanted Lawford's opinion and advice on the draft Kennedy was sent and invited Lawford and his sister to spend a weekend at the White House to go over this draft. That first evening after his arrival JFK and Lawford eventually went upstairs and over drinks President Kennedy told Lawford that the MGM studio was behind the project. Unbeknownst to President Kennedy, Lawford was then at odds and having contract difficulties with MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer who Lawford detested. Lawford got really upset and told the president he wanted nothing to do to help MGM who he was at war with, and was making his life miserable. The following morning JFK left early for some meeting but before he did he left this incredible letter in Lawford's breakfast tray along with the draft screenplay.
"Read & be prepared for revisions at 8:30 AM—Louis B. Mayer—"
What a way to get a rise out of Lawford! Lawford jumped up spilling his coffee leaving a stain still seen on the letter, but wisely keeping it for posterity. This background story is directly from Patricia Seaton Lawford and has been written about in Peter Lawford's biography.
Unique and unpublished letter and one of only a handful of known Kennedy handwritten letters as president on White House stationery. Another amazing artifact shining once again on the brilliant wit and great sense of humor and playfulness of President Kennedy.
Format: ALS
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
