Pope walter james macqueen (49 Ergebnisse)

Hardcover. Zustand: Very Good. Zustand des Schutzumschlags: Fair. 1st Edition. Xii, 336 Pp. Red Cloth, Gilt. Near Fine But 1/4" Tear At Top Edge Of Spine. Dust Jacket Priced 25/, Wear And Chips But No Loss Of Lettering Or Design. Pope Not Only Spent His Life Working For Theatres, He Came From A Theatrical Family Including A Shareholder In The Globe Theatre In The Late Sixteenth Century. Plates (illustrator).…

1st edition. Near fine cloth copy in a near-fine, very slightly edge-nicked and dust-dulled dust-wrapper. Remains particularly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and strong. Physical description; 336 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm. Notes; Includes index. Subjects; Theater England History. Elizabethan theatre. Middle Ages theatre. 1 Kg. …

Hardcover. Zustand: Acceptable. Hardback. No dust jacket. Undated.

First Edition. Good copy in the original illustrated, paper-covered boards. Spine bands and panel edges dulled and dust-toned as with age. Remains well preserved overall. Physical description; 350p + plates : facsims, ill. (1 in colour) ; 22cm. Notes; Foreword by Ivor Novello. Printed by Turner and Dunnett. Text in English. Subjects; Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (London, England). Drury Lane Theatre. Theatre history London 17th century 18th century 19th century 20th century. Theaters England London. Theater England London History. Theater. Theater Great Britain. 1 Kg.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. In good condition, lightly aged. 1p, 12mo. Signed (as Managing Editor of the Sunday Express) 'Hugh' and addressed to 'Dear Popie'. The article will start, as he explained on the telephone, 'with the death scene. / Here is the galley proof - uncorrected, so do not worry about literals. / We may also have to reduce the length a little, but it will be done with the usual skill of the Sunday Express'.…

1p, 8vo. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. Folded once. Salutation ('My dear Popey -') and valediction ('My love to you both - | Anna.') in her autograph; the rest typed. Good bold signature. Reads: 'It was so very kind of you to think of me on Saturday. The play has had a perfectly lovely reception so, now the first night is over, we shall be able really to enjoy ourselves!' The play she is referring to is Robert Nesbitt's 'The Glorious Days', which had a run of 476 performances at the Palace Theatre, and which was made into the 1954 film 'Lilacs in the Spring', in which she starred with Errol Flynn. See her entry, and Macqueen-Pope's, in the Oxford DNB.…

12mo, 1 p. Good, on lightly-aged paper. He had meant to write to him 'at the end of the series' (of articles by Macqueen-Pope?): 'We took a great deal of trouble in putting the series over well, and I am glad you liked the results.' The 'nonsense at the beginning' was caused by 'a series of misunderstandings'. Ends: 'No doubt we will knock into each other shortly.'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition. Signed 'Ralph' and addressed to 'Dear Popie'. It was 'extremely good', 'and typical too', of MP to write to him 'about the new Award'. He is 'at Newcastle now with the Val Parnell Summer Show and we ring up on Monday'. MP will know 'what we shall be going through at the moment!' He ends by thanking him 'VERY [sic] much for writing'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) 2pp, foolscap 8vo. In fair condition, lightly-aged, with creasing at head, which is annotated by MP '(author)'. After thanking him for his letter he writes: 'It is fatal to have a book published without seeing a proof. In my "G[ilbert] & S[ullivan] Dictionary" I had occasion to mention "The Yeomen of the Guard" 14 times. The comp[ositor], aided by the reader, deliberately channged them to "Yeoman". They actually said they did so because "Yeoman" was correct!" Turning to Shaw's 'Arms and the Man' he says he knows 'the original Yorke Stephens & his wife Helen Hays, for their son Frank was a schoolfellow of mine at Merchant Taylors!' He gives a list of the 'fine theatrical people' that school produced. 'I met a lot of the profession at the house of my uncle (by marriage) W. [Lestrange?], including Edna May, Hubert Carter, and Hilda Trevelyan.' If his 'slightly longer experiences' might be of use to MP in writing his books, they are at his disposal. He once found '200 slips' in a book by 'old John Parker', 'for which he seemed grateful'. Postscript: 'Northcliffe, when plain Alfred Harmsworth, suggested my nom de plume of Factus, when I was a schoolboy. (FACTUS = done!)'.…

See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. From the Macqueen-Pope papers. Each item in good condition, lightly aged, with creasing and rust staining to one corner from a paperclip. ONE: Swaffer to MP. TLS, signed 'Swaff'. 1p, 4to. 'Dear Popey, / Do you know anything about this woman? [From the context he is sending MP an enquiry he has received from 'Mr. Le Poer Trench'] I presume she was a legitimate actress. If she was on the halls, which is not suggested by the "Isabel", I will ask Georgie Wood to publish a paragraph in the "Performer." You might just drop this man a line.' He ends by apologizing for retaining MP's books: 'I was suddenly asked to do a "Band Waggon" article on the Festival of Britain, not the matter that was originally suggested. / Your books are quite safe. I hope you are.' TWO: Unsigned carbon of TL from MP to Swaffer. 1p, 8vo. Long letter. He is returning Le Poer Trench's letter. 'The only Bilton of whom I know anything was Belle Bilton, who became Lady Dunlo and this is obviously the Isabel Bilton he means.' He gives a good deal of biographical information before continuing, regarding the marriage: 'There was great family opposition, as you might expect, for Belle Bilton was now well-known as a pantomime, music hall and musical comedy performer. The marriage was secret and took place on the 10th July 1889 at the Hampstead Registrar's office. The family opposition continued and there was a whole lot of trouble, into which we need not go. But it has always been my opinion that Belle Bilton was far more sinned [last four words underlined] against than sinning.' He continues with more information, including the fact that, although this 'remarkable woman' 'could not be received at Court in those days', 'Queen Alexandra became her personal friend'. He ends with reassurance over his books, and a report of his ill health.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers (see his entry in the Oxford DNB). 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once, with one dogeared corner. He thanks him for 'having mentioned my name in connection with the playbills, prints, etc., needed for the redecoration of the Whitbread house in Covent Garden'. He believes MP will be 'seeing my selection within the next few days', and hopes that, 'in general, you will approve of it'. He assumes that MP will be writing the booklet that accompanies the collection, and asks him to make a note 'for Miss Halford' of any item he'd like to see represented. 'I know, for instance, that there is nothing about the O.P. riots but I am already on the track of some posters.'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers (see his entry in the Oxford DNB). Merriman was accorded the honour of an episode of the BBC's Desert Island Discs in 1964. 2pp, 12mo. Signed 'Percy' and addressed to 'Dear Popie'. In good condition, lightly aged, with one dog-eared corner and folded twice for postage. Begins: 'Am not of course seeking any publicity over your book on St. James Theatre [published in 1958] only wish I could help more. / You know of course Allan Ainsworth [sic, for 'Aynesworth'] is alive the doyen of the Garrick Club! He played often with G[eorge]. A[lexander]. - in Pinero & Wilde. In the Prisoner [of Zenda, 1896] he was the young artist - charming looking young man. Another lovely young woman was in cast. Lily Hanbury! H. M. Vernon [sic, for W. H. Vernon] was Col. Sapt & Franklin Dyall young Fritz Von Tarlenheim [Dyall was in fact 'Josef', while 'Von Tarlenheim' was played by Arthur Royston] / There was a marvellous duel in prologue - [.] G. A. very fine swordsman'. He ends, after a short paragraph beginning 'What a play!': 'Cherio old man[.] No reply wanted'. …

The Clarke family ran the Argyle for fifty years from 1890 to 1940, during which period it was one of the best-known provincial theatres. It opened as the Argyle Music Hall in 1868, and between 1876 and 1890 was named the Prince Of Wales Theatre, being used mainly to stage plays. In 1890 the focus returned to music hall and variety and it was renamed the Argyle Theatre. Its archives are in the University of Sheffield. 2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, somehwhat grubby and creased at foot of leaf. He begins by thanking him for an article in 'Reynolds', which 'will no doubt prove useful publicity when we come to stir up these War Damage bureaucrats to settle our claim'. (The theatre had been badly damaged by bombing in 1940, and would never reopen, being demolished in 1973.) He next turns to 'Children's Playtime', which has 'broken all attendance records in the Parks since the school holidays commenced.' He explains his 'theory that if you can attract the kids you automatically attract the adults'. 'I wish we could get a definite spot to try this out for next Christmas on big lines. I am more than ever convinced there is a fortune in it.' He ends with reference to 'Freeman' and 'Children's Hour' on the BBC.…

1p., 16mo. In fair condition, on aged paper, laid down on damaged leaf from album. At head, in another hand: 'for Saturday'. Reads: 'My dear Sir: | I shd. feel greatly obliged if you could without inconvenience to yr interest, give me a box, any night this week, to see King Lear.' At head is note in another hand (see below): 'for Saturday'. From the collection of Macqueen-Pope, who has written at the foot of the leaf on which the letter is mounted: 'To Chas Kean Princess's Theatre | Note at top, either by CK or Massingham the boxoffice m[ana]g[e]r.'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. Air Mail letter, 2pp, 4to, written within a few months of his death. With large signature 'Matheson Lang', and addressed to 'My dear Pope'. Lightly-aged and worn, with slight damage from removal of postage stamp. Thirty-three lines of text, neatly-written and complete. He has just read MP's recently-published 'Carriages at Eleven', and feels he must 'write you a line to congratulate you on it, [.] It was a real feast, that brought back the early older days that seemed alas like a happy memory that is all too far away no under present conditions'. Lang found the book 'doubly interesting' to him 'as a young actor those days, just getting his foot on the ladder'. He asks where MP got 'the idea that the casting of "Paolo" by Sir George Alexander was a toss up between Ainley and me?' Lang 'never knew or thought' that he was 'being considered, although funnily enough when Benson played "Paolo & Francesca" on his tour during Alexanders run of the play', Lang 'was cast for "Paolo" and played it quite a lot during that tour'. A ten-line paragraph follows, containing personal news, with Lang and his wife (the actress Hutin Britton) 'jogging along in our quiet way in our "island fastness"'. …

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 4to. Sixty lines of text. Aged and worn, but entirely legible. Signed 'H. F. Maltby' and addressed to 'My dear Pope'. Most of the letter concerns the tomb of 'Maggoty' Johnson: 'I first met that interesting old gentleman over forty years ago, when I was playing at the Theatre Royal Macclesfield with the late Mrs Bandman-Palmer. It was my landlady who advised me to visit the tomb as one of the objects of interest in the place. The tomb was then covered by a large stone on which was engraved all particulars of his death, [.] It then burst out into a very lengthy epitaph in doggerel'. He gives a facetious couplet from this, with the carved response of 'the local vicar'. 'I visited the grave again some twenty years later: but, alas! the iconoclasts, the vandals had been there with their cursed pocket knives and had carved their damned initials all over it - God rot hem! - and both stones were well night illegible.' He mentions a production of 'Madame Butterfly' at the Duke of York's, 'where it was put on as an afterpiece to Jeromes flop "Miss Hobbs" and kept that running for months and months after its alloted span, Jerome drawing his fees all the time, though the audiences were careful not to get to the theatre till "Miss Hobbs" had finished. The cast of "Butterfly" was the same as "Hobbs" - Evelyn Millward, Allen Aynesworth, Herbert Wareing, Cosmo Stuart (Gordon Lennox) it was there Pucchini (can't spell his name) saw it and decided [to] "operize" it. Also, didn't "Charley's Aunt" enjoy most of it's very long run at The Globe Theatre? It was where I saw it. I think it moved there from the Royalty.'.…

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged. He begins by thanking Macqueen-Pope for a 'kindly reference' to him in his 'admirable book about The Gaiety'. He has noted a reference to 'Henly' in the index, and identifies this figure as Edward John Henley, brother of William Ernest Henley, whose poem 'Ballade of Dead Actors' he transcribes. He explains that Henley stayed some time in America after going there with a production of 'Deacon Brodie', a play by his brother and R. L. Stevenson, 'and, in 1897, I made my first production, "John Gabriel Borkman," in New York, with E. J. Henley in the title role'. He ends with a reference to 'Henley's magnificent imitation of Henry Irving in a Gaiety burlesque', the cause of 'a rumpus created by the great actor'.…

2pp., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. After beginning 'Dear Popie / | How are you?' she asks what the 'immediate prospects' are for her to 'get a book and a series in the paper running', as she has 'scanned a tremendous amount of George's material' since moving to 'The Lawns'. In a postscript she describes the material as a 'wonderful story for T.V. too to say nothing about the films!', adding that she has 'got G. to record a lot of his old & recent material ready!' Macqueen-Pope was an admirer of Robey's, as his 'The Melodies Linger On: The Story of Music Hall' makes clear. The book was published in 1950, and as Blanche Robey's letter dates from around this time, it may be for this reason that he did not pick up on her hint that he write her husband's biography.…

1p., landscape 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper, with cropped margins. He begins by explaining that O'Donnell's letter has been sent to him 'from Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, on the staff of which I am and whose whose [sic] historian I am too'. He continues: 'I fear a night vigil would be of little use so far as the Ghost is concerned. He is a day time visitant. Never yet has he been seen before 9 a.m. or after six p.m. Between those hours - frequently.' He refers O'Donnell to the 'full account' in his book 'Theatre Royal'. He has also written 'many articles' about the ghost, whose 'visitations are quite frequent although irregular.' His identity is unknown. 'All sorts of psychich [sic] societies have visited the theatre with me.' He concludes by stating that he will be happy to see O'Donnell when he is next in town.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers, and evidently received by him. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) Of Dunn an online source states: 'On the 10th of November 1917, the "Stage Gossip" feature in the Yorkshire Evening Post recounted the career of Finlay Dunn, a stage actor. According to the report, Dunn performed "as what he refers to as a stand-up comedian." [.] despite performing as a comedy piano act for the majority of his career, one of his favourite strands included joking about his large physical size, which was described as "good buffoonery in evening dress, with no accessories whatever".' In The Stage, September 1912, Dunn was described as 'manager and stage director'. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and folded once for postage. Dunn has affixed a portrait of himself, apparently cut out of a newspaper or magazine, to the head of the page. Beneath this he writes: 'I have a gift to write in rhyme / And though a Pro; think it no crime / To write & try to make folk laugh / With my idea of fun & chaff / Which I have done for many years / Spreading laughter, without tears / With one piano & one strong chair / Still fit to do so, anywhere / Maybe, you know me - Finlay Dunn / Telephone - Canonbury - 2801. / If not in, then wet or fine / Please leave particulars, with Miss Hine.'.…

See her entry and that of Macqueen-Pope in the Oxford DNB. The two items are in fair condition, on aged and lightly-worn paper. Both with the valediction and signature in a large flowing hand, and the second letter also with an autograph postscript. Both are 1p, 4to, and folded three times. ONE (7 July 1952): Addressed to 'Popie my dear' and with autograph valediction 'Yours always / Julia'. She has 'not been too well for over a year', and the previous year her 'stupid heart did foolish things', and she was 'ordered to bed for six weeks or more'. She is still 'not allowed to do too much'. She concludes: 'I suppose it is something to have lived to eighty-four, and it is not so easy to throw off things as when one was young. Still, I have had a very good innings, haven't I, and should be contented. I am.' TWO (19 June 1953): Addressed to 'Dear thoughtful Popie', with autograph valediction 'My love / Julia', with autograph postscript 'Everything seems "touched" in this letter!!!' (As the following indicates she uses the word 'touched' twice.) She was 'very touched by your very sweet and I must say flattering telegram to old Julia'. He was 'a dear to take the trouble to remember the eightyfive-year-old girl and she is always touched by the charming little compliments you pay her'. She hopes they will 'meet again soon at a little luncheon', and will arrange that later on.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry, and that of Matheson Lang, in the Oxford DNB. As the latter states, Britton and Lang had married in 1903 (she had been an actress with him in the Benson company since 1901). They toured together in Lang's company, with Britton usually as his leading lady. 'In 1914 they helped to inaugurate Shakespeare productions at the Old Vic under Lilian Baylis, for which Lang personally lent costumes and scenery.' Britton was for many years a member of the Old Vic's governing board. Both items are signed 'N. Matheson Lang'. ONE: ALS, 28 April 1948. Air Mail letter on blue paper, with Marine Hotel letterhead. In fair condition, a little creased and aged, but with the postage stamp torn away, resulting in the loss of a few words of text. She begins by thanking him for his 'charming little letter of sympathy'. (Lang had died at Bridgetown, 11 April 1948.) She was greatly touched by his 'kind remembrance' of her husband. She is hoping 'Joan' has kept the 'home papers' for her. She describes her plans for her return in June or July: 'I am going to the rooms we had reserved at The Hendon Hall Hotel anyway to start with, till I can find myself as it was. One doesn't quite know what to try to do till one gets back. Life is indeed strange to me at the moment.' TWO: ALS, 15 October 1951. 1 October 1951. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. She would 'so love just to shake you by the hand if you have a moment after your talk this evening, but you must let me know should it be inconvenient.' She ends 'With all kind memories'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. Poke's two letters are in good condition, lightly aged, the second with slight rust spotting from paperclip; the carbons of MP's letters to Poke on aged, worn and discoloured cartridge paper. ONE: Poke to MP, 12 March 1951. 3pp, small 4to. Begins: 'My dear Popie, / I was rather out of depth on this article - "It was top of the Bill" - so I sent it over to my Father, [Fleet Street magazine owner Frederick Robert Poke] who has been devoted to Music Halls from very early days; and the following are some notes which he sent me, which I think I would like to pass on to you fr, in the light of what he says, you can probably do some revisions on your article.' A transcription of F. R. Poke's notes follows. He finds MP's proposed article 'rather heavy going. It would be a big wad of stuff to publish, but I feel that you should accept it.' He proceeds with specific points, with reference to the Brothers Horne ('it was a very amusing boxing match'), R. G. Knowles, Kate Carney, Fred Russell, and especially Charlie Whittle ('When he took London by storm, I remember his topping the bill over Marie Lloyd and doing four halls a night.'). Also: 'I was one of the few people who ever saw Dan Leno dance - he had to give up dancing because of his health.' The elder Poke continues by stating that he wantd to be a comedian himself. 'Fred Burnell of the Gee family taught me ho to manipulate a drum-major's wand. I will show you one day how to do it. And I also learned from some of these people trick-cycling. I could and can I think stand still on a bicycle and ride it backwards - both ways - and do a few other tricks on it.' He concludes with practical suggests about cutting the article. TWO: Poke to MP, 22 May 1951. 1p, 4to. Proposing to discuss his 'suggestions about HAMPTON COURT and the others'. Signed in his absence. 'I am dictating this from home for, unfortunately, I've got what the Doctor tells me is a form of dysentery - most uncomfortable.' THREE to FIVE: Unsigned carbons of letters to Poke from MP, each 1p, 4to. In the first he describes revisions he has made to the music hall article, in the second he proposes an article on 'The Pageantry of Hampton Court', and others on 'Earls Court, The White City and such exhibit[s] of theh past', in the third he condoles with Poke over his indisposition ('I am not too well myself and very harrassed.'). …

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) The Clan Chattan Association is a confederation of highland clans. 2pp, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight creasing to one corner, and rust staining from paperclip. Folded twice for postage. Addressed to MP's London address in Coventry Street. 'I've heard about your James MacQueen. His name appears in quite a few locally published papers &c. on Culloden. His new teeth are quite famous up here.' He accepts the proposal for an article: 'if you could go to 900-1000 words I'd be happy'. He reports: 'Our President - The Mackintosh, has just been returned unopposed as representative of the parish of Moy & Dalarossie on Inverness County Council. He was also the other day commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant. / During the last two years of the Home Guard I commanded a platoon - about 300 strong! - located outside Inverness and mostly in the Mackintosh country'. He names locations, adding: 'I had a big number of MacQueen's in the platoon. About half dozen in the Farr section were very strict Wee Frees and wouldn't turn out to drill on the "Sabbath", our chief day for drills!' He continues with reference to 'a coast defence battery' he recruited, and ends with reference to his recent ill-health.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) 1p, foolscap 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Begins: 'Dear Mac, Im going great and I dont use THE MIKE. I enclose Bill of Last Week / I first Worked 60 Years ago. Mac I want to get. to Broadcast. THIS. IS. Your. LIFE / I Started when I was 9 Year Old. Im now 82. Can anyone beat my Record.' He gives details of booking at the 'Metropoliton [sic] Music Hall Edgware Rd. I was first there. 1901. NOVEMBER 4 Weeks / Of cours [sic] I was There many Times. Mac you ought to try and get me on Television. or. Radio. I could do 1/4 or 1/2 Hour Show. you could be the one to ask me: I enclose your letter you wrote me 6 June 1956 [not present]'. Concludes: 'I would like to hear from you. / Best Wishes & God Bless You / from your Old China Nat'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) 1p, 4to. Aged and creased, on discoloured high-acidity paper. Folded twice for postage, and with closed tear at head of vertical fold. Slight damage and rust staining from removal of staple. The letterhead incorporates two photographic portraits of Lauri, with press comment from 'Everyone's Magazine' and career resume beginning: 'Ernest Lauri / (The Singing Anzac) / STARRED IN AUSTRALIAN PICTURES / Versatile Vocalist and Monologist'. Macqueen-Pope is not named, but is presumably the recipient. Begins: 'Dear Sir / I will be in London on 15/4/52 after 3 1/2 months in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria[,] Switzerland & France where as an over-seas correspondent I have been reviewing the "theatre"'. He asks for seats [at Drury Lane], to "write up" South Pacific for Australia where I am advised it is going to be produced in the near future. I would also be glad of any information you could let me have for over-seas reading.' Signed 'Ernest Lauri J. P. / Australia House / Strand / London'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See MP's entry and those of various members of the Harmsworth family in the Oxford DNB. The three items are in good condition, lightly aged, with the first with rust staining from paperclip, and all three folded twice. Each signed 'Geoffrey Harmsworth'. ONE: 9 August 1951. 1p, 8v. He doubts whether MP will remember their previous meeting. He is 'engaged on a full-length Life of Northcliffe' (written with Reginald Pound, and appearing in 1959), and is having to do 'much digging to find out information about the early days'. Since MP is 'the acknowledged historian of the London theatres', he wonders whether he can tell him anything about 'a certain Colonel Mapleson who was associated with Drury Lane in the 1880's'. Harmsworth's grandfather Alfred Harmsworth senior 'was apparently on friendly terms with him and my Uncle, the late Cecil, Lord Harmsworth, told me that the Colonel often presented tickets to the family thus enabling the children - Northcliffe, Rothermere, and the younger brothers and sisters - to have an outing to the theatre such as their father could not have afforded to provide'. TWO: 3 October 1951; Thorpe Hall. 2pp, 4to. In the light of MP's 'prompt and most helpful reply', he is tempted to seek his 'assistance and guidance in two or three further matters'. The three 'teasers', each with underlining in red, concern Edward Morton, Henry Klein and the popular song 'If I had but a sixpence'. Postscript reads: 'Did you know that I "ghosted" Jose Collins's memoirs - "The Maid of the Mountains: Her Story" - the sequel to a schoolboy infatuation?!' THREE: 31 December 1951. 1p, 4to. He asks if MP has been 'able to delve into your archives regarding the three queries'. He is 'revising the early chapters of the Northcliffe book' and is 'endeavouring to tidy up all the loose ends. It may he that you are unable to shed any light on the three queries, but if you cant I am satisfied that nobody else can'. On the subject of MP's recently-published biography of Ivor Novello, Harmsworth 'cannot let this opportunity pass of telling you how greatly I enjoyed the book. It made me feel that Ivor himself was in the room'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See both their entries in the Oxford DNB. The four items in good condition, lightly aged and creased, with slight spotting to one corner of Item. Folded for postage. ONE: ALS dated 28 December 1950. 2pp, 12mo. Before sending seasonal greetings she begins: 'My dear Popie / I returned home to find your wonderful book waiting for me. Many many thanks for your tributes to myself therein & [your?] gift of the book much appreciated - I listened with pleasure to you on the Radio the way you stood your ground against the opposition consolidated your point for individuality. Cheers!' TWO: ALS, undated but from 1956. 1p, 4to. Arranging a BBC interview with MP. 'I have to choose 5-6 Photos for interview to talk about subject to B.B.C. You and me. Will you mark what you think would interest them & I will see if the subjects appeal to me too.' She will write 'saying all this' to Joyce Belfridge, who has agreed for the interview to take place near to her eight-seventh birthday (thus dating the letter). THREE: ALS, 'Tuesday'. 2pp, 12mo. 'Popie my dear / Your book has just arrived and as usual is grand. I have started reading it and am going to be late for all appointments. / I am a bit sad though to feel there is no picture of your old friends Seymour and Ella!' She ends with renewed thanks, 'a thousand times'. FOUR: ACS (unillustrated), postmarked 8 July 1957. Addressed to 'W. Macqueen Pope Esqr. / 5-6 Coventry St / London.' 'How are you both? / I do hope well with prospect of holiday. Its a long time since I have had news. / Your old friend / Ella.'.…

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) For several decades Humphrey Joel was a leading British commercial photographer, providing the London magazines with scenic and architectural views. In 1914 he was described as the 'Special Photographer to Fry's Magazine'. 2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. The letterhead incorporates a reproduction of a drawing of Dryden Cottage. Signed 'Humphrey Joel'. Presumably in relation to MP's 1951 book 'Ghosts and Greasepaint', Joe writes: 'I refer to my 3 previous letters requesting the return of my "Red roofs" & "Aldwych" prints which you have now had since May last & which are urgently required here, & have been for some time. Unless I can have them back more or less by return of post I shall have no option but to make re-prints & charge you up with the prints you are withholding. Please let me know how many of our Copyright photographs were used in your book?'. …

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The three items are in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The first has slight wear to one edge, the second and third are pinned together. ONE: BA to MP, 10 January 1956. 1p, 4to. Folded for postage. Begins: 'I wonder if I may introduce myself by means of the enclosed press notices? I am also noted in Whos Who in the Theatre and have letters of personal recommendation from Sir Desmond MacCarthy, Sir Beverley Baxter, J. C. Trewin, Eric Linklater and others.' He is 'passionately addicted to Kean' (the actor Edmund Kean, subject of MP's final book), and has 'long hoped to be able to produce a really good play about him. (I have rather a good one by a modern young English poet). Recently I have been working in films. Michael Powell gave me a number of scenes to prepare for shooting in "The Battle of the River Plate"'. Powell seemed 'very satisfied' and 'shot all the scenes exactly as I had prepared them, camera angles and all. On the strength of this I have an appointment to see Sir Michael Balcon very soon. Michael Powell thought I should go on doing more of this work (I suppose one calls it assistant direction) and offered to recommend me personally. Seeing that George Jessel is to do a film on Kean makes me very anxious to contact him, as I should like nothing better than to have a chance on such a splendid theme.' TWO: Duplicated Typed 'PRESS OPINIONS', headed 'BASIL ASHMORE / Drama and Operatic Producer. / Seasons at the Boltons and Lindsey Theatres. Opera productions for Glyndebourne and the Carl Rosa Opera Co.' 2pp, 4to. A wide range of appreciative comments, from sources ranging from the Observer, Spectator and New Statesman to the Evening Standard and Daily Mail. THREE: Carbon Copy of MP's Typed reply to Item One, 12 January 1956. 'As regards the Kean film, I am afraid you are a little late, as I have already almost finished the script which it is my job to do - being, rightly or wrongly - considered one of the experts on this most remarkable man. But keep in touch. We might be able to do something.' The film was not made, but MP produced a biography of Kean in the year of his death.…