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John Lennon

Details

John Lennon
An autograph letter from John Lennon to Ronald Lacey fellow actor on How I Won The War, [n.d. but September 1966], written in black felt pen whilst on location in Almeria, Spain, Lennon's friendly explanation for his absence at Lacey's leaving party gives an insight into his affection for him: ...I think I know you well enough now for you not to take it PERSONALLY...Its just John saying to Ron - I'm too tired for fun (it rhymes...)...I enjoyed your company and found your 'soul' was quite in line with mine...; despite being ...just plain 'knackered'... Lennon's humour is evident throughout as is his current preoccupation with his role when he signs off: ...have a good journey - keep the home fires burning - down with the Queen - bring back the dog - ban the bomb - give Wales to the Scots and so on. lots of love from a tired old soldier with 2.30 John, the letter annotated at the foot in coloured felt pens with a sketch of a burning hot sun; accompanied by a black and white still taken on location showing various members of the cast standing to attention including Lennon at the front beside Lacey -- 8¼x10in. (20.9x25.5cm.) (2)

Literature

Beatles, The The Beatles Anthology, London: Cassell & Co. 2000, p.231

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Lot Essay

Lennon's involvement with this solo filming project could be said to have acted as a catalyst for the forthcoming changes he was to make in his life and career. Lennon said that he agreed to make How I Won The War because he didn't know what to do with himself as The Beatles had stopped touring at this time. ...Instead of going home and being with the family, I immediately went to Spain with Dick Lester because I couldn't deal with not being continually on stage... It was then that he realised that he had to leave The Beatles...I was always waiting for a reason to get out of The Beatles from the day I made 'How I Won the War' in 1966. I just didn't have the guts to do it.... In November, 1966 John was introduced to Yoko Ono at a preview of her exhibition, Unfinished Paintings and Objects at the Indica Gallery in London - a meeting which was to change his life.

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