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Jean Cocteau
A series of approximately 37 autograph letters from Jean Cocteau to Marice Bessy, signed, one typescript letter signed and two telegrams, the correspondence variously addressed (Mon très cher Maurice, Mon cher ami, Mon très très cher Bessy), from various addresses in Paris, Cap Ferrat, Milly, St. Moritz, Cannes and New York, December 1946 - March 1960, altogether approximately 43 pages in autograph, one page typed, all written in French; and an autograph sketch of a face in black crayon, signed and inscribed à mon cher Maurice Bessy, Jean * 1959 -- 8¼x5¼in. (21x13.4cm.)
The letters, mostly dating from the 1950s, frequently refer to matters associated with the Cannes Film Festival and Cinemonde and reveal the high regard Cocteau had for Bessy and the value he placed on their friendship; in several letters Cocteau mentions films and actors, in one from 1949 he mentions his affection for his partner and favourite actor Jean Marais ...c'est une nature très sauvage et très mysterieuse. Ce que j'aime en lui du reste...; in another he expresses his concern that Maria Casarès has neglected to mention her important role in his film Le Testament d'Orphée in a recent Cinemonde interview and asks Bessy to find out why this is; and on 13th December, 1952 he replied to Bessy's request for his opinion about Chaplin's film Limelight about which he is not very complimentary; other films which are mentioned in the correspondence include Le Villa Santo-Sospir and Le Salame de le Peur and Les Portes de l'Enfer (a lot)
A series of approximately 37 autograph letters from Jean Cocteau to Marice Bessy, signed, one typescript letter signed and two telegrams, the correspondence variously addressed (Mon très cher Maurice, Mon cher ami, Mon très très cher Bessy), from various addresses in Paris, Cap Ferrat, Milly, St. Moritz, Cannes and New York, December 1946 - March 1960, altogether approximately 43 pages in autograph, one page typed, all written in French; and an autograph sketch of a face in black crayon, signed and inscribed à mon cher Maurice Bessy, Jean * 1959 -- 8¼x5¼in. (21x13.4cm.)
The letters, mostly dating from the 1950s, frequently refer to matters associated with the Cannes Film Festival and Cinemonde and reveal the high regard Cocteau had for Bessy and the value he placed on their friendship; in several letters Cocteau mentions films and actors, in one from 1949 he mentions his affection for his partner and favourite actor Jean Marais ...c'est une nature très sauvage et très mysterieuse. Ce que j'aime en lui du reste...; in another he expresses his concern that Maria Casarès has neglected to mention her important role in his film Le Testament d'Orphée in a recent Cinemonde interview and asks Bessy to find out why this is; and on 13th December, 1952 he replied to Bessy's request for his opinion about Chaplin's film Limelight about which he is not very complimentary; other films which are mentioned in the correspondence include Le Villa Santo-Sospir and Le Salame de le Peur and Les Portes de l'Enfer (a lot)
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