James Dean
James Dean
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VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 2… Read more Only 24 years old with three movies under his belt, James Dean was certain to star in many more leading films, but on September 30, 1955 his life would be tragically cut short as a result of a car crash. He has left behind a legacy that through time has propelled him to an iconic status beyond reproach. Based not only on the limited glimpses of an unfulfilled talent upon the silver-screen but also on a presence and appearance that not only captured the imagination of the youth of the day, but has in turn influenced and effected every new generation to follow. The following three letters are from a period when Dean was on the cusp of breaking Hollywood, written during his time on Broadway, and whilst filming 'East of Eden'. The letters written to his then girlfriend Barbara Glenn, show Dean as a typical young man, displaying the everyday insecurities and worries that someone, away from home for the first time, following their ambitions, would openly express to a trusted partner, albeit with a style and candour similar to the performances he would display on the big screen. It is believed that Barbara Glenn was introduced to James Dean - whom she always referred to as 'Jimmy' - by their mutual close friend Martin Landau in the late 1940s/early 1950s in New York, where they were all young actors starting out and struggling together. Although she never discussed their romance within her family circle in great detail, it is known that Jimmy was her first serious, grown-up relationship. It was apparently very intense and involved numerous break-ups and reconciliations, but she often remained his confidant even during some of the 'off-again' times.
James Dean

Details
James Dean
An exceptional hand-written letter from James Dean to girlfriend Barbara Glenn, dated 1-10-54 the date written in pencil in another hand [most likely the recipient's]; the one page letter, written in blue ink on St. James Hotel, Walnut At Thirteenth Street, Philadelphia 7, PA headed stationery, addressed Darling, Don't worry about me. I'm O.K.?, contains the personal thoughts and feelings Dean is experiencing during rehearsals for the theatrical production of 'The Immoralist' a play based in Tunis, in which he played the role 'Bachir', a North African houseboy, which may explain the addition of a doodle in Dean's hand depicting a group of North African style buildings at the top of the page, within the letter Dean candidly stresses how unimpressed he is with the play, Probably a monster success; but to me it's still a piece of shit, even though he concedes that he can't tell much about it yet, but his writing soon turns to more personal matters, finishing the letter by underlining his loneliness and insecurity, by asking Barbara, to Please write to me darling.... Please come and see me, Love Jim; 1 page on a single sheet of headed paper, folded, 19 lines -- 6x9¼ in. (15x23.5 cm.); accompanied by the original mailing envelope, date stamped Philadelphia Jan 10 1954 with a sketch of a steer and additional writings to the verso and three unpublished black and white photographs depicting Dean and Barbara on a beach, and another of the couple amongst friends [later printings] - each 8x10 in. (20.3x25.2 cm.): Please note printings of the same 4 photos are also included as part of lots 158 and 159
The letter and photographs in this lot are offered for sale without copyright and other reproduction rights, and the buyer of this lot is advised to contact the copyright owner for relevant consents prior to reproduction. (6)
Provenance
The family of Barbara Gordon (nee Glenn)
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.

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