There is a rather interesting Louise Brooks letter for sale (not by me) on eBay. (Follow this LINK to see the listings.) The typed and signed letter, to Hollywood theater owner John Hampton, is dated May 31, 1967. The seller is asking $1,799.95.
In 1967, when Louise Brooks typed this filmography, it could be challenging to find information on an actor's film career. There was no IMDb, of course, and the number of film books which detailed the film credits of a then lesser known actress like Louise Brooks was limited. Also, those that did sometimes contained incorrect information, liked including The Public Enemy (1931) and Hollywood Boulevard (1936) among her films, which a few did.
In all likelihood, John Hampton, the owner of a well known Hollywood theater which showed silent films, asked Brooks for a list of her films. In response, she typed this letter, noting at the top, "Correctly compiled by Louise Brooks." However, even Brooks got it wrong. She omitted When You're in Love (1937), the Grace Moore - Cary Grant film in which she had a "(Bit)" part. It is hard to spot her in the film, but she is in it! It is also noteworthy that Brooks included King of Gamblers (1937), crediting herself with a "(Bit)" part, although in fact her small role was cut from the film.
Also interesting is the fact that Brooks calls attention to two individuals involved in the making of Prix de Beaute (1931) - something she doesn't do with any other film. Those individuals include Rene Clair, who was the original director assigned to the film and who contributed story elements; Brooks credits him with the script. Brooks also correctly notes that cinematographer Rudolph Mate was the primary individual behind the camera.
1 comment:
Thomas, do you think that the Brooks signature is actually hers? And her writing the name of John Hampton? Thanks!
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