AN AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED with a Signed Photograph Both in the Hand of Screen Legend Lionel Barrymore

A personal letter from Lionel Barrymore to Mr. [Louis] Mayer written on Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio stationery mounted with a handsome photograph of the actor inscribed "Best Wishes" and signed in his hand. Letter size stationery and 8" by 10" photo, handsomely mounted with buff board trimmed in blue and gold, framed in a tasteful burnished gold frame, glazed. All together approximately 15.5" by 21". 1 page and photograph. Both in a fine state of preservation. A REMARKABLE PIECE OF AMERICAN MOTION PICTURE HISTORY. A PERSONAL LETTER BETWEEN ONE OF THE GREATEST FILM ACTORS OF ALL TIME AND PERHAPS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT MAN IN HOLLYWOOD’S HISTORY. Lionel Barrymore was a member of the finest acting family in recent history with notable members from his parents generation ’til this very day. He stands out even in this great family and is remembered as one of film’s greatest actors. Barrymore starred in over 200 films, most of which where made at M.G.M. studios. He also wrote, directed and produced films for the studio. Barrymore was the winner of an Academy Award for best actor and was nominated for best director. Louis Mayer was co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios which would soon after become the largest and most important studio of all time. They would produce for over 50 years a majority of America’s most beloved and highest grossing films. In this fascinating letter Barrymore explains that he is writing because it is impossible for him to get off the set (not surprising with over 200 films under his belt) and also that he doesn’t want to take to much of Mayer’s time with "so many others waiting". Barrymore then goes on to make the unusual request that the studio give him a full month’s payment of his salary instead of his usual payments. He states that this would be an "immeasurable help" and he mentions owing money.…