Typed Note Signed

For forty years an enduring leading man and later superb character actor, this classy star played opposite Garbo in "Ninotchka" and won an Oscar in 1963 for "Hud" and in 1979 for "Being There"; spouse of actress-turned-politician Helen Gahagan (1900-1980), the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from California (1945-51). TNS, 1p, 7¼" X 10¼", Los Angeles, CA, 19 November 1940. Addressed to Arnold F. Gates (1914-93, noted Lincoln and Civil War scholar). Fine. On buff imprinted letterhead, Douglas thanks an admirer. In part: "As a matter of fact, no thanks are really needed -- the results of the election compensated for anything I may have accomplished." Boldly signed in black ink. Douglas and his wife were both staunch Democrats, and Gates likely thanked Douglas for helping securing a strong turnout for Roosevelt in California. Comes with a superb 10" X 8" glossy photograph, a still scene from the 1936 film "Theodora Goes Wild" showing Douglas romancing Irene Dunne as a dog observes. An exceptionally early and choice Douglas letter with interesting political content.…