Beschreibung:

Collection of approximately 50 Copy Letters, Telegrams, Receipts, and similar Documents, one Signed by Reagan ("RR"), mostly 4to, mainly Beverly Hills, 1960-1962, being communication between Reagan's agents and television executives, mild toning, a few with chips at edges. In the early 1960s, Reagan starred in various anthology series, whilst also being contracted to General Electric as a speaker and presenter of their General Electric Theater. Many of the letters in the present archive are from his agent Ina Bernstein, generally refusing roles on the grounds that "Mr Reagan did not care for the role," "material not much to his liking," or that "Mr Reagan won't fly" (in fact he was afraid of it). Several of the letters shed light on the sponsorship arrangements of these series. Reagan or his agents had to obtain permission from GE for him to appear elsewhere, although such appearances could still provide some product placement opportunities: in a letter regarding Reynolds Metal's Dick Powell Anthology, the agent Irving Salkow explains: "Reagan will perform as a laundramat (sic) owner appearing before General Electric washers and dryers... Will you please give me official clearance on this?" Further letters relate to his roles in DuPont Show with June Allyson, the United States Steel Hour, and the Zane Grey Theatre. A florid letter from a producer - "I want you to select that cherished role and bring it to life ... It will be Experimental Theatre on television" - is annotated in red ink by Reagan, who remarks: "Well anyway this isn't a speech. Sounds like he's getting names for bargaining." His agent agrees: "I must admit it all sounds a bit too nebulous to take seriously."