289 - GUITRY (Sacha), 1885–1957.

GUITRY (Sacha), 1885–1957. Autograph letter signed “Sacha Guitry,” [Paris], November 28, 1948, 3 pp., in-4 on letterhead (“18 avenue Elisée-Reclus”). A fine letter, written in a tone that is at once hurt, proud, and witty, in which Guitry transforms an administrative incident into a vigorous declaration of patriotic faith, four years after his arrest following the Liberation. He is pleased to have been able to provide his correspondent with the documents he has concerning Victor Hugo but regrets that the French cultural attaché is asking him to “let him know the precise subject of the lectures [he] intends to give in Switzerland.” “[…] I cannot grant anyone the right to consider themselves a better Frenchman than I am. For forty years I have been traveling the world giving talks. I am not in the habit of discrediting my country in the eyes of foreigners—and it is perhaps not without reason that Mr. Poincaré urged me to continue my travels tirelessly. If certain French figures have not always agreed with me, that proves only one thing—that I have not always agreed with them. But that, sir, is dirty laundry […] So I will go to Switzerland and speak there of France’s genius when those who represent my country there are willing to welcome us—my conscience and me—with open arms and eyes closed. […]” Accompanied by its original cultural property export certificate from the Ministry of Culture. Also included, from the same source: - an amusing autographed envelope: “Madame / Sacha Guitry / who’s slacking off / Important letter: caution!”, with a large green wax seal bearing the Russian coat of arms - a business card with an envelope addressed to Madame Geneviève Guitry (address written in pencil) - two autographed folio-sized sheets: “If I were in the audience’s place, I’d treat myself to a theater. Nothing in the world would be easier [...]” Also included: - an autograph letter signed by Lucien GUITRY (1860–1925), unsigned, January 22, 1911, 4 pp., in-8: ““And why shouldn’t I tell the formidable, sublime man that you are how moved we were upon discovering your letter [...]” “He hesitated for a long time before writing to him to express his admiration, notably through Hertz.” - An autograph letter from Charlotte LYSÈS (1877–1956), actress and first wife of S. Guitry, 1 p., in-12, written in pencil to Féraudy: “”[...] My poor Sacha is sick. He often raves; he has a fever of forty and is suffering [...]”