Ron Weekes, who sells rare books and autographs in East Aurora, New York, got in touch recently re: two letters he is selling written by a cast member in Talulah’s ill-starred Antony and Cleopatra in 1937. The author is a “Bob,” who we think might be Robert Williamson, who payed Mardian, writing to a “Dave” in New York.
The letters are very campy and very dishy about the show. Tallulah herself appends a “Hi Dave” to one of them.
An extensive tour was originally planned until the producers curtailed the whole thing and fast-tracked it into New York.
“I will be home in two weeks – we open in New York November 10 – we play Columbus,Indianapolis & Cincinnati then home. Although I’m terribly thrilled that I am going to see you and mother and everyone I don’t think that the play is in any condition to go into New York yet. We’ve had quite bad notices and it’s just not right. I’m frightened of it. But I guess the management know what it is doing. I sincerely hope so.”
Management was cutting its losses.