August 2023 Auction Ends Thursday, August 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2023
Christmas card and autograph letter signed by David Tomlinson, the actor who portrayed George Banks in the classic 1964 film, ''Mary Poppins''. Tomlinson writes the letter on 14 July 1964 - a month before ''Poppins'' premiered, to the film's producer and screenwriter Bill Walsh. In the letter, Tomlinson worries about future acting jobs, and hopes that ''Poppins will turn out well for all our sakes...'' Of course, ''Mary Poppins'' is one of the most successful films in the history of cinema, nominated for 13 Academy Awards and the highest grossing film of 1964. Composed on his personal stationery, Tomlinson's letter reads in full:
''My dear Bill, I ought to have written before to thank you for your letter and for giving me a giggle. First things first - George Boswick didn't lose a penny in 'Mother's Boy', because - wait for it - ......he sold his investment in the show whilst we were still on the road! And some people think he's not smart. Of course I pulled his leg a good deal at the time and told him that it was a low down stab in the back etc etc. But really I'm proud of him. They do teach them the right things at Eton, I always said so. I am in touch with Mike Rosenfeld who has discovered that old [?] is not perhaps the hottest property he's ever had his hands on. It's funny that things never turn out the way one suspects or hopes. A nice juicy film in Calif would just suit me fine, and the last thing I want is to work in the theatre. I was asked to go to Bucks County Summer Stock to try out a very bizarre so called comedy, but I couldn't face that. So I'm going to concentrate on Brook Cottage to which we are about to add a wing and a terrace dining room. Fearlessly I propose sitting on my bottom and enjoying the summer with the children, watching the house grow, and trying not to be too anxious about my career!! But actors fuss so and I am no exception. Of course, I am disappointed about the Horn Spoon because it really is one of the most interesting things I've ever been shown, and I would have dearly loved to have had a go at it. Bill Anderson says you were all of you not too pleased with the first draft. But, Bill, it's a natural for [?] and if they can't write it, then I'm astonished. Did you go to Maine with Noli & the children? And when do you move over to Bel Air? / Do you think you could get some visiting fireman to bring over the tape of 'Mother's Boy?'.''
Tomlinson continues with mention of ''Mary Poppins'', not yet released: ''I hope that Poppins will turn out well for all our sakes and that we'll all be at it again soon. Send love to Noli - Jamie & Kevin & to you from us all - Ever David''. Four page letter on two sheets measure 7'' x 9'', composed in blue fountain pen. Single fold, else near fine.
Letter is accompanied by Tomlinson's 1963 Christmas card, featuring a photo of his family on the front. Measures 7.5'' x 5'', opening to 7.5'' x 10''. Near fine condition.
David Tomlinson - AKA George Banks from ''Mary Poppins'' - Autograph Letter Signed to Screenwriter & Producer Bill Walsh -- ''...I hope that Poppins will turn out well for all our sakes...''
Click above for larger image.