Autograph Letter Signed by Drew, John - 1924

N.p. [New York], 1907. 2 pp., pen and ink on a single folded sheet. 12mo. Fine. 2 pp., pen and ink on a single folded sheet. 12mo. Prototype of the 'matinee idol' of the American theater in the early twentieth century. "If it possesses a tithe of the interest and charm of your other works, I know I shall peruse it with delight." John Drew (1853-1927), born in Philadelphia to a long line of actors, "became so popular as a Frohman star that his first appearance after Labor Day in one of the producer's presentations at the Empire Theatre signaled the beginning of each new season on Broadway. Unfortunately, many of the plays in which he appeared had no afterlife and have been forgotten. ... In real life he became the prototype of the roles he played, which came to be described as "John Drew parts." A strong-featured man of medium height and military bearing, he was always handsomely attired on stage and off and achieved a special celebrity as the best-dressed man in America. He was articulate,… Read More