"My blue alpaca jacket is the smartest thing ever seen" - Autograph Letter to Marlene Dietrich

Autograph letter from the English playwright and wit to Marlene Dietrich, thanking her for the present of a blue alpaca suit, announcing plans to visit Southern France with Binkie [Hugh Beaumont] to discuss his new play [Relative Values?], and sending his love. [London], 13 July 1951. 2 pp., 8vo, on Coward's letterhead. Folding creases; overall very fine. 5 x 8 inches (12.8 x 20.2 cm).

Text, in full: "Darling Marlene, I do not know where you are so I am sending this care of Maria to be forwarded. It is merely to tell you that my blue Alpaca dinner jacket suit is the smartest thing ever seen on land or sea & is one of the loveliest presents I have ever had—and you are a darling duck. Life over here has been highly social but I am putting a stop to all that & am going off to the South of France to stay with Binkie & discuss my new play & various business things. I tried twice to get through to Michael on the telephone but without success. When I get back in August I will try again & will flaunt my blue Alpaca suit under his nose. All my love to you darling & take care of yourself. Noël."

From the collection of the family of Marlene Dietrich, a lifelong friend of Noel Coward. Their close relationship began in 1935, when Dietrich called Coward to congratulate him on his film The Scoundrel—he hung up, thinking it was a prank call. They remained friends until Coward's death, often exchanging letters about Dietrich's turbulent love life. (15207)

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