33

"OWING. . .TO THE. . .AIR-RAIDS, . . .MY HOT-WATER. . .WAS KNOCKED FOR SIX" COWARD, NOËL. Autograph Letter Signed, "Noël," to Basil Rathbone ("My Dear Basil"), expressing pleasure in learning that Rathbone liked his film In Which We Serve, noting that it was of supreme importance that the Navy approved of the film, reporting that he is performing three plays and concerts in troop hospitals and factories, expressing excitement that interest in the theater is awakening all over England, remarking that his water system was destroyed in a recent air raid, adding that Joyce [Carey] is sunbathing with him and sends her love, expressing gladness that Rathbone is also doing work for the war effort, noting that prospects concerning the war are looking better, and sending love to Onida [Rathbone's wife] and Ronnie [Colman?]. 2 pages, 4to, personal stationery; folds. Northampton, 1 May 1943


  • Notes: "I was . . . so tremendously glad you liked 'In Which We Serve.' It was hard work at the time but I must say I feel the result was worth it--chiefly because the Navy themselves have found it good & that, to me, is of supreme importance.
    "At the moment I am . . . more than half way through a long provincial tan. This is my 20th week & we have eight more to go. I am doing a repertory of 3 plays & am also doing troop, hospital & factory concerts in all the various towns. Pretty strenuous but interesting & the awakening interest in the theatre all over England is really exciting.
    ". . . [O]wing I suppose to the uncanny way I attract air-raids, we had a real lively smasher on my first night at home & all my hot-water system was knocked for six. . . .
    "I am glad you are all working away for The Cause.
    "I must say things seem to be looking better now-a days, thank God. . . ."

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