Hollywood

A 2-PAGE TYPED LETTER SIGNED by the Hollywood Talent Agent RUTH WEBB to New York City Center Producer JEAN DALRYMPLE with great content about producing theater in Los Angeles.

1976 · 100695 — <p>Los Angeles California March 17th 1976. 1976. Fine. - Over 500 words typed on 2 sheets of her light gray 11 inch high by 8-1/2 inch wide "Ruth Webb Ent. Artists Representatives" stationery with a light web motif in teal as background to her name at the top. Sorry to have missed Jean Dalrymple when Jean was in Los Angeles Ruth Webb responds to the New York City producer's inquiry about possibilities in L.A. "I think it would be great to have you out here but I am not quite clear on what you want to do. If you thought you might be interested in agenting there is a vast field of activity in the film and TV end of things." "There isn't the same kind of live theatre going on year round as you must know. Outside of opening nights most of the social activity goes on in people's home. It just isn't the same aura or opportunity as used to be the case back East I mean going to the theatre." Though at a loss for ideas she does offer some possibilities: "I am not quite sure what would interest you in a production. I think that GLORIA SWANSON's new concert is top entertainment and has already proven it will draw well. I attach material if not sent previously. I can offer RICHARD EAGAN in MURDER AMONG FRIENDS the recent Jack Cassidy Broadway show." She goes on to mention EARL WRIGHTSON and LOIS HUNT as well as MARTHA RAYE "She is top box office as is MICKEY ROONEY however Mickey goes back to Drury Lane open end. He could be available at a very good price in excess pf $5000 for a Summer tour." Ruth Webb concludes: "Anything you would do would be a success and I would love to be a part of it." Signed "With Love Ruth". Jean Dalrymple has drawn a line in pencil across the cover page to indicate she has read the letter. Else fine.</p><p>Nicknamed "The Auntie Mame of Agents" the Hollywood talent agent Ruth Webb 1918-2006 was known as a master in reviving the dormant careers of former Hollywood stars. Webb was a former stage actress and nightclub singer who was said to resemble a cross between Zsa Zsa Gabor and Autie Mame and was partial to dressing in feathers and gold lame. As an agent she revived the careers of Kathrym Grayson Rhonda Fleming Dorothy Lamour Donald O'Connor Gloria Swanson Gig Young and Ann Southern and is credited with reviving the career of Mickey Rooney who returned in 1979 to make his Broadway debut in "Sugar Babies".</p><p>The recipient Jean Dalrymple 1902-1998 was the dynamic producer and director of theater and light-opera at Manhattan's City Center. Dalrymple began her career in Vaudeville appearing with James Cagney and Carey Grant in the early 1930s. She was a founding member of the American Theatre Wing the theatre service organization. She worked over the years as a personal manager for the likes of Leopold Stokowski Mary Martin Jos Iturbi Andre Kostalanetz Nathan Milstein and Lily Pons. She began her work at City Center with its founding in 1943 serving as a board member producer and publicist. Her productions there from the 1940s through the 1960s were a revitalizing influence on the whole New York theatre scene. In 1951 Jean Dalrymple married Major-General Philip deWitt Ginder commander of the Thunderbirds in Korea. She was a friend to Presidents and entertainment personalities throughout the world.</p> Los Angeles, California, March 17th, 1976.