What do you think?
Rate this book
Letters from Hollywood: Inside the Private World of Classic American Moviemaking
Correspondence written by Hollywood legends like Humphrey Bogart, Alfred Hitchcock, Audrey Hepburn, and more—collected together for the first time
Letters from Hollywood reproduces in full color scores of entertaining and insightful pieces of correspondence from some of the most notable and talented film industry names of all time—from the silent era to the golden age, and up through the pre-email days of the 1970s. Culled from libraries, archives, and personal collections, the 135 letters, memos, and telegrams are organized chronologically and are annotated by the authors to provide backstories and further context. While each piece reveals a specific moment in time, taken together, the letters convey a bigger picture of Hollywood history. Contributors include celebrities like Greta Garbo, Alfred Hitchcock, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, Marlon Brando, Elia Kazan, Cary Grant, Francis Ford Coppola, Tom Hanks, and Jane Fonda. This is the gift book of the season for fans of classic Hollywood.
Letters from Hollywood reproduces in full color scores of entertaining and insightful pieces of correspondence from some of the most notable and talented film industry names of all time—from the silent era to the golden age, and up through the pre-email days of the 1970s. Culled from libraries, archives, and personal collections, the 135 letters, memos, and telegrams are organized chronologically and are annotated by the authors to provide backstories and further context. While each piece reveals a specific moment in time, taken together, the letters convey a bigger picture of Hollywood history. Contributors include celebrities like Greta Garbo, Alfred Hitchcock, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, Marlon Brando, Elia Kazan, Cary Grant, Francis Ford Coppola, Tom Hanks, and Jane Fonda. This is the gift book of the season for fans of classic Hollywood.
- GenresNonfictionHistoryFilm
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2019
37 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Rocky Lang
13 books3 followersROCKY LANG BIOGRAPHY
Rocky Lang has been involved in the motion picture and television business all his life. He has produced, written, and directed motion pictures, documentaries, television shows, movies-of-the-weeks, and mini-series. Among his feature credits, he produced Ridley Scott’s White Squall, starring Jeff Bridges. Mr. Lang recently executive produced You Can’t Take My Daughter for Lifetime Television. His previous films, there were Girl Fight and Racing For Time.
Mr. Lang is the author of nine books, How I Broke Into Hollywood, published by Regan Books/Harper-Collins, Growing Up Hollywood, HLPI Books, and his new book, the Theater/Library Association’s Richard Wall Special Jury Prize Award Winning bestseller, Letters From Hollywood, published by Abrams Books which won the 2019 Richard Wall Memorial Award Special Jury Prize for an exemplary work.
Rocky Lang is also the author of a series of empowering books aimed at children with diabetes. His book Lara Takes Charge, is in the hands of over 40,000 children, hospitals, and libraries. He also invented the Courage Bag for children with diabetes, purchased and distributed by Travelon and QVC. On May 29, 2008, the American Diabetes Association honored Mr. Lang as Father of the Year for his advocacy for children living with diabetes.
Mr. Lang has served on the Health Education Advisory Board at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and served for five years on the Los Angeles Community Leadership Board and ADA National Youth Strategy Board for the American Diabetes Association. Tennis has been Lang’s passion, and he is a certified professional and a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association.
Mr. Lang lives in Toluca Lake, CA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 22, 2019
A variety of letters sent between 1921 and 1976, with context and photographs. Some were a lot more interesting than others. Tallulah Bankhead wrote a wonderful letter to David Selznick in 1936 about how he was jerking her around about Scarlet O'Hara and an actress of her experience deserved better. Henry Fonda announced Jayne Fonda's birth with an adorable telegram to William Wyler from her point of view asking for a job (I am 18 minutes old blond hair blue eyes weight eight ounces and I have been called beautiful). Gilbert Roland wrote a sweet letter to Clara Bow in 1949 when she was being hospitalized for mental health issues. Ingrid Bergman wrote a funny note to Cary Grant to thank him for accepting her Oscar in 1957, and how she heard it in the bathtub. Ginger Rogers wrote a lovely note to Hedda Hopper praising her supporting women producers, especially her rival's daughter. And Tom Hank's letter to director George Hill (at age 17) was hilarious and charming and witty. BANGO! I'm a star! So much love.
Also, everyone who says handwriting has gone downhill has never tried to read the writing of business people in Hollywood, ha.
Also, everyone who says handwriting has gone downhill has never tried to read the writing of business people in Hollywood, ha.
October 23, 2019
I just... really love epistolary novels and being able to read real-life letters from Hollywood was really fascinating.
It is also especially nice that titles like these not only show the actual written or typed (some of them were telegrams!) missive as well as a transcript of the note (if hand-written) alongside.
I would recommend this - period - but especially for Hollywood or film history buffs.
It is also especially nice that titles like these not only show the actual written or typed (some of them were telegrams!) missive as well as a transcript of the note (if hand-written) alongside.
I would recommend this - period - but especially for Hollywood or film history buffs.
November 11, 2020
This book was super fun to read. First of all, it is a beautiful, large, full color book. Each letter is printed in full color with an explanation of the relationship between the correspondents and some background for the letter. Handwritten letters are typed for easy reading. The letters begin in the early 1900s and end in the mid-'70s. They are printed in chronological order, giving a neat picture of the history of filmmaking.
Some of my favorite letters came from a 17 year old Tom Hanks, Cary Grant, Bogie, and one I had to laugh at was from Jean Bello, Jean Harlow's mother. If you know anything about her, you know she's a real interesting character, and you can just hear her tone of voice with her capitalized words every sentence or two. This was a fun book that you can pick up and read any time and a great addition to a beautiful bookshelf!
Some of my favorite letters came from a 17 year old Tom Hanks, Cary Grant, Bogie, and one I had to laugh at was from Jean Bello, Jean Harlow's mother. If you know anything about her, you know she's a real interesting character, and you can just hear her tone of voice with her capitalized words every sentence or two. This was a fun book that you can pick up and read any time and a great addition to a beautiful bookshelf!
February 8, 2023
"Would appreciate your not communicating with me - it upsets me very much."
While I did feel a bit creepy reading these peoples private letters (published with consent), but I really enjoyed this. My favorite type of non-fiction are written by people who experienced these historical events. I loved how many times the letters apologized for being typed out, instead of hand written.
While I did feel a bit creepy reading these peoples private letters (published with consent), but I really enjoyed this. My favorite type of non-fiction are written by people who experienced these historical events. I loved how many times the letters apologized for being typed out, instead of hand written.
August 4, 2025
This is a coffee table book after my own classic cinema-loving heart. Comprised of selected letters from Hollywood luminaries, the paper trails reveal the industry's gentlemen (David Niven, Fred Astaire, Gilbert Roland), the hilarious (Groucho Marx, Louis Calhern), the snake oil salesmen (Colonel Tom Parker), the principled (blacklisted, exiled talents Dalton Trumbo, John Howard Lawson, and most notably, Charlie Chaplin), the artistically, technically involved actors (connoisseurs and film polymaths John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Yul Brynner, Humphrey Bogart), and the actresses who were way ahead of their time, who had the talent, brains, and brio to get what they wanted and felt they deserved (Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Fonda, Tallulah Bankhead, Deborah Kerr). To give it context, each letter is preceded by a short synopsis.
Some of my highlights from the book:
1) Tallulah Bankhead's frankly overconfident letter to David O. Selznick, whose name is forever immortalized, thanks to the overwhelming, still unparalleled success of Gone with the Wind. Capitalizing on one of GWTW directors George Cukor's purported endorsement of her for the role of Scarlett O'Hara, Bankhead insists "I know and George knows that the part of Scarlett O'Hara, as an actress would be safe in my hands, and I assumed that you were of the same opinion. As to my being able to look the part in the early sequence of the picture, that is entirely out of my jurisdiction, but I have been assured by several ace cameramen in their vernacular that 'it's a cinch.' I claim no credit for their genius." One can only imagine Selznick's eventual, frank riposte to that.
2) Screenwriter Michael Wilson's fervent plea to producer Arthur P. Jacobs, imploring the latter to consider his screen treatment, particularly the conclusion of the first movie based on Pierre Boulle's novel Planet of the Apes, which had also gone through several drafts by The Twilight Zone wunderkind Rod Serling. Having read the book first, and found the ending to my liking, I am more emotionally invested in the different, but far more thought-provoking finale to the film. Thanks to Michael Wilson's persistence, Planet of the Apes holds one of he most memorable scenes in classic cinema.
3) As someone who strikes me as a person more comfortable and trusting around men, one of the classiest, well-worded notes in this selection would have to be fiercely private Katharine Hepburn's simple reply to a conciliatory letter from abrasive gossip wag Hedda Hopper who, like her fellow gossip columnist and nemesis Louella Parsons, once wielded a spiteful influence in Hollywood.
4) In a book filled with letters brimming with admirable diplomacy, John Huston's short, handwritten note to Katharine Hepburn discussing wardrobe preparations for The African Queen reveals the easy camaraderie and professionalism exemplified by both. In a career that spanned decades, Hepburn clearly was a beloved and respected friend and actress amongst her peers, as evidenced by the warm, candid correspondence she received from esteemed cameraman Bert Glennon (1933) and director Sidney Lumet (1963).
5) Director Hal Ashby's long-winded letter to director Norman Jewison circa 1970 stands out, but only because it could pass for something that was written today, by a whining, butt-hurt millennial with a penchant for expletives.
6) Seventeen-year-old Tom Hanks' witty, self-deprecating fan letter to director George Roy Hill is a winner. (And Hill was delighted as well, judging from his response to Hanks.)
7) Jane Fonda's intense and insistent, yet thoroughly diplomatic letter to director Fred Zinnemann about her needing to meet with the writer Lillian Hellman, whose story about her childhood friend Julia was being brought to the screen. Fonda got her wish, and went on to portray Hellman in the film Julia.
8) Henry Fonda's cheeky telegram to director William Wyler, dated December 1937, announcing the gladdest of tidings: I admire your pictures and I would like to work for you. I am eighteen minutes old, blonde hair blue eyes weight eight pounds and I have been called beautiful. My father was an actor. Jayne Seymour Fonda
9) And Wyler's cheekier response to one of the industry's first nepo babies, written on Warner Bros. stationery, and committing what must have been the first of many times Ms Fonda's name would be misspelled, as it is addressed to Jayne Simone Fonda: My dear many thanks for your kind wire and hearty congratulations on your arrival and heartfelt condolences on your choice of father. However we feel it our duty to correct any illusion you may have been under in the past as we feel you are old enough now to be told the happy new your father never was an actor STOP We are smoking to your health. Wyler wants to make a test of you as soon as possible under certain provisions. Your contract and herewith requests you call him uncle because he feels there is an undefinable but non the less definite relationship somewhere somehow. Love to you and you know what to your father.
10) Universal honcho Irving Thalberg's letter of immediate termination to the brilliant but difficult director Erich von Stroheim. Written with the gravitas worthy of a seasoned studio head, the letter is precise and clinically devoid of sentiment. Amazingly, Thalberg was this wisp of a twenty-three-year-old when he wrote it!
11) As far as diplomacy is concerned, there is no topping RKO head of production Pandro Berman's letter to director Mark Sandrich, on the subject of Ginger Rogers and her grievances against her Carefree director, her fifth collaboration with Sandrich and Fred Astaire. While Berman's message is undoubtedly an admonishment of Sandrich's actions towards one of RKO's golden calves, it is buttressed by a keen and accurate eye to human nature, and delivered with palpable honesty, respect, and exquisite, soft-shoe finesse.
12) The shortest missive, and the most amusing in light of later events, was Albert "Cubby" Broccoli's Telex to his partner Harry Saltzman in August 1961: Blumofe reports New York did not care for Connery. Feels we can do better.
Some of my highlights from the book:
1) Tallulah Bankhead's frankly overconfident letter to David O. Selznick, whose name is forever immortalized, thanks to the overwhelming, still unparalleled success of Gone with the Wind. Capitalizing on one of GWTW directors George Cukor's purported endorsement of her for the role of Scarlett O'Hara, Bankhead insists "I know and George knows that the part of Scarlett O'Hara, as an actress would be safe in my hands, and I assumed that you were of the same opinion. As to my being able to look the part in the early sequence of the picture, that is entirely out of my jurisdiction, but I have been assured by several ace cameramen in their vernacular that 'it's a cinch.' I claim no credit for their genius." One can only imagine Selznick's eventual, frank riposte to that.
2) Screenwriter Michael Wilson's fervent plea to producer Arthur P. Jacobs, imploring the latter to consider his screen treatment, particularly the conclusion of the first movie based on Pierre Boulle's novel Planet of the Apes, which had also gone through several drafts by The Twilight Zone wunderkind Rod Serling. Having read the book first, and found the ending to my liking, I am more emotionally invested in the different, but far more thought-provoking finale to the film. Thanks to Michael Wilson's persistence, Planet of the Apes holds one of he most memorable scenes in classic cinema.
3) As someone who strikes me as a person more comfortable and trusting around men, one of the classiest, well-worded notes in this selection would have to be fiercely private Katharine Hepburn's simple reply to a conciliatory letter from abrasive gossip wag Hedda Hopper who, like her fellow gossip columnist and nemesis Louella Parsons, once wielded a spiteful influence in Hollywood.
4) In a book filled with letters brimming with admirable diplomacy, John Huston's short, handwritten note to Katharine Hepburn discussing wardrobe preparations for The African Queen reveals the easy camaraderie and professionalism exemplified by both. In a career that spanned decades, Hepburn clearly was a beloved and respected friend and actress amongst her peers, as evidenced by the warm, candid correspondence she received from esteemed cameraman Bert Glennon (1933) and director Sidney Lumet (1963).
5) Director Hal Ashby's long-winded letter to director Norman Jewison circa 1970 stands out, but only because it could pass for something that was written today, by a whining, butt-hurt millennial with a penchant for expletives.
6) Seventeen-year-old Tom Hanks' witty, self-deprecating fan letter to director George Roy Hill is a winner. (And Hill was delighted as well, judging from his response to Hanks.)
7) Jane Fonda's intense and insistent, yet thoroughly diplomatic letter to director Fred Zinnemann about her needing to meet with the writer Lillian Hellman, whose story about her childhood friend Julia was being brought to the screen. Fonda got her wish, and went on to portray Hellman in the film Julia.
8) Henry Fonda's cheeky telegram to director William Wyler, dated December 1937, announcing the gladdest of tidings: I admire your pictures and I would like to work for you. I am eighteen minutes old, blonde hair blue eyes weight eight pounds and I have been called beautiful. My father was an actor. Jayne Seymour Fonda
9) And Wyler's cheekier response to one of the industry's first nepo babies, written on Warner Bros. stationery, and committing what must have been the first of many times Ms Fonda's name would be misspelled, as it is addressed to Jayne Simone Fonda: My dear many thanks for your kind wire and hearty congratulations on your arrival and heartfelt condolences on your choice of father. However we feel it our duty to correct any illusion you may have been under in the past as we feel you are old enough now to be told the happy new your father never was an actor STOP We are smoking to your health. Wyler wants to make a test of you as soon as possible under certain provisions. Your contract and herewith requests you call him uncle because he feels there is an undefinable but non the less definite relationship somewhere somehow. Love to you and you know what to your father.
10) Universal honcho Irving Thalberg's letter of immediate termination to the brilliant but difficult director Erich von Stroheim. Written with the gravitas worthy of a seasoned studio head, the letter is precise and clinically devoid of sentiment. Amazingly, Thalberg was this wisp of a twenty-three-year-old when he wrote it!
11) As far as diplomacy is concerned, there is no topping RKO head of production Pandro Berman's letter to director Mark Sandrich, on the subject of Ginger Rogers and her grievances against her Carefree director, her fifth collaboration with Sandrich and Fred Astaire. While Berman's message is undoubtedly an admonishment of Sandrich's actions towards one of RKO's golden calves, it is buttressed by a keen and accurate eye to human nature, and delivered with palpable honesty, respect, and exquisite, soft-shoe finesse.
12) The shortest missive, and the most amusing in light of later events, was Albert "Cubby" Broccoli's Telex to his partner Harry Saltzman in August 1961: Blumofe reports New York did not care for Connery. Feels we can do better.
December 27, 2024
As a letter writer myself, I love to read books of letters because they give such a good glimpse of social history or, when the book focuses on just one author, of the character of that person.
Is the art / practice of letter writing slowly dying with the advent of text messages, various social media platforms and email? I do hope not, because there is so much depth and richness to a hand written letter (I'll even allow a typewritten letter, although I still use pen and paper), not to mention the pleasure of having that physical thing, which can be taken out of the envelope, unfolded and enjoyed time and time again.
And don't even get me started on the joys of stationery!
This book contained multiple letter from the great movie stars and directors and those involved in Hollywood, with the emphasis being pre-1950's. Stars either hand wrote, on personalised notepaper or typed out long and chatty letters to friends and work colleagues and it gives a real insight into people whom we think we know, but in reality we only know their screen persona.
A beautiful coffee table book, if such things still exist. A weighty tome and well laid out.
Is the art / practice of letter writing slowly dying with the advent of text messages, various social media platforms and email? I do hope not, because there is so much depth and richness to a hand written letter (I'll even allow a typewritten letter, although I still use pen and paper), not to mention the pleasure of having that physical thing, which can be taken out of the envelope, unfolded and enjoyed time and time again.
And don't even get me started on the joys of stationery!
This book contained multiple letter from the great movie stars and directors and those involved in Hollywood, with the emphasis being pre-1950's. Stars either hand wrote, on personalised notepaper or typed out long and chatty letters to friends and work colleagues and it gives a real insight into people whom we think we know, but in reality we only know their screen persona.
A beautiful coffee table book, if such things still exist. A weighty tome and well laid out.
May 16, 2025
3.5 stars These letters are of interest to those of us who enjoy classic movies. Unfortunately, as is only to be expected, some have a greater interest than others. Perhaps I was expecting too much. Many are by producers and directors when I was hoping for more by actors, but that's just my preference. The most satisfying thing is that most were obviously written personally. You can see the editing in ink, not just typewritten by a secretary.
Sadly, in Roscoe Arbuckle's letter, you can feel his anguish for his career. You are reminded that these were real people not just flickers on film. Some are serious, some are businesslike such as Irving Thalberg's firing of Erich von Stroheim, and some are just playful allowing a teenage Tom Hanks to communicate with George Roy Hill. In an era when letter writing was still important, these 100+ letters are just a glimpse of what Hollywood was thinking.
Sadly, in Roscoe Arbuckle's letter, you can feel his anguish for his career. You are reminded that these were real people not just flickers on film. Some are serious, some are businesslike such as Irving Thalberg's firing of Erich von Stroheim, and some are just playful allowing a teenage Tom Hanks to communicate with George Roy Hill. In an era when letter writing was still important, these 100+ letters are just a glimpse of what Hollywood was thinking.
October 8, 2022
Using the same format used in the recent two volumes of “Letters of Note,” Rocky Lang and Barbara Hall have compiled the ideal companion for those film history students who dream of regular visits to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Museum. Seeing the actual letters hand written or typed by famous actors, directors, producers and screenwriters is a true treasure. The editors’ commentary provide illuminating background for readers on the context of the letters whether referring to a political crisis such as the Blacklist or a running contract battle. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2020
Fascinating
Besides this book giving the reader a glimpse into what goes on the behind-the-scenes in making a movie, it allowed the reader to see a little of what the personalities were like and, I'm happy to say, most came out sounding intelligent and very likable. A great book for anyone interested in the golden age of movie production.
Besides this book giving the reader a glimpse into what goes on the behind-the-scenes in making a movie, it allowed the reader to see a little of what the personalities were like and, I'm happy to say, most came out sounding intelligent and very likable. A great book for anyone interested in the golden age of movie production.
August 18, 2020
Letters from Hollywood is truly a gift for classic film lovers. It's a time capsule of film history, preserving letters, telegrams and other missives that demonstrate the intricacies of relationships within Hollywood.
Blog review: https://www.outofthepastblog.com/2020...
Podcast review: https://www.outofthepastblog.com/2020...
Blog review: https://www.outofthepastblog.com/2020...
Podcast review: https://www.outofthepastblog.com/2020...
June 1, 2025
Five stars for the stars!
This volume of letters was utterly superb! A totally engrossing dive into Hollywood history and for that matter American history. For anyone interested in picking up tidbits of information about the Hollywood elite this book is a MUST!!! DO NOT miss this fascinating read!
This volume of letters was utterly superb! A totally engrossing dive into Hollywood history and for that matter American history. For anyone interested in picking up tidbits of information about the Hollywood elite this book is a MUST!!! DO NOT miss this fascinating read!
August 3, 2020
A lovely look at Hollywood thru those in the business themselves. I would have liked to have seen more letters to/from women, but overall this was a nice collection of unique archival history.
December 10, 2020
Good history, it is like going through the archives to see actual documents.
November 26, 2023
Fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews