This week we have had autographed photos of the first black Sherlock Holmes and the first American Stage Sherlock Holmes, what could possibly top that? Well...how about the first ever film Sherlock Holmes - Gilbert M. Anderson!
This is a rare and authentic typed letter signed by Gilbert M. Anderson aka Bronco Billy Anderson. It is dated December 5, 1959 and is to actor Gilbert Roland. Earlier that year Anderson was given a special Academy Award for lifetime achievement and sub-sequentially wrote back and forth with Roland who was a long time fan. In the letter Anderson describes his disdain for television but "when you get if free, you cannot look a gift horse in the mouth". Anderson's signature is rare, and this is the first letter I have ever seen. Mailing envelope and a used vintage post card from Essanny Pictures dated 1914 also are in the photo. At one time Anderson was the richest silent movie star, but the return address in this letter is the apartment where he lived out his days near poverty.
We do realize this posting may cause some controversy, as some believe it is Maurice Costello who came first. But here at No Place Like Holmes we believe it to be Gilbert M.Anderson.
You can read Howards essay "The Vitagraph Holmes" to learn more about the theory behind this.
This is a rare and authentic typed letter signed by Gilbert M. Anderson aka Bronco Billy Anderson. It is dated December 5, 1959 and is to actor Gilbert Roland. Earlier that year Anderson was given a special Academy Award for lifetime achievement and sub-sequentially wrote back and forth with Roland who was a long time fan. In the letter Anderson describes his disdain for television but "when you get if free, you cannot look a gift horse in the mouth". Anderson's signature is rare, and this is the first letter I have ever seen. Mailing envelope and a used vintage post card from Essanny Pictures dated 1914 also are in the photo. At one time Anderson was the richest silent movie star, but the return address in this letter is the apartment where he lived out his days near poverty.
We do realize this posting may cause some controversy, as some believe it is Maurice Costello who came first. But here at No Place Like Holmes we believe it to be Gilbert M.Anderson.
You can read Howards essay "The Vitagraph Holmes" to learn more about the theory behind this.
