Typed Note Signed by Booth Ernest (1 results)

This screenwriter was sentenced to life in prison in 1924 for robbing a bank, but his writings came to the attention of "American Mercury" editor H.L. Mencken, who began publishing his short stories; in 1928 the Clara Bow silent film "Ladies of the Mob" was released and in 1931 the Sylvia Sidney talkie "Ladies of the Big House"; in 1937 he was paroled and co-authored the screenplay for the 1938 Warner Brothers comedy "Penrod's Double Trouble" and the 1942 drama "Men of San Quentin," but trouble followed Booth -- he had various run-ins with the law and was finally sentenced to 20 years for a string of robberies up and down the west coast, dying in prison of tuberculosis. TNS, 1p, heavy stock buff 5½" X 3¼" card, n.p., n.y. [postal cancellation from Placerville, CA on 27 October 1937]. Addressed to Arnold F. Gates (1914-93, future noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar). Near fine. On a preprinted "penny postcard," the just-released ex-con, who'd only been out of Da Joint for a couple months, writes: "During the life of my present parole agreement -- 28 months more -- I can not write of the things which, perhaps, are closest to to my experiences of the past decade. Thereafter, I may return to the field as a realistic writer. For the present I am writing for movies -- Warner Bros at this period." Large, bold signature in black ink. Great content explaining his situation and referring to "Penrod's Double Trouble." Unusual and scarce.