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we reach a hidden driveway, into which we turn, intrigued. What's that up ahead -- five letters, of particular interest to silent movie aficionados. While these might not be the most interesting missives in the cinemeatic realm, they are genuine (and I guarantee them to be so or your money back). And as they were obtained cheap, back in my active collecting days, I am passing them on in the same spirit. Nice way for you newcomers to the mania to begin your autograph collection, or for you veterans to fill in a longstanding gap or two. Let's take a look:

1. WILLIAM FARNUM (1876-1953). A two-fisted star right from his first tilm, The Spoilers (1914), Farnum suffered an accident while filming what would be his last silent, The Man Who Fights Alone (1924). The details I could find are vague, but it seems a combination of the injury and bad subsequent medical care kept him out of films till 1930, and thenceforth he was relegated to supporting roles. This letter, on personalized stationery, is undated but clearly post-accident. He is replying to an inquiry about his dues for some club or somesuch. "My Dear Mr. Somorset: Just to let you know I was sent to hospital Aug. 21st -- Have been unable to work of course until now. That is why I am [a] little behind in dues -- Best wishes to you, Bill Farnum." Letter has two small punctured and torn looseleaf holes at top and a staple in upper-left-hand corner.

2. DARRYL F. ZANUCK (1902-1979). Okay, this legendary production chief/executive is not so well known for his silent-era work, but he did begin as a screenwriter for Warner Bros in 1923, and an early success was one of the silents' last great epics, Noah's Ark (1928). This letter, on Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp. stationery, is dated March 8, 1937 and was written to PR queen Louella Parsons. "Dear Louella: Again my heartiest thanks for the NANCY STEELE IS MISSING broadcast. I listed in with my family in Palm Springs, and we all enjoyed it immensely. Everyone associated with the program was perfect, and the value to the picture will be immeasurable. With kindest personal regards, Sincerely, Darryl." Some faded old coffee (?) stains at bottom of letter.

3. LOUISE DRESSER (1878-1965). A vaudeville/Broadway trouper, she played opposite Rudolph Valentino in The Eagle (1925), really showed her stuff in The Goose Woman (Clarence Brown; 1925) and was the eponymous Mammy opposite Jolson (1930). This letter is dated Aug. 16, 1964: "Dear Alan Block, Thank you for your very nice and gracious letter of August 6. I do remember the day at Mary Pickford's -- but I do not remember our talk, but I'm glad you recalled it. How on earth did you remember so many of my pictures -- not mine, really, but my contribution to them? Thank you so much. Under separate cover I am mailing two photographs -- hope you will like them. 'Clementina' [actually The Glory of Clementine, 1922] was my first picture work. I am sending one of mine taken in 1906 -- my first play in New York. My years in the real theatre meant more to me than all the pictures ever made. With my kindest thoughts and best wishes, Sincerely, Louise Dresser."

4. MARION MACK (1902-1989). A Mack Sennett bathing beauty vintage 1920, she appeared in just a few films in the '20s, but was lucky enough to fall into the role of Buster Keaton's leading lady in the immortal The General (1927). Late in life, she signed this most appropriate post card to a fan.

5. BABY PEGGY (Diana Serra Cary, born Peggy Montgomery, 1917). While she often is referred to as the silent Shirley Temple, Peggy got t first, and it is Shirley who should be called the talking Baby Peggy. She still walks among us, one of the very few who still serve as living ties to the silent era, and recently wrote a biography of fellow silent child star Jackie Coogan. Her letter, dated Feb. 9, 1996, is a fond reponse to a fan, and I believe you can read it in the photo below (use the enlarger).

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