The Good, the Bad, and Me. In My Anecdotage

Orlando, FL: Harcourt Books, 2005. First Edition. Signed and inscribed by the author / actor Eli Wallach to his friend, actress Betsy Drake: “Aug 2005, Dear dear Betsy, London is busy with subways and attacks - so my book has not been picked up by all book dealers there. So I’m sending you my memoir. Anne [Mr. Wallach’s wife, actress Anne Jackson] read me your last letter - it was brilliantly written - witty and wise. I hope you’ll enjoy my stories - the word anecdotage was invented by me. Love to you, Eli.” Laid in is a printed invitation card to Eli’s second 45th birthday [his 50th], held on December 3, four days before his actual birthday. On the back of the card is a handwritten note from Anne Jackson, reading: “”Eli is on his way to California to make a film - he is getting a bit fragile, but he obviously has a will to go on going on. Their apartment [the birthday party venue] is so accommodating for such an event - the caterers created delicious nibbles and substantial eats.” Illustrated. Fine copy in a fine bright dust jacket. The terrific memoirs of Eli Wallach (1915 - 2014), one of Hollywood and Broadway’s finest character ‘Method’ actors, best known for his work is such acclaimed films as Baby Doll (1956), The Magnificent Seven (1960), The Misfits with Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe (her last film), How the West Was Won (1962), The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966), The Godfather: Part III (1990), Mystic River (2003), and many more. The book’s recipient, Betsy Drake (1923 - 2015), was once married to Cary Grant.