DIETRICH MARLENE: (1901-1992) German-born American actress and singer. A rare A.L.S., M. SIEBER, to

DIETRICH MARLENE: (1901-1992) German-born American actress and singer. A rare A.L.S., M. SIEBER, to

DIETRICH MARLENE: (1901-1992) German-born American actress and singer. A rare A.L.S., M. SIEBER, to the verso of a colour picture postcard of the Texas Medical Centre, Houston, n.d. (postal cancellation light & illegible, although February 1974), to Mrs. [Gene] Lovelle. Dietrich writes, in full, 'Sweetheart - the graft has taken, needs another week of immobility - then learning to walk again'. Autograph letters signed by Dietrich with her married name (used in this instance to try and provide some anonymity whilst hospitalised) are rare. VG

Dietrich's correspondent was Gene Lovelle, her dresser during the 1960s and 1970s who was married to Chic Lovelle, the star's guitarist.

 

At the conclusion of her performance at the Shady Grove Music Festival, near Washington, in November 1973, Dietrich suffered a serious accident when she fell into the orchestra pit. Besides severe bruising (although no fractures) the singer suffered a deep gash along her left thigh. Initially Dietrich insisted on only superficial treatment, but a serious infection followed and, confined to a wheelchair, she was forced to cancel a concert at Carnegie Hall in January 1974. The singer was instead taken to Houston where the renowned vascular surgeon Michael DeBakey performed a skin graft.