Jean COCTEAU pines for the absence of Jean MARAIS. 1944.

Jean Cocteau (1889.1963)

Autograph letter signed to Jean Marais.

A page in-4°.

Without place. March 24, 1944.

“What demoralized me was being sick and deprived of my sunshine, that is to say, of you. »

Despite the hours of war and the romantic separation, Cocteau is teeming with projects and is working on his film Beauty and the Beast in which Jean Marais will play the leading role.

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“My Jeannot, Finally I think I will find the opportunity to write to you and that my letter will reach you. Paul [Morihien], who arrived this morning, looks fantastic and tells me that you are in astonishing shape. You have to to survive in this strange city. I've been very ill, but I'm starting to get better and, as your bookcase is being put away, the Vaudables [Louis and Maggie Vaudable, owners of Maxim's] lend me a room. I'm working on our film there [Beauty and the Beast]. I feared this work – I found it monotonous – but Paul, to whom I read it, was unreservedly delighted and that gave me the courage to continue. You will return to a city that no longer resembles the one in which you left.

Electricity, gas and other problems. What demoralized me was being sick and deprived of my sunshine, that is to say, of you. As soon as you arrive I guess that I will feel better and that I will find optimism again. Whatever happens I think you will ride the Andromache. Movies are more vague. Ploquin and Bresson want you for their film. They are waiting for you. Bresson will speak to you. I said that I never influence you and that you do everything as you please. My Jeannot, I kiss you. Jeans. »