LOS ANGELES (AP) - Once upon a Hollywood time, long before Twitter and Facebook became the missives of choice for many celebs, stars actually took pen in hand to communicate with the press - including this reporter. Some even sent telegrams.
They may have been urged by studio publicists. Or they may have just figured that it was wise to get on the best side of the media.
Whatever inspired them, I was recently reminded of this quaint practice while sifting through some old office files. There, I discovered a stack of letters from various celebrities I had covered over the years.
There was no 140-character limit for Bing Crosby, who wrote an eight-paragraph letter to me in 1972. He ended with the claim: "I've reached the point in life where I've mellowed a bit, and all I can do is look at (Bob) Hope with undisguised admiration. How a man of his advanced age can adhere to such a vigorous schedule and with dedicated zeal, is absolutely beyond belief."
Groucho Marx expectedly penned his notes in his comedic manner. In 1953, he wrote: "Thanks for the piece you did on me. Somebody sent me 400 newspapers with the syndicated interview in each one. But as faithful as I am to you in my fashion, I read them all."
A 1946 postcard from Rita Hayworth in San Francisco: "'The Lady from Shanghai' is right on schedule, and we will finish here this weekend. Orson (Welles) sends his best."
From Art Linkletter in 1954: "Thanks for calling me a millionaire! I enjoy reading about this man- I mean me- very much, and am very much startled yet seeing it on my desk."
Shirley Temple wrote a 1950 letter soon after her marriage to actor John Agar. She began: "John and I want you to know that we are very grateful to you for the manner in which you handled the story on our wedding."
Richard Widmark wrote in 1957: "When an actor gets clobbered (by critics), as I did in "Saint Joan,' it's very heartening to read a kind notice..." He was referring to my positive - and apparently rare - response to the role.
Bette Davis began a 1949 letter: "Am en route to Chicago at this writing. Not liquor."
A charitable Loretta Young wrote in 1952: "I've decided, selfish I might add, that I am going to share my Christmas remembrance to you this year. I've presumed to send a Care package to England in your name."
Gloria Swanson in 1951 declared, "We're having fun on this picture ("Sunset Boulevard'). And believe me, I'm really happy in portraying a normal woman. Norma Desmond was all right... once in a lifetime."
Jimmy Durante sent his regards in 1951 via Western Union: "Thanks for sending the article to me; I got a kick out of reading it. Boy, you're great. Love and kisses to you and yours."
Doris Day typed in 1955: "Now that I'm back from a three-month location (shoot) and things are settling down a bit, I should like to say thank you so very much for the nice comments in print about me. I'm really most appreciative."
Anthony Quinn wrote in 1957: "Although a little late, this is the first time I have had the opportunity to thank you for being one of the few who were brave enough to bet on a long shot during the Academy Award derby." Quinn won the Oscar earlier that year for his supporting role in "Lust for Life."
In the early '70s, Ann-Margret wrote in large capital letters: "I WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WONDERFUL ARTICLE ABOUT ME. I SENT ONE OFF TO MOM AND DAD."
Kirk Douglas dashed off this one: "Thank you for selecting me as one of the best actors of 1956. It was one of the shortest mentions I ever received in your column."
The most prolific of movie stars was Joan Crawford, who was constantly in touch with reporters, either using Western Union or her own stationery. In a 1950 telegram to this reporter, she commented about an interview in which she claimed that Marilyn Monroe employed too much sex, which had created a storm:
"Just read your last article where you say that you don't know how either gal feels about you. Even though I got into a lot of trouble because of the article, I still love you."