You have always been one of the most gracious people in the world

Norma Shearer's closest friend in Hollywood was fellow actress Merle Oberon. By the time Merle had her first substantial film role, Norma was already a big star. The two actresses were regularly seen together at social functions, around the mid-thirties often accompanied by their respective partners (Norma by husband Irving Thalberg and Merle by David Niven). Searching the web for more information about their friendship, unfortunately I found very little. There's only the occasional scrap of news— like when Merle's fiancé Count Giorgio Cini tragically died in a plane crash in Cannes (France) in 1949, the only person there to comfort Merle was Norma.

But of course I wouldn't be doing this post if I hadn't found a letter too. On 30 September 1970, Norma wrote to Merle after the two had just seen each other, seemingly for the first time in several years. Norma was thrilled to meet her friend again and afterwards composed an affectionate and graceful letter (seen below), which I'm sure Merle was happy to receive.

"One of the most valuable things in Merle’s life is her friendship with Norma Shearer. Her whole face lights up when she speaks of her." Film Weekly, 6 February 1937.

Source: liveauctioneers

Transcript:

Sept 30/70

My dear Merle —

It was such a joy to see you the other day and to meet your beautiful young son. The last time I saw him I think he was about four years old. Not only is he so handsome but he has such beautiful manners.

But why not, as you have always been one of the most gracious people in the world. Speaking of such things, may I thank you for your most kind and thoughtful letter when I was so sick which touched me deeply. 

Please know you will always be in our hearts - wishing you and Bruno health and happiness always.

Devotedly

 

Norma

Note:

At the time Merle Oberon was married to Italian-born industrialist Bruno Pagliai, whom she divorced in 1973. After Thalberg's untimely death in 1936, Norma married ski-instructor Martin Arrouge in 1942. They remained married until Norma's death in 1983.

Above: 1936, Merle Oberon and Norma Shearer attending The Mayfair Ball in Beverly Hills, California, with David Niven and Irving Thalberg. Below: December 1935, Merle and Norma at an event in Los Angeles with Miriam Hopkins and Dolores Del Rio. 

Above: 1938, Norma and Merle at a social event with their respective dates James Stewart and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. After the death of Irving Thalberg, Norma and Jimmy Stewart had a brief romance.

Above: Merle and Norma at a Hollywood luncheon in March 1942. Below: At Norma's Santa Monica Beach House in California in 1937.

Below: Norma doing cartwheels in her garden in 1936 with her friend Merle looking on.