TLS signed “Jerome David,” four pages, 7.25 x 10.5, 917 North Whittier Drive letterhead, March 24, 1938. Letter to the wife of Joseph Cooper, to whom he apologizes for such a late reply, explaining that "On March 21st, 1937, I was stricken with a coronary attack which put me to bed until July, and I have been slowly convalescing ever since." Kern proceeds to answer a list of 11 questions, which read, in part: "2. Max Steiner…He is hailed by some as the only composer that the movies have turned out…3. I. Dunne—A well-scrubbed, persistent and permanent virgin…4. The last of Gershwin—Abysmally ignorant…5. The Hammond Organ…By me, it's a knock-out. If you allocate yourself the career of learning the combinations, you have at your command, plus organ effects, a one-man orchestra…6. John Steinbeck—Never met him and have not seen Of Mice and Men. Nor have I read Tortilla Flats, but I am credibly informed that he is not a neurotic…10. Amos' and Andy's theme melody—Entitled, with the characteristic modesty of its composer, The Perfect Song, which you will admit leaves little, if any, room for competition." Kern concludes the letter with a mention of his latest endeavor: "Am busy as all get-out completing a rather large-sized musical play for a June 3rd tryout at the St. Louis Municipal Opera Company in that city…Books and lyrics by O. Hammerstein and O. Harbach, founded on a story by Edward Boykin…It is a tale concerning the West point senior class of 1860 and the effect upon a small group of the upper classmen…The tentative title is Gentlemen Unafraid." In fine condition, with paperclip impressions to the top edge.Format: TLS