While not carrying a familiar household name such as George Lucas, Richard Marquand stands as one of the pillars of creative greatness in the original Star Wars trilogy. As the director of "Return of the Jedi", Marquand helped craft arguably the best film in the original trilogy. In addition to directing ROTJ, Marquand also appeared in the film as Admiral Ackbar of the Rebel Fleet. Expressing an interest in directing one of the prequels during their early inception, Marquand sadly passed away in 1987 at the age of 49 from a sudden stroke.
Offered here is a tremendously desirable one-page letter, penned on Marquand's personal stationary, 8.5" x 11" (irregularly cut at the top from prior display), October 15, 1984. Replying directly to a letter from a Star Wars fan, Marquand writes, in full:
Dear Wendy,
Thank you for much for your letter. I am so glad you enjoyed seeing the triple bill. Yes, it is interesting to see the different styles of the three directors--three very different people, too, telling very different chapters in the saga.
I agree that there is a certain sadness within the happiness of the party at the end of "JEDI". It is as though the good friends are saying goodbye. And yet they will always be there to treasure. On film...
My very best wishes to you-
Marquand provides a pristine blue ink signature at the conclusion of the letter.
Given his early passing, Marquand remains one of the rarest autographs to find in the Star Wars collectible realm. And of those scarce few that have surfaced, this stands as the only known signed letter from the director. And given the tremendous content of the letter, it is not unreasonable to state that this is perhaps the finest Richard Marquand autographed relic in the hobby! Serious collectors should take notice. It's unlikely you'll find a piece of such magnitude--perhaps ever! Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.