Moby Dick stars’ notes to ill teen discovered

Goodwill messages scribbled to an invalid teenage girl by cast and crew members during the 1954 filming of Moby Dick in Co Cork have been rediscovered.

Youghal man John McGrath found the messages in a leather-bound autograph book while perusing memorabilia during the town’s recent Moby Dick Festival.

The book belonged to his late sister Nancy, who was 17 years old when film-makers shot the opening scenes of John Huston’s adaptation of Herman Melville’s epic novel throughout that summer.

The McGrath family lived as caretakers in the Clock Gate tower from 1915 to 1959 and the family of six enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the film-making on the nearby quayside.

John’s mother Agnes also had temporary work as a caterer with the production team. “She asked some of the actors and crew to sign autographs for Nancy, who was too unwell to visit the set,” recalls John, now 75.

The 10 or so contributors included director John Huston, actors Leo Genn, Noel Purcell, Friedrich Von Ledebur and Edric Connor plus Irish production manager Cecil F Ford.

Huston’s message contains few words but includes a sketched whale diving into water, while Purcell wrote: “I am a chap who looks like Santa Claus because of my beard, but the only thing I like about Christmas time is that Christmas Eve is my birthday.”

The messages reflect the relaxed and endearing relationship that developed between the locals and their guests.

Leo Genn had said: “Fond wishes to Nancy (whom I would like to have met)” while Tom Clegg signed “God bless you Nancy,” adding his role name of Tashtego to his signature, along with “Moby Dick 1954.”

Von Ledebur drew what was believed to be a cartoon ‘self-portrait’ and wrote: “God bless you darling,” while Edric Connor, aka Daggoo, in very flamboyant handwriting said: “Bless you Nancy! We all have heard, and love you very much.”

A publicity agent, seemingly called Alan Flavin, empathised: “I know something of what you feel.”

Nancy, who died in her late 50s, was “a great film fan and she was absolutely delighted with the autographs,” her brother John added. “She remained very proud of them throughout her life.”