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September 22, 1961 Mr. Al Freeman Sands Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada Dear Mr. Freeman: This is somewhat of a delayed apology for the inconvenience caused you on the RED SKELTON engagements. I am sure that the check Mrs. Nichols gave you that was returned for $3,000.00 was most embarrassing to you and Mr. Skelton. Please believe me that Mrs. Nichols, Sr. and I had no intentions of giving you a check that was not good at the time. Unfortunately we have considerable problems that do come up in our business, also. Any fault was certainly ours, and we do appreciate your cooperation and understanding in getting it straight- ened out. Would appreciate you returning the check to us for our records. I could certainly give you a number of reasons why this happened, but this would not replace the fact that the check did return. Please believe me that Mrs. Nichols and I do not mean to take advantage of anyone's kindness, or cooperation. We are probably one of the few promoters left, particularly in the South, and believe me, the reason why is because of the poor business and high costs that wre involved in handling shows these days. I dare say that there are very few people making money in promoting stage-shows. For the good attractions that make money, there are four that will lose money for the promoters. RED SKELTON is certainly one of thosej^e-<rtlracTionrr~6t*tje^enj^en money is made the costsj>f^tdt^J^Vadyex auditoriums, and taxes proRTETT"Crtargo profit by~ttie"promoterif Our pi did not average 10% of the gross sales of the appearances of Mr. Skelton. Being a promoter these days is not afinancially rewarding dpportunity. One must Just love show business to continue on. Frankly, more than the money, I enjoyed more just to watch the people in the audience pay their respect to the great per- former that RED SKELTON is. The standing ovations were just as thrilling to me as they were to Mr. Skelton. I do hope that this has not ended our association with you and Mr. Skelton, as I can assure you I have a high regard for you both. Please tell Mr. Skelton, that his recent appearances are still being talked about all over Texas. Never have I heard so many people praise a performance more. It goes without saying that I think Red is the greatest performer in show - Business, bar nonelii