typed letters signed (3); autograph letter signed (1), typed lettters unsigned (3)
1958, 1959. Ephemera. Item #296026
All letters concern the proposed television play, 'My Enemy, My Friend.' 1. Typed letter signed, dated November 14, 1958, with letterhead of William Morris Agency, New York, addressed to Arthur Heinemann, Theatre Guild, New York, signed by Harold (Franklin) sending 'an unusual writer, William Goyen, and an unusual idea should make an unusual television show. The writer's credits are attached; the idea, enclosed.' About 50 words. 2. Holograph note from AH (Arthur Heinemann) to BH (William Herman), no date: 'to BH, 'My Enemy, My Friend,' An interesting idea, but everything depends on the quality of the writer, whom I don't know. Whitehead has an option on his play, Kazan on a screenplay, and he's done some novels, so I suppose he has talent. AH.' 3. Typed note, unsigned, dated Nov. 20, 1958, to GK, (and) AM, from BH: 'Arthur Heinemann asks that everybody read the attached. He feels that if we are sufficiently interested, perhaps we could commission the writer to do an outline of this idea.' 4. Typed note unsigned, dated December 4, 1958, from William Herman: 'Request is made to pay this writer $250 to do an outline.' About 20 words. 5. Typed letter signed by William Goyen, dated January 24, 1959, addressed to Mr. Arthue Heieman, The Theatre Guild, c/o William Morris Agency (Harold Franklin). Goyen submits the outline, apologizes for the delays, and expresses interest 'in getting on to the play itself -- where the problems are really solved. For me, finding a true play in an outline is like trying to wash one's hands with gloves on...' About 110 words. 6. Typed letter unsigned, dated March 10, 1959, addressed to Goyen, Ferndale, Penna., from Arthur Heinemann. Letter apologies to Goyen for not accepting the concept: 'I'm sorry the story didn't work out. Probably the mistake was ours in trying to force it away from your original concept. I still think that concept is a good one, but, on its own, for a half-hour show only.' About 90 words. 7. Typed letter signed, dated March 29, 1959, from Goyen to Arthur Heinemann. Letter thanks Heinemann for his letter, expresses disappointment and feels 'we had a lively and warm working relationship and hated to see it end so abruptly - without even getting to hear the news from you. Nevertheless, it was, for me, a good experience...' About 100 words.
Price: $120.00