GEORGE BERNARD SHAW. TLS, "G. Bernard Shaw," 1 p., 4to, Malvern, 24th July 1935. The iconoclastic playwright writes to American producer Gilbert Miller (who was also the manager of the St. James's Theatre in London) regarding Shaw's newest project, The Millionairess. In part: "The play is a cheval de bataille for a woman star, and would suit Miss [Edith] Evans: In fact there is nobody else who could drive it down the public throat with the requisite authority and popularity. But I have given Charles Macdona a moral option on it; and unless the book terrifies him (he has not yet seen it) he will stick to it. He is preparing a series of revivals of my old plays at the Cambridge; and if they succeed sufficiently to make it necessary for him to take another theatre for The Millionairess you might lure him to the St. James's on sharing terms. But they are much more likely to ruin him and leave the Cambridge thirsting for a new attraction, in which case I am afraid you can only wish him luck." Fine condition, with expected mailing folds, staple holes in the upper left corner, some light staining along the left edge, and a docketing stamp in the lower right. Although completed in 1935, The Millionairess was not, in fact, produced until 1940. As its author had predicted, it provided its leading lady, Edith Evans, who had only recently completed a career-defining run as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, with another personal triumph.
$650 |
