Cassette Tape 23 -- Side A -- Lasky File May 1950 -- 31 minutes and 16 seconds Sullivan's Label: Lasky File May 1950 [MC298-5-1-017a] [Sullivan--This is the file from Floria Lasky for the law offices of Fitelson & Mayers. The series of letters run from March 11, 1950 all the way to 1966.] This first letter is dated March 11, 1950, addressed to Mrs. Carson McCullers, Regent Hospital, 115 East 61st Street, New York, New York. Dear Carson, when Mr. Strauss spoke with me the other morning, I gave him a resume of your position with Houghton Mifflin, illuminating that portion which concerns the difference of opinion with respect to the claim of 15% of the motion picture dramatic rights, etc. on The Member of the Wedding. That is, I told him that Houghton Mifflin would consent to the publication of the play by another publisher, that Houghton Mifflin has a call on your next book of short stories and was prepared to, and probably could, publish them, and that your novel would not be completed for a long time, that you, if the publication of the short stories was on a satisfactory basis, would be compelled to discuss the novel with them and could make no commitment therefore otherwise at this time. Mr. Strauss told me that you had assured him that you were not only unhappy at Houghton Mifflin but completely through with them, that no further obligation existed on your part to publish through them and that, in fact, your were not going to do so. I confirmed your unhappiness with that publisher as well as the fact that the play would not be published by them. I did say that in all likelihood the short stories would be published by them and that because of another situation, meaning of course the settlement of the 15% claim, it would be most inadvisable to decide at this time not to publish the novel through them and to make a commitment therefore otherwise. What Strauss wanted was a commitment from you not only to publish the play but to publish your other works. Such a decision on your part would, in my opinion, be premature and inadvisable. It certainly would prejudice the negotiations now being conducted with Houghton Mifflin with respect to the disposition of the claim. I told Mr. Strauss that you would be delighted to have him publish the play, and that in the course of so doing a relationship would probably be established which could be fruitful to both parties, and the basis of a more permanent one in the future. He, however, was included to think that there was no question that you were able at this point to decide to appoint his company your publisher and to make a firm commitment threfore. Publication of the play at this time is of slight importance compared to the broader aspects of the problem. There is no doubt that there is another good, or several other good, publishers that would be happy to publish the play. The other situation is more complicated and requires further discussion and clarification. Let us do that soon. Sincerely yours, William Fitelson June 20, 1950. Mrs. Carson McCullers, care of John Brown, American Embassy, 2 avenue Gabriel, Paris, France. Dear Carson and Reeves, Will and I just received Reeve's letter of June 13th and the news about your wonderful times and plans delighted us. I hope that you will have the time and the inclination to write us a little more often. We do look forward to hearing from you. You may have no concern over The Member of the Wedding which is is doing very well, as you can see from the data which I am enclosing here with the receipts for the past several weeks since your departure. Fortunately there is no bad news and although business as this time of year is always a little erratic on Broadway, Member of the Wedding is holding up very well. I certainly hope that you will get to Berlin for the conference next week. The city and of course the whole political situation will surely fascinate you. Needless to say, please greet my family for me. Just so that you have no reluctance about doing the trip up right, your bank accounts are in the following state: regular account - $9, 655.83; special account - $8,917.83; and checking account - $8, 513.66. I have more or less tried to maintain the original ratio we discussed. Naturally if you run short of funds over there, you can write a check or wire me if you want me to follow any other procedure. The first bank statement has come in and I am forwarding it on to you. Audrey Woods sent it to me. Can you return it? I will send it on to Warshaw. I am also enclosing what appears to be a check for Reeves from the Treasury Department. Do you want me to follow any particular procedure if these checks come regularly or shall they continue to be forwarded directly on to you? [Sullivan-The next page is missing.] November 17th, 1950. Mrs. Carson McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Dear Carson, it was of course lovely lunching with you the other day. The next time, let's have it in a quiet place where we can talk without the disturbance and the sort of noise that seems always to be at[?] the Algonquin. The following is the status of your bank account: in the two savings accounts there are $14, 072.26 and $15,919.95. In the checking account the sum of $16,009.45, less checks which have already been drawn and presented to the bank. The total of the above figures is $46,001.66. I am enclosing our bill for legal services from the week ending 10/7/50 through the week ending 10/28/50 and a check to be signed by you for $357.97 in payment of the bill. As you know, pursuant to your request, I send you a bill every four weeks together with a check covering the amount, which check I like fou sign rather than sign it myself, as you suggested. On the basis of the checks that you have drawn for living expenses, would you or Bebe give me an estimate of approximately of how much you spend per month or per week? Perhaps I can make some suggestions on that and about the house. Love to you both. See you soon, Floria June 19th, 1951. Mrs. Carson McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Dear Carson, I made an appropriate [approximate?] survey of your 1951 income and it seems to be as follows: The Member of the Wedding, 1951 play, to May - approximately $23,000, prospective September to December, at least $20,000. Total: $43,000. Investments at $100 per month for approximately 10 months - $1,000. Book royalties without new book -- approximately $1,500. Reeves McCullers - taxable income - $3,600. Total - $49,100. We are arranging that the motion picture money be paid to you as follows: 1952 - $8,500; 1953 - $8,500; 1954 - $11,750; 1955 - $11,750. We have discussed the income from The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by phone. You might show the above to Reeves. Love, see you soon, Floria November 23, 1951. Mrs. Carson McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Dear Carson, it was wonderful talking to you this morning and to hear that you are feeling so much better. Please rely for exhilaration on something besides a temperature of 105 degrees next time. I hope to see you very soon. Will you let me know when you hear from Paul Brooks or Mosley about that appointment? It is quite important. Enclosed is a check to our order in the sum of $240.68 representing legal fees in accordance with enclosed bill from the week ending 10/20/51 through the week ending 11/10/51. Now that you are back, I prefer for you to sign these checks yourself rather than have me sign them. Love to Reeves and Bebe, Floria [Processor's note - either Sullivan read the year of the letter below incorrectly or Lasky dated the letter incorrectly, either in the heading or when she wrote the date of the bill for the week ending January 5, 1952.]January 21, 1951. Mrs. Carson McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Dear Carson, I can't tell you how much David and I enjoyed that long awaited trip to Nyack. We always regretted not having taken advantage of your invitations, but we felt that way even more so after that delightful trip and visit. I was very happy to find you in such fine condition and I know the European trip will be a fine one. * I enclose our current bill which covers approximately 4 weeks through the week ending January 5th, 1952 as well as our fee for the first installment of your motion picture payment. The gross amount payable to you was $9,500 from which 10% agency commission was deducted. Of that 10%, 6 1/2 % went to Lee Bloom Wood and the balance to the Dramatists Guild. There was also deducted 2% assessment by the Dramatists Guild on the motion picture sale leaving a net amount of $8,379 which I deposited in your account in the Nyack Bank. I'm also enclosing a check to our order in the sum of $376.84 drawn on your account in payment of enclosed bills. Love and hope to see you soon. P.S. -- I received two Series D bonds, one for $1,000 and one for $500. Don't you want to deposit these in your safety deposit box in Nyack? If so, I will send them to you by registered mail. March 2, 1951. Mr. Reeves McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Dear Reeves, thanks for the Houghton Mifflin contract. It is in order and it is wonderful that the rider was signed. I would like the other copy in our files so would you be kind enough to send it to me? Best, sincerely, Floria October 3rd, 1951. Mr. Reeves McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Dear Reeves, received your letter as well as enclosures which, as usual, I will deposit in Carson's checking account. Your news about Carson's medical situation is very encouraging and I fervently hope that all will turn out well. I spoke to Bebe the other day and she sounds very happy that you are up there with her. Your letter sounds very encouraging, too. Are you expecting to come into the city? If you do, don't forget to give me a ring. P.S. - Enclosed is a copy of our bill. As you know, I used to have Carson sign the checks in payment to us herself. In her absence however abroad I will issue the checks for her drawn on her checking account. Love, Floria October 24, 1951. , Mr. Reeves McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Dear Reeves, I took care of sending the money to Carson. The Irving Trust Company here cabled $500 to her and I cabled her accordingly. It was very nice to see you. Keep in touch. Best regards always, Floria October 25, 1951, Mr. Reeves McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Dear Reeves, thanks very much for your letter. I don't know of any credit[?] from the New York Post. It may have been done through the publisher. I am depositing the check from the New Yorker, for which many thanks. The letter from Audrey Wood is now academic. Carson's share of the $500, that is $270, was received by me the latter part of September and deposited in her account. I've already paid the Dramatists Guild bill and am taking care of the Authors League bill. I enjoyed seeing you very much the other day. Sorry about the White Plains thing but I am sure there will be many other opportunities. Best regards and drop in any time. Sincerely, Floria P.S. - Please let me know about the New York Post matter. October 26, 1951. Mr. Reeves McCullers. Dear Reeves, enclosed is our current bill for Carson's file. In Carson's absence I have been paying these bills out of her checking account. As you will recall, when she was here I used to draw these checks and send them to her for signature. I wrote her I would follow this other procedure during our[sic] absence and it apparently it met with her approval. Accordingly the enclosed bill is marked "Paid". October 3, 1951. Mrs Carson McCullers, care of David Gascogne [sic, but should be Gascoyne?], 5 St. Leonard's Terrace, London, SW3, England. Carson dear, I cannot tell you how distressed I was to learn that you were not well and had to go to a hospital, but reports since then seem to indicate that the hospital stay will only do you good. You looked so good at our little bon voyage party that I felt very badly to think that your experience en route and while there may have set you back in any way. Please make the best of it and do your utmost to improve your health after which you will find it much easier and happier to work. News here seems only to be good. Member of the Wedding opened in Detroit and then went to Chicago. As yet good box office results. Receipts for the first week in Detroit were in excess of $22,000 and in the second week in excess of $26,000. I deposited your royalties as usual. Your net payment of the $500 German advance, your share $270, also came in which I deposited likewise. I also do this with your dividend checks when they come. The Stanley Kramer deal was completed, the contract signed, the money is paid. As you know, the first installment goes to Whitehead et al. Your payments start next year. The lawyers for Kramer settled Greer Johnson's claim for $2,500. However, as you know, it was agreed that you shall pay no more than $1,000 towards that. As far as you are concerned, we feel that it was not unsatisfactory. I received some mail from Reeves in which he seems to sound much steadier and serious in his attempt to help his condition. I have every hope that he will be able to do that. I spoke with your mother and she seems to feel the same way and has been grateful and happy that he has been staying with her up at Nyack. Carson, your mother may be running short of the funds which you left with her. Just in the event that that happens, what do you wish to do if and when she calls upon me at such a time? It may be that whatever Reeves' contribution at home is, at this time, sufficient; for example his government money. But in the event it is not, or that that is not the arrangement, what do you wish me to do? I have, of course, taken care of your quarterly tax payment out of the funds in your checking account. Dear Carson, do take the best of care of yourself. We all do think of you and send you our love, Floria. P.S. Dear Carson, I am enclosing a letter from William Aspinwall Bradley about A Tree, A Rock, A Cloud. I don't know whether you are interested in his suggestion or whether it is still timely. Apparently the forwarding of the mail caused a delay. If you want to get in touch with him over there, let me know what your decision is and I will send him the appropriate document. The significant thing, if the money is not an essential element to you, is the appropriate copyright notice and protection. January 24th. 1952. Carson McCullers, 131 South Broadway, Nyack, New York. Carson dear, I spoke with Reeves today. I am enclosing herewith your two government bonds, one for $1,000 and one for $500, which you will have time to deposit in your safety deposit box before you leave. I'll see you when you come to New York. Floria (Registered) February 29, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, Villa Cleose, Villini--Castel Gandolfo, Provence of Rome, Italy. Dear Carson and Reeves, I received Reeves' letter and the settled and peaceful feeling which he conveyed was wonderful. And I hope that, mixed with a great deal of enjoyment, it will continue to remain that way. Everything here is much the same. Although Member of the Wedding royalties are not quite so high as before, the receipts nonetheless obviously are $16,000 to $17,000 on tour, and the royalties stay quite healthy. Nothing further has been heard about Member of the Wedding motion picture. Carson should try to set her mind at ease about it. It is a calculated risk which an author, no matter who, has to take when he or she deserts[?[ the motion picture rights. The best that one can do is to select a producer in whom one has a moderate amount of faith and on whose artistic integrity one can rely, at least to some smallest extent. If I hear anything, I shall surely let you know. The 25 shares of AT&T have been sent to me here and I will continue to hold the certificates. Is the $1,000 government bond which you referred to the one which I sent to you registered mail just before you left? If you didn't receive it, I will have to put a tracer on it here. David and I would surely love to come this summer but as yet there are certainly no definite plans. The Congress for Cultural Freedom is having an arts festival beginning the end of April through June 1st. It promises to be fascinating and I certainly would love to go. My brother Melvin, and my sister-in-law, will be there. Perhaps you will be there at the time. If so, be sure to see them. We all send love, Floria Lasky P.S. -- I received a check payable to Reeves for $12.68 representing a dividend on his Metropolitan Life Insurance Policy. What shall I do with this? March 10th, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, Villa Cleose, Villini--Castel Gandolfo, Provence of Rome, Italy. Dear Carson and Reeves, Bebe called me when she was in New York a few days ago to tell me that she had received some lovely letters from you and that she felt that you were having a lovely and peaceful time. Since this reinforced my own impressions, I can't help but write and tell you how delighted I am that you are beginning to get out of the trip what you were looking for. Things here, as you know, proceed in the usual fashion. Theater business in New York has been a little bad recently but Member of the Wedding did almost $18,000 in Milwaukee the week of February 23rd and the net royalty, Carson, came to over $1,300. It certainly is too bad the tour will have to be closing soon, but we should be delighted that it has done as well as it has and in any event there is, of course, the motion picture money which will be forthcoming for the next few years. I haven't heard anything further about the script for the movie and I suggest that you forget about it. Just so that you don't forget the details of the operation of the American economy, I am enclosing herewith some correspondence from the American Clientel[?]. I still haven't heard anything about the government bond. I will write to Bebe about it today. Love to both. Keep well. Floria David sends his fondest. P.S. - Enclosed is a letter from National Institute of Arts and Letters. I refused the invitation with your regrets, Floria March 11, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, Villa Cleose, Villini--Castel Gandolfo, Rome, Italy. Dear Carson and Reeves, I received your letter today with the United Shoe Machinery dividend the day after I wrote you. I am happy to hear that the government bonds turned up. If you change your mind you can send them on here and I will hold them in safe keeping. Carson's illness disturbed me a little, but I am happy to hear that the matter is clearing up. I wish you, Carson, would keep on proving to us that you are stronger than all of us, which you really are, you know. I enclose herewith Reeves' check from the Metropolitan Live Insurance Company for $12.68. I will, of course, keep on depositing all the checks that come to you, Carson. Love to you both and keep well. P.S. -- About Melvin - they will be in Paris during the month of May for the Congress for Culture Freedom Arts and Music Festival. Perhaps you can get on to Paris then. I am sure you will find it fascinating. March 21, 1952. Mrs. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers [Sullivan-Rome address]. Dear Carson and Reeves, how are you both feeling? Are you enjoying your place? If it isn't a strain, drop me a note once in a while. I think about you a lot and would really like to know how you are both getting on. Bebe spoke with me the other day. She tells you have some undue concern about her welfare. She seems to be fine and perfectly happy to go south and visit with Carson's brother. She cannot understand why you are worried about her and asked me to please dispel any fears tha tyou might have. Enclosed herewith is a letter from the American Academy of Arts and Letters which is self explanatory. Do you want me to do anything about this and if so, where would these things be located? I enclose the report of Consolidated Edison & Company to its stockholders. We all send our love, Floria March 28, 1952. From Alexander H. Cohen, Letterhead 630 5th Avenue, New York 20, New York. Miss Floria Lasky. Dear Miss Lasky, confirming our telephone conversation this afternoon, would you be kind enough to convey to Miss Carson McCullers my interest in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter? I would be most interested in a dramatization of the novel by Miss McCullers and if she would care to undertake I would make any reasonable advances and arrangements for her convenience. She may not be familiar with my work in the theater. I have been the co-producer of Angel Street, The Duke in Darkness, King Lear, Make a Wish, and others. May I hear from you? March 31, 1952. Mrs. Carson McCullers, [Sullivan--the Rome address]. Dear Carson, enclosed herewith is a letter from Alexander H. Cohen, expressing his interest in a dramatization of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. What are your reactions to it? Are you interested? Everything here is going along as usual. I trust that things are well for you and Reeves over there. Love from all, Floria V. Lasky [Sullivan--In pencil - Love to Reeves] April 8, 1952. To Carson and Reeves in Rome. Dear Carson and Reeves, I enclose herewith some mail from the National Institute of Arts and Letters to which you may wish to respond. Also enclosed is some mail from the George W. Halme Company. The checking account at the Nyack Bank now aggregates as of April 7th, according to the bank, $21,154.99. This figure, I think, is attributable in good part to the wonderful run which The Member of the Wedding has been having. The gross receipts for the week ending March 22nd at the Nixon Theater in Pittsburgh were $28,717.05. As I refer back to the official slip I notice that there is an exclamation point mark after the figure, and I can well understand it. It is just too bad that the run will close shortly, May 17th or thereabouts. There was also a gross remittance of $1,237.80 from New Directions on sales of copies of the play. From that figure was deducted Audrey's commission as well as $37.64 expenses incurred by New Directions. There was a $20 item for typing the script and $17.64 which was for a ticket for Carson from London to Paris. Although that ticket was never used, it was too late to cancel it. If I don't hear from you directly I will assume these charges are correct. I'll also pay a $309 bill for an antique mirror which Bebe picked up for you in Columbus. Bebe says she knows it is something she knows you both will love. I am also going to pay a $300 bill from Irving Warshaw for his services last year. I assume this is in accordance with your arrangements with him. I hope you are both well. We all send our love. Love from David and Floria April 5th, 1952. Care of American Express, Rome, Italy. From Carson. Mr. Alexander H. Cohen, 630 5th Avenue, New York 20, New York. Dear Mr. Cohen, this is in answer to your letter of March 28th regarding your proposal to dramatize my novel, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. At this time I do not wish to commit myself to either yes or no and I should like to think the matter over. I will get in touch with within three or four weeks. Very truly yours, Carson McCullers April 10th, 1952. Mrs. Carson McCullers, Villa Cleose, Villini--Castel Gandolfo, Province of Rome, Italy. Dear Carson, your mail, mostly about The Ballad of the Sad Cafe, has just been received and both Bill and I will give it our immediate attention and get back to you about it. What did you think about the idea of dramatizing Heart? It may be a somewhat simpler task, perhaps, than the musical. In any event we will get in touch with you very soon. The National Institute of Arts and Letters has been in touch with me again about displaying a manuscript of yours in your own handwriting. The deadline is May 1st. Would you let me know whether or not you want to give her anything to display? Love to you both, Floria April 15th, 1952. Mrs. Carson McCullers, address in Rome, Italy. Dearest Carson, re: The Ballad of the Sad Cafe. Your plans have greatly excited both Bill and myself and we immediately proceeded to present it to Josh Logan. As soon as we get his answer we will let you know. If it should be in the negative we certainly will pursue it through other likely sources. As to the letter to Bob Whitehead we feel that there is no reason why he should not be able to produce a musical. We do think, however, that it is premature and would suggest holding up the letter you sent us for him until some future time. We are thrilled at this new interest of yours and will do everything we can to help you realize it. Love from Bill and myself to both of you. Sincerely, Floria V. Lasky Write re: Ann Watkins I.C.[Processor's note -- possibly an abbreviation for "in care of"] through Harper's Bazaar Mary Lou Aswell penciled in at the bottom. April 21, 1952. Dear Carson and Reeves. Received Reeves' letter that you were leaving Rome for Paris. I am sorry that you have not had an agreeable time physically, but now that it is spring all those winter ailments are supposed to fly. Be sure that they do. The immediate thing is The Ballad of the Sad Cafe idea. We are still waiting for a reply from Joshua Logan which we expect at any time now. In the event, as I wrote you before, if his answer is in the negative we will certainly pursue any other likely possibilities. In the event that we can locate any available manuscripts in Carson's hand here in the office (there may be one from the Greer Johnson days), would you authorize me to give it to Mr. Josephson at the National Foundation? Bebe called me from Nyack. Although she was having quite an agreeable time in the South, I think she was really glad to come home. "Nyack is now home," she says, "not Columbus. You can't go home again." In any event she is very well and I think very touched by your constant thoughts of her. Love to you both, Floria May 5th, 1952. Mrs. Carson McCullers care of John Brown, United State Embassy, Paris, France. Dearest Carson, I just received an answer from Josh Logan re: The Ballad of the Sad Cafe. A copy of it is enclosed. The show on which he is presently working is a musical adaptation of Kober's Having a Wonderful Time. In view of this answer, I'm going to sound out Bob Whitehead and perhaps John La Touche and others you have mentioned as to their thoughts and interest in it. After that I will give you a full report. There was an invitation to the American Academy of the National Institute of Arts and Letters ceremonial on May 28th, 1952. I shall, of course, refuse it on your behalf in view of your absence. How are you both feeling? Your mother is back in Nyack as you know. I believe she has already rented one apartment. She seems to be much better at that than the real estate agents. We all send our love. Floria [Typed in] P.S. - After receiving Logan's letter, Bill wrote to him asking him about the likelihood of his interest after July, since you might wish to wait. I'll write you his answer. June 30th, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers, Oise, France. Dear Carson and Reeves. Received your letter from your new home. I cannot tell you how happy I was to hear that you are feeling peaceful and happy. It has taken a long time but I hope that your new home is the answer. I have been checking on Bebe who seems to be progressing very well. I spoke to Dr. Sanderson. I also spoke with Reeves' mother, left her my number and told her that if she needed any help of any kind to please call upon me. She seemed to be quite steady and definite in her plans for the house and renting it and so forth. I have already written to Houghton Mifflin asking them to remit to me for Carson all monies which, under any agreements with them or their licenses, might be remittable to Maxim Lieber. Consistent with an item in Witness, his old phone number was no longer right, nor was there any listing for him here in the city. We have been perfectly happy with our arrangement with doing all these things that you term "extra work." Please have no concern about letting me know at any time what you would like us to do for you. If, as, and when we do not think the arrangement is satisfactory, we will discuss it with you. We do appreciate your thoughts, however. When Carson hears from Bob Whitehead, let me know what his plans, if any, are. We shall also pursue the Logan thing here, as soon as feasible. As and when I receive John La Touche's thoughts about the Ballad, I will also pass them on to you. Please take care of yourselves and continue to be happy. That's a mandate. Enclosed is various securities, literature which you might find of interest. July 7th, 1952. Miss Carson McCullers, care of Floria Lasky, Fitelson & Mayers, New York. Dear Miss McCullers, you will recall that some time ago I wrote to you in Italy about the possibility of your dramatizing your novel, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. At that time you wrote me that you weren't interested in that consideration and that you would write me in three or four weeks. I don't wish to pressure you, but three months have passed and I am most enthusiastic about this novel and your works and naturally I am anxious to know if you have reached any decision. Would you be kind enough at your leisure to let me have word of this? I trust you are enjoying your rest where ever you are and I look forward one day to have the pleasure of meeting you personally. Sincerely, Alexander H. Cohen July 8, 1952. Mr. Alexander H. Cohen, 598 Madison Avenue, New York 22, New York. Dear Mr. Cohen, Mrs. Carson McCullers, our client is now in France. I will forward your letter of July 7th to her. As she is working on an important novel it may be impracticable for her to give any decision about dramatizing The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. Without making any commitments, or implications by entering this suggestion, I wonder if you are interested in entering into a dramatic production contract with Mrs. McCullers of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, subject to your finding a dramatist who would be approved by Mrs. McCullers in the event she is unable to undertake the dramatization. It would be interesting to get your reaction to this question and pass it on to Mrs. McCullers. Sincerely, Floria V. Lasky July 10th, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers, Oise. Dearest Carson and Reeves, as I wrote you I had instructed Houghton Mifflin that no payments due you were to be paid to Maxim Lieber, but on the contrary directly to you. I had written them that we do not know where Mr. Lieber was located, etc. I just received Houghton Mifflin's answer in which they advised me that Lieber himself has instructed them to remit directly to . . . [end of tape] Cassette Tape 23 -- Side B -- Lasky File to 1953 -- 31 minutes and 10 seconds Sullivan's Label: Lasky File to 1953 [MC298-5-1-017b] [Sullivan -- This is a continuation of the Lasky files] July 10, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers, Oise, France. Dearest Carson and Reeves, as I wrote you I had instructed Houghton Mifflin that no payments due you were to be paid to Maxim Lieber, but on the contrary directly to you. I had written them that we do not know where Mr. Lieber was located, etc. I just received Houghton Mifflin's answer in which they advised me that Lieber himself had instructed them to remit directly to you after deducting his agency commission. He is living in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Listed below is the information Houghton Mifflin gave me as to remittances made to Lieber during the last year in connection with your account : June 15th, 1951, statement sent to Mr. Lieber for the full amount, Heart is a Lonely Hunter, $37.81; November 1st, 1951, statement sent to Mr. Lieber for the full amount, Reflections in a Golden Eye, Bantam and New Directions editions, $916.88; December 15th, 1951, statement sent to Mrs. McCullers with duplicate sent to Mr. Lieber, Ballad of the Sad Cafe, 5% commission to Mr. Lieber, $282.86, Heart is a Lonely Hunter, 10% commission to Mr. Lieber, 53 cents; May 31, 1952, statement sent to Mrs. McCullers with duplicate sent to Mr. Lieber, Reflections in a Golden Eye, 10% commission due Mr. Lieber on September 1st, 1952, $40.19; June 15, 1952, statement sent to Mrs. McCullers with duplicate sent to Mr. Lieber, Ballad of the Sad Cafe, 5% commission to Mr. Lieber, $51.62, Heart is a Lonely Hunter 10% commission to Mr. Lieber, $2.33. Does the above seem to be in order? [Penciled in "Yes"] [Continuation] Houghton Mifflin wanted to verify that we were not revoking his commissions in any way and I am advising them, unless I hear from you to the contrary, that as far as we are concerned there is no need or reason to revoke his commissions and that our instructions were merely necessitated by the fact that we do not want the monies to which you were entitled remitted to him out of the country, etc. ["OK" penciled in margin] Do you want any further payments which would otherwise have been made to him to be made to you, care of me here? If so, let me know by return mail and also confirm that I am to deposit them in the Nyack bank. If not, let me know how you wish the monies remitted. All our love, Floria Be well. July 9th, 1952. Mrs. Carson McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers, Oise, France. Dear Carson, enclosed is a copy of a letter from Mr. Alexander H. Cohen. You recall he is the one who wrote you before about The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and your possibly dramatizing it. Upon receipt of the letter I answered him. A copy of my answer is enclosed. What is your reaction to our suggestion to him? If in the meantime I hear from him, I will write to you immediately. Our love to both of you. Be well, Floria July 7, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers, Oise, France. Dear Carson and Reeves, I hope the idyll continues and that you are both well and happy. Enclosed herewith is a notification to Reeves from the Army to the effect that his normal monthly pay will be $197.34 instead of $189.75 . In the meantime I received a check for $204.93. What am I to do with these checks when they come? I will hold this one until I hear from you. I also received a bank statement for the month indicating a balance as of June 17th of $11,954.17. Among the cancelled checks was a check for $580 to Air France. This was separate from the check for both your flights back. Is this the check in advance for Bebe? Love from all, Floria [Sullivan - "Answered 7/19/52" in pencil at the bottom] July 23, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers. Dearest Carson and Reeves, thank you for your letter of July 19th which certainly answered all the questions. I am sorry about your few days of depression and now that they are over, please keep them from your door. Enclosed herewith is Reeves' Army check and, as he wishes, I will send them regularly as I receive them. I will explore Heart is a Lonely Hunter matter and write you further about it. I am happy that you are enthusiastic. It would certainly be possible to be more careful in the selection of an adapter in this case than in the case of the Member, and your anxieties would be minimized. In any event, I will write you further about it . Love to both of you, Floria August 8, 1952. Reeves and Carson at Bachivillers. My dear Carson and Reeves, I hope you are both well. Enclosed herewith is Reeves' May 31st Army check. I received your correspondence about Audrey Wood and have filed it here. I do think that you might have added in your letter to her that you had certainly thought of dramatizing Ballad, musically or otherwise, many times before and that it was not a new suggestion from Audrey, but since you didn't, forget about it. We will be investigating the possibilities on the Ballad as well as the Heart and write you about it. Also enclosed herewith is a letter from Carson's English publishers. We are sending the books under separate cover. My love to you both and do take care of yourselves, Floria P.S. - I spoke at length to Bebe after she left the sanitarium and was on her way to the South. I do think that for the time being her decision not to join you was the correct one. She knows however and appreciates your love and consideration for her, but I believe that the trip might have been a little too much for her at this time and she apparently will be fairly content for the time being in Columbus. She promised to be in touch with me about anything that she needs. [Sullivan -- Penciled] As I hope you will. Love, Floria August 26, 1952. Carson and Reeves Bachivillers. Dear Carson and Reeves, I received Reeves' letter, as well as the enclosure from this Mr. Jaz (or Vaz). He sounds like a most serious and even distinguished young man. However in view of the fact that a first class British production of The Member of the Wedding is still something to be hoped for, permitting this kind of production would be unwise, in my opinion. I think you should write him immediately and tell him so . In case you don't have his name and address it is: Mr. Noel D. Vaz (or Jaz), 37A Clanticarde Gardens, London W2. I don't think that any of his suggestions should be utilized unfairly, but perhaps his casting suggestions would be of assistance to Bob Whitehead and/or the British producer if and when there is one. I will certainly mention the whole matter to Bob when I speak to him. I am delighted with the news that things are well with you, that the only matter of concern is Christian's pups. The name and address of the dealer in Columbus, Georgia from whom you bought the mirror is King's Interiors, as above. Don't hesitate to ask me to write them for you. I would be happy t do so. I gathered from your letter, however, that you wanted to do it directly in view of your file of direct correspondence with them. David and I and of course Bill send our love. Floria September 4th, 1952. To Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, Bachivillers. Dearest Carson and Reeves, this summer in New York has been an unusually dreadful one. That it should have been is another, if subordinate reason, to have come to visit that idyllic place one hour from Paris. I hope that you both enjoy it and will continue to do so. The shooting of Member, I believe, has been completed. I trust it will be a great success although it will not be released for quite some time yet. Mr. Alex Cohen, the producer of whom we wrote you some time ago, is still very much interested in a dramatic adaptation of Heart and as soon as his present production is completed we are going to sit down and work out some arrangement for a version, etc., on conditions acceptable to you. He has not insisted, as you know, on your writing the adaptation but would be willing to find someone subject to your approval. I am going to explore this further with him when we meet. On the The Ballad of the Sad Cafe Bob Whitehead is likewise apparently very occupied with his current production and I have not heard from him. John La Touche, however, called me yesterday. You may recall that I spoke with him very informally to get his reaction to a possible musical version of the Ballad. He made notes at the time but being so busy in efforts to sell his new musical that he never sent them on to me. He is doing that now and as soon as I receive them I will send them on to you. Would you give me your reactions to the following: Houghton Mifflin Company made an arrangement with Bantam Books granting them the rights to publish your short story, The Jockey, in Bantam's anthology, Fifty Great Short Stories. Naturally Houghton Mifflin could grant such rights only for the territory which it had, that is the United States and Canada. Bantam has asked us for so called non-exclusive English language rights in open market. By this is meant the right to circulate the English language version in other territories in the world except the British Commonwealth, the United States dependencies and Ireland. The royalty is nominal, of course, for the open market rights, 30 cents for each thousand copies in excess of 33,333 copies. If these English language rights were to apply to England or the English-speaking countries, I should be against granting such rights, because it would compete, in some ways, with the publishers of the Ballad collection in some territories. In view of the fact, however, that the open market territories are not English speaking, and the rights desired for Bantam are for English language, it seems to me that it would not be competitive. Please give me your reaction to the above as soon as possible. Bantam Books is now in a quite urgent desire to know whether it can circulate the Anthology in those territories. By way of report as of August 27, 1952 your bank balance in the Nyack bank is still $11,168.79. We all send our love. Please write. Floria September 9th, 1952. Mrs. Carson McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers. Dearest Carson, since writing you last, Bantam Books informed me that of the 50 stories to be included in that short story anthology, they have already received the rights they asked of you to 48 of them. They would appreciate having your answer as soon as possible, naturally. I also just received a letter from Audrey which I enclose. If the terms could be improved naturally it would be more desirable, but under the circumstances and the difficulties of casting on the Continent, I would be inclined to recommend it to you. Love to you both, Floria September 22, 1952. Dear Carson and Reeves at Bachivillers, received you letter and it was wonderful to get a few words from you directly. Although Reeves does speak wonderfully for both of you, Carson. The sharpness of the September air practically arrived in your envelope. Delighted to hear not only that you are peaceful but that you are working. I will pass on the acceptance of the Norwegian offer to Audrey. I also complied with the Bantam Books request on the non-exclusive open market areas. Enclosed are two Army checks for Reeves, one dated July 31st and one August 31st, 1952. I don't know why they both came together today. I had already begun to wonder, as a matter of fact, why I hadn't received one in so long. Love, Floria. September 25, 1952. From Alexander H. Cohen, Madison Avenue, New York. Dear Floria, thanks for your letter of September 22nd. Insofar as additional suggestions for possible adapters, I don't really feel that I have any good thoughts on this at this time, but I would be anxious to get Mrs. McCullers' reaction to Robert Rossen first. Insofar as my credits are concerned, I was co-producer of the following Broadway plays: Angel Street, Bright Lights, Of Thee I Sing, The Duke in Darkness, Jenny Kissed Me, King Lear, Make a Wish, and Courtin' Time. Currently I am prepared for December 4th rehearsal Be Your Age, a comedy by Reginald Denham and for February rehearsals The Man Upstairs by Patrick Hamilton. Also in preparation is a tour of Amahl and the Night Visitor and The Old Man and the Thief [Processor's note - this is what Sullivan said, but it should be The Old Maid and the Thief] by Gian Carlo Menotti. In addition I have produced a half dozen other plays and was manager of Follow the Girls and Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. I trust this gives you the information which you requested. Cordially yours, Alexander H. Cohen September 18th, 1952. From Cohen again. Dear Floria, it was nice meeting with you last week and after further consideration I would like to suggest that you forward to Mrs. Carson McCullers the following proposal with reference to the dramatization of her novel Heart. To acquire the rights, I would make a down payment of $500 and thereafter a payment of $150 a month until the play is produced with the understanding that the agreement would lapse at the end of 24 months. If Mrs. McCullers consents to dramatize her own work which of course is my primary interest, I would suggest that she receive a flat 10% of the gross and if the work is adapted by another dramatist, I would suggest that Mrs. McCullers would receive a flat 5% of the gross box office receipts. In the event that Mrs. McCullers declines to adapt her own work, I would suggest that she give consideration to Robert Rossen, who would adapt and direct. Sincerely, Alexander H. Cohen October 2nd, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, Eden Hotel, Rome, Italy. Dearest Carson and Reeves, received Reeves' letter from Rome today exactly 24 hours after I had heard from Audrey about the picture and written to you in Rome myself. If Reeves' letter is any indication, you both sound wonderful and probably the Roman project was a perfect idea. I know that your contribution to the script moreover will be invaluable. As far as the execution of the agreements is concerned, apparently Audrey has sent the contract directly to you in Rome for signature, having sent me only photostatic copies. Perhaps the reason for this was that since the billing should be straightened out at the same time and Selznick was on his way to Rome, Audrey assumed that it would be best for you to sign the agreements when the credit matter is straightened out, which would be at the same time. I would like a set of agreements after signature by all parties. My love to you both, Floria V. Lasky P.S. -- Just received September 30th bank statements. Bank balance $14,211.26. October 1st, 1952. Mrs. Carson McCullers, Eden Hotel, Rome, Italy. Dear Carson, there has just been delivered to me a rather lengthy letter from Audrey Wood, together with some photostatic copies of documents concerning Terminal Station. I hasten to write to you although I have not yet had an opportunity to examine the documents in detail yet, but since you are already in Rome working on the picture to my great surprise, your services will probably already have been completed before any opportunity to change documents. In any event, I think it is wonderful sign of vitality and I hope you are having a wonderful time. The reason for my haste in writing to you is to correct an impression you may have which was conveyed to me through Audrey, that is that any money earned by you there is necessarily non-taxable in the United States. This is not necessarily so. As a matter of fact, this money will be earned in 1952. The tax laws provide that money earned abroad is non-taxable if certain conditions are met. The conditions are that you reside continuously abroad for a calendar year. In this case, January 1st 1952 through January 1st, 1953, or in the alternative, that you reside abroad for a period of 510 days within an 18 month consecutive period. Accordingly the tax-exempt nature of the monies which you are now earning depends on where you will be living during the next period. I assume that since you bought the house near Paris it is quite logical that you will be living continuously for at least the next year or two. In that case, there will be no tax problem. Perhaps I don't intend for the above to be a complete statement of analysis of the tax law since you know I am by no means a tax expert, but I checked the regulations pertaining to that situation and the above provisions were set forth. Incidentally, I don't particularly care for the billing "English dialog by Carson McCullers" and upon Selznick's arrival in Rome I think you should work out something better sounding. Love to you both, Floria V. Lasky P.S. -- Please answer by return mail. Let me know if Reeves is with you or if he's in Paris as I have another check for him which I don't want to send to Paris unless I know someone is there. October 20th, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers, France. Dearest Carson and Reeves, received your wire about the check and about your staying on a little longer in Rome. I must say from the sound of you theat the trip was a wonderful idea. You both sound stimulated , active and happy. You will I know, nonetheless, be happy when you get back. When you do, if you have the energy and inclination do write to me about your trip and your work on the picture. How many weeks did you actually work? Enclosed is Reeves' Army check. Also enclosed are copies of two letters from Alexander Cohen, the young producer who wrote you some time ago about his interest in Heart. I am sending the letter on though, except for his credits, they are not complete. The royalties and advances are OK, but the matter of your approval or choice for adapter is not referred to, although that was the big point of my meeting with him. There are many reservations you may have about Rossen also. Give me your thinking about it. In the meantime I will explore it further here. My love to you both, Floria Notes in the margin -- Who adapted Darkness at Noon? Great problem. Sets 3 or 4. Ask about Whitehead, Van Druten, Logan. (This Reeves' handwriting, by the way.) We are this definite about it. Carson will do it herself or approve an adapter. You and Bill know much more about theater than C. Treacherous. Not the same delicacy. [something] lacking. Question of language which only the original creator could have done. October 24th, 1952. From Reeves, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers. My dear Floria, I think we have received all of your October letters. October 1 and 2 to the Hotel Eden in Rome and the one of October 20th with my check arrived today. Also the copies of letters from Mr. Cohen. Enclosed is a copy of a letter to Audrey Wood, which I trust explains all of the Rome business. It ends with "Love" because she started it in a cable and it didn't seem polite to keep saying just "Yours truly". We still have a bone to pick with that husband of hers because of the shabby trick he tried to work on Carson, but I suppose Audrey has Carson's interests at heart, as long as they coincide with her own. Carson does not feel that she has need of Audrey as an agent except through Hollywood connections . She can act as her own literary agent and anything she does through the theater she would like to come through you and Bill, if that is agreeable with you. We read with great interest the letter that arrived today. We have talked about it for several weeks and Carson has arrived at a definite decision. She would like to see The Heart is a Lonely Hunter in play form and she is willing to stop off on the novel for 6 to 8 months, even for a year if some producer offers an advance, and do it herself. Ideally she would like some capable person to do it himself, if that person can be found, but the idea of co-adapting it is out. She does not feel that she could work with anyone on it . It would have to be someone else on his own or herself alone. Neither of us knows Robert Rossen, nor am I familiar with those productions of Mr. Cohen. In fact, both of us are pretty ignorant about the theater, but don't tell anybody. No, Carson really isn't but she hasn't seen many American plays . Will you please let us know anything you can find out about Rossen? Anything he has written or plays he has directed. (Cohen mentioned that he could adapt and direct.) As a suggestion, who adapted and directed Darkness at Noon? Do you have any idea if John Van Druten or Logan would be interested? Bob Whitehead is a wonderful person to work with and I wonder if he is too tied up with ANCA. You and Bill know so much more about the theater than we do so we eagerly await your advice. In many ways, this play should be easier than The Member of the Wedding. There is not the same treacherous delicacy and hairline question of language which only the original creator could have transposed to the stage and kept the poetry. In The Heart is a Lonely Hunter there is more of what is called a conventional plot, but there is the great and expensive problem of sets and I don't see how we could get by with less than three. This is Carson's first work and she loves it. She has often thought of it in terms of a movie, but is re-reading it now and considering it in terms of the stage and we will write again soon. She is anxious to get the wheels turning so let us know what develops there. And please give her your and Bill's personal thoughts . Love from both of us, Reeves November 17th, 1952. From Carson [Sullivan -- the date is in pencil and the top and may be in someone else's handwriting] Dearest Cheryl, it was so good to hear from you again. We got back from Rome three weeks ago, not particularly sad but much wiser about the ways of Hollywood. Things were going well until Selznick came in and began throwing his weight around. He decided to write the movie, so we were just as pleased to get on a plane and come back to our little house in Paris. There were no lost illusions and it meant nothing to me except that it's just a job to do for the money, and I felt I gave them their money's worth, but Selznick just didn't know what he wanted. I want to get started in again on my novel, Clock Without Hands, which you know all about and I was hesitant to interrupt it. It is the same one I have been working on all these years and have to get it down. I have had offers about dramatizing my own works, the Ballad and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, but again I have hesitated because of the many difficulties involved. But the journal of Anne Frank may be something entirely different and Reeves and I have been discussing it pro and con this morning. I am very much interested and am reading the English translation now and will write you immediately after finishing it. I too wonder about the advisability of doing this work an ocean away and certainly the advise you and Danny and [Caitlin?] could give would be invaluable. Therefore if I go into this we may stay in America until the play is finished. You have been my baby since I was grown (God help us both) and it would be marvelous for us to work together. Why don't you mention this to Floria as, thanks to you and Bill, they have been my good friends and advisors for years and they represent me in all my endeavors. Honey, I am so glad you persuaded Bill to take my problem as I would have been helpless without them. I have no contract with Audrey Wood and I see no reason for her to come into the picture if I take this on. Just between us [underlined] I don't much like her, but don't tell Tenn or anyone else this. I will close and get back to the "Diary" but will write again soon. Love from us to you and to Ruth. Carson December 22nd, 1952. From Floria to Carson and Reeves. Bachivillers. Dear Carson and Reeves, I am sure that you received my wire which I trust belayed any fears you might have had about my disappearance. Actually a recurrent virus and a back, neck muscle problem, both of which are happily over, I believe. Not a vacation has kept my busy but I have been in the office because I have been out so much. In any event, this is not intended to be the long letter which I will write you in another few days. I merely wanted to get some information and the enclosed checks and documents off to you without any further delay. Two checks arrived I believe a week and a half ago. They arrived together, as you can see by the postmark, although one is the November the1st check and the other is the December the 1st check. I don't know why they came together but they did, and I send them on to you herewith. The last check I sent you was on October 20th. That must have been the October 1st check so everything seems to be order on that score. We received a check from Houghton Miflin for $408.84 representing royalties on Member of the Wedding and Ballad of the Sad Cafe for December 15th, 1952. This is after deduction agent's commission. I am sending you the statements which I would like you to return for your file here. I do however want you to see where the royalties came from and what the deductions were. The check I will deposit in the Nyack bank. As far as the Selznick people were concerned you were paid $750 a week for the weeks ending 9/28, 10/5, 10/12 and 10/19. Four weeks at $750 is $3,000. Audrey Wood's commission of $300 was deducted, as well as $589.60 withholding tax and $45 Social Security, leaving a balance of $2,065.40 which I also deposited in the Nyack bank. Warshaw received all of these notations so that if you are able to take advantage of the fact that you live abroad he will of course keep that in mind. There was a $77.40 net royalty on a summer stock performance of Member of the Wedding. That amount represents 60% of the gross payment less agent's commission and typing charges. I deposited that check as well as the $10 check, royalty on the reprint on The Jockey in the Nyack bank. I think that brings you up to date on the royalty statements and the Selznick payments. The $2,900 cancelled check was, as you correctly surmised, for the Internal Revenue Department. For some reason, we had not received a notification for the July payment and so the July and September payments, at $1,450 each, were made together. The bank statement for September 11th to October 23rd came here with the additional statement. It has been forwarded on to Warshaw as all the statements, with cancelled checks, are forwarded to him . I notice there a check for $3,000 payable to Banc Privée de Genève. I assume that was for living expenses. I enclose herewith a couple of documents to be signed by Carson and to be returned to me. This is, as you see, by way of a financial report for the most part. I will write to you on all the literary matters in a few days. In the meantime I want you to know that Sydney Kingsley did the Darkness at Noon adaptation. Koestler apparently thought it was so bad, however, that there was a very hot and heavy arbitration here. [Sullivan--in pen] All my love to you both and my dearest wishes for the New Year and the wonderful years ahead. David joins me, of course. Floria January 2nd, 1953. Mrs. Carson McCullers, ancien presbytère, Bachivillers. Dear Carson, Floria told me that Cheryl suggested that you do the Ann Frank diary. The idea is brilliant. I wish I had thought of it. Sincerely, Bill Fitleson January 8, 1953. From Reeves to Floria. Dearest Floria, we do hope you had pleasant holidays and are feeling well these days. It has been a fine winter here, and being Southerners, to our delight we are snowbound several times a month. In a way we hate to leave here and miss the spring, but we are very excited about this Anne Frank play. What are your feelings about it? If you like the idea, and can do so, will you and Bill represent Carson's interests? I don't see the necessity of an agent and paying an unneeded fee . If you do take us on, we will reach an agreement for an equitable fee for your firm, whatever you think is proper. That being so, will you please arrange a contract for Carson with Cheryl? Can it be arranged that she be paid something during the time she is working on it and how much? Is it proper to ask Cheryl to pay our or Carson's travel expenses over there? It looks like we will be there for several months and we will probably stay in the house at Nyack. Mr. Pike will probably be here within a week. If not, we will go to Basel to see him for a few days. Then we are all set. Carson is impatient to get started, so we await your answer and Cheryl's. It will be good to see you again. Love from both, Reeves P.S. -- Enclosed is a copy of a letter to Cheryl. January 23, 1953. To Carson and Reeves in Bachivillers. Dear Carson and Reeves, received your letter dated January 19th. I am still here at the old but busy stand, not fired, no promotion, but I still love you both as ever. You need never doubt that. I have also, however, written you . It must be all those snowbound days which would prevent you from getting our letter to you that I wrote you on the 14th. If you have not, as yet, received it, let me know immediately as Reeves government check was enclosed. [Sullivan -- parenthetical for me. The letter of the 14th is not in this file, nor this series.] I am sure that irrespective of whether or not the Anne Frank project is realized, the experience of seeing and speaking to Mr. Frank will have been more than worthwhile. Certainly even as a stranger who has gotten to know him from the diary, I would have been thrilled. As far as Meyer Levin is concerned, it has been a most unpleasant business, which I have been very close to as, for a time, I represented Meyer. In any event, to repeat what I wrote you in my last letter, Cheryl is completely engrossed in Camino Real and apparently has not even had a few minutes to discuss this, which is understandable. I hope, however, to get some concrete word on it in the next week and write to you. In the meantime, before definite plans are set, and before terms are arrived at, any work which you may do on this will be premature. As Cheryl herself has probably written you by now, the Levin thing is very disturbing to her and may even be a deterrent to her proceeding on this project. The same interference would make it un. . . . [end of tape] [Processor's note -- This letter is read in its entirity on the next tape.]