Rare Correspondence between Shaw and Goldwyn, Complete with Legendary Snark
London, Los Angeles: 1936. Manuscript postcard from Shaw to Goldwyn, 3.5x5" 18 lines, hand addressed on verso, dated 1936. Reply from Goldwyn on his stationary, 10.25x7.25" 9 lines, typed, signed at bottom. Additionally, a signed reply in ms from Shaw on bottom of the letter in red ink. Transmittal folds, some tape to edges of postcard and letter from previous mounting. Very good.
Tremendously snarky exchange between the iconic Irish dramatist and American film industry pioneer. It is well documented Shaw and Goldwyn were frenemies for many years, their exchanges legendary and perhaps at times fabled. This set is a prime example of their teasing, poking, and occasionally mocking relationship, and is the only such written evidence we've encountered.
The needling and tormenting developed over years, with Goldwyn frequently trying to get Shaw to sell him rights to adapt plays, and Shaw insisting he be hired to write the screenplays himself, presumably at not an insignificant figure. One perhaps apocryphal exchange is said to have happened over lunch, with Goldwyn talking trying to bait Shaw with talk of prestige, preservation, legacy, etc. and Shaw replying to the effect "the problem as I see it is YOU are interested in art, and I am interested in money."
"The difficulty is that I haven't time to turn my plays into scenarios, and when I allow the film firms to try their hands they turn the job over to the bell boy, in whose view life is a continual going up and down stairs and opening and shutting doors. And when he wants a bit of extra dialogue he does not dream of asking me to supply it. He just sticks a patch of his raciest Californian on my classical English without perceiving the least difference. And he has no more notion of telling a story than a blind puppy of composing a symphony."
Goldwyn replies:
"Your note made your point of view about picture scripts quite clear, but it did not answer my question. Will you sell me the picture rights to Arms and the Man and The Devil's Disciple? I can't afford to hire bellboys to write my scripts. All I can say is that I shall exert every means to obtain scripts which will put your plays in motion picture form without doing violence to their structure and quality."
Shaw's final cutting remark ends the exchange:
"My dear Sam, Write again when you are struck with the brilliant and original idea of obtaining the script from your friend, the Author."
A rare and extremely illuminating group of letters from two of the more influential figures in 20th century arts and culture.
Price: $2,500.00