Lot 248

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Description:

Marilyn Monroe Was the Ideal Casting for "The Chase", Script and Letter from Producer

A typed letter signed attached to a first draft script for the film "The Chase". The letter is 1p, measuring 7.25" x 10.5", New York, dated March 31, 1959. Producer Sam Spiegel at Horizon Pictures Inc. writes to fellow producer, Marvin Birdt, forwarding him the new script and asking that he pass it along to Marilyn. The letter, signed "Sam", reads in full: "Attached is a copy of the script entitled 'THE CHASE'. The character of JASON is Marlon Brando and that of ANNA is Marilyn Monroe. After you have read it, please send this copy to Miss Monroe, from me." With creasing at edges and corners, boldly signed.

The letter has been stapled to the cover of the script, a red paperbound volume, 201pp, measuring 8.5" x 11", New York, March 11, 1959. The script is marked as a first draft and includes the initial dialog and directorial directions imagined for the film. The introduction of Marilyn's character, ANNA, occurs on page 26, where it should be noted that the character had initially been described as "brunette", but a handwritten emendation has changed this to "blonde". The character is described thusly, and one can easily imagine Marilyn playing the role: "ANNA REEVES stands before a cracked mirror, wriggling into a dress. She is a blonde, young, and voluptuous. As she adjusts her dress she sways rhythmically to the music. CLOSER ANGLE - FEATURING ANNA. Her movements are not narcissistic; she is lost in fantasy, dreaming of a happy time to come. There is kindness in her face, and a kind of guileless sexuality. One senses that she in uninhibited, impressionable, that her emotional responses are fullblown…" The script has wear, chipping, and creasing at the edges and corners. Small holes around the stapled area. Light edge toning. 

Sam Spiegel had acquired the rights to the property "The Chase" was based on in the 1950s, but unfortunately production on the film wasn't started until 1965. By that time, Marilyn Monroe had passed away, and the role eventually went to a young Jane Fonda. Marlon Brando had also aged out of the role of Jason, the son, and opted instead to play the role of Sheriff Calder. The part of Jason went to English actor James Fox. The film was finally released in 1966 and received mostly positive reviews. Spiegel (1901-1985) was a Polish-born American producer. He won three Oscars for Best Picture during his career, including On the Waterfront, The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Lawrence of Arabia.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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