RL, Robert Lantz, 111 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 - A summary of a long telephone conversation between PS, Alan Schwartz and himself about Alex Cohen's offer for the motion picture rights for 'Black Comedy' and 'White Lies'; reports that he has also spoken to Mel Frank and Lee Sabinson of Paramount.
RL, Robert Lantz, 111 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 - Have deposited but not distributed the royalty cheque for 'Black Comedy', the week ending 2-25 Feb., cc'd to PS and Aubrey Blackburn.
Christopher Mann Ltd, 140 Park Lane, London W1Y 4BU - Recounts [David] Merrick's words as instructed by him on the street, that if PS wants Merrick to produce his play ['The Battle of Shrivings'] he will 'under no circumstances' deal with Blackburn, as he is 'unethical and immoral'.
cc: Peter Shaffer
cc: Peter Shaffer
cc: Alan Schwartz and Peter Shaffer
Ascona, Switzerland - Encloses German clippings of the Hamburg opening of 'Equus' [not present]; notes the rating in the 'Abenzeitung' gives the play six stars, which is unprecedented.
From Sir Michael Redgrave, C.B.E., 3 Hans Crescent, London, S.W.1. - Congratulates him on his Chichester triumph ['The Royal Hunt of the Sun']; believes Aubrey Blackburn talked to him about a one-act comedy that might be a vehicle for Vivien Leigh at the Guildford Festival; she may no longer be free, but he is still looking for a contrasting piece to a one-act tragedy that he might lure her with; if this comedy is still 'lively' in his mind, please let him know.
The National Theatre, The Archway, 10a Aquinas Street, London SE1 -