Venice is primarily a resort compared to Florence, though they admire the Donatello John the Baptist in the [Basilica dei Frari]; tourists are still there but it is nothing like the 'frenzied assault' in Venice; it is the first anniversary of his first encounter with Frances [Whyte]. Continues on 4 July, recounts what he has seen: the chapel at San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapel, the Academy of Fine Arts, where he particularly admires the David; describes getting left behind by his train with Frances on it with his tickets.
Is still in Southampton, hasn't heard from his contact in Paris; went to the Isle of Wight in stormy weather; maybe she [Celeste Holm?] is like that in real life, given her compassionate Ado Annie; would really like to see Olivier and Richardson do 'Othello' at the Old Vic if that comes to pass; has given up on [getting a job in] Germany; is glad to hear PS's tone of semi-resignation, thinks PS will get over him in the 'giddy round of hardly quiet fun' that awaits him in Cambridge; they've said what needs saying 'as to the sexual fears', and has faith in their ability to get past this; is thrilled at the sound of the latest 'undertaking' [unidentified]; describes meeting on a ferry Dave Calhoun, the son of his professor at Yale who is going to Cambridge, will be a Henry Fellow like Dud Towne was (who he describes), thinks Dave will make Brian [Shaffer] a good friend, as someone with common interests and 'sharp enough to stay with him'; saw the Olivier 'Pride and Prejudice', 'like a good symphony being butchered'. The letter continues the next day, arranges a time for PS to call; the news from the [Frances] Whyte-Diamond front is good: 'you'll be much relieved to see us getting on so beautifully', part of which is an active sex life.
Has been very busy getting ready to leave the country, has been with Frances [Whyte] continually and hasn't been able to write; describes what he's been doing since PS left, describes a trip to Oxford, where they especially liked Magdalen's Deer Park; spent time with Dave Calhoun who reminded them of his father [Robert Lowry Calhoun], spent time talking of philosophy, thinks Brian [Shaffer] will enjoy his company; went to see 'Othello' at Stratford and describes the play, agrees with him about [John] Quayle's Iago, and discusses John Justin's Cassio, [Paul] Scofield's Roderigo, Diana [Wynyard]'s Desdemona, and [Ena] Burrill's Emilia; describes their visit to Warwick Castle, Canterbury, hitchhiking, visiting Tony, Brian, and Reka at Windyridge; is to sail on one of the converted troop ships leaving [Southampton] the next day; saw 'Naked City' and thought it well done; really liked 'Oliver Twist' which he has seen twice; is reading 'Pride and Prejudice', but thinks Aldous Huxley wrote a good screenplay; his feelings have not stayed the same in this past month, given he has been immersed in another love, 'Nature, society, everything was for this and against us'; his love for Frances in no way dims his feelings for Peter.
Is very busy, but has wanted to yell at PS since getting his letter; doesn't agree that his [Mal's] situation is easier than Peter's and tells him to lay off; still thinks PS should undergo analysis; his relationship with Frances [Whyte] is good but they are doomed; give his best to Tony, Brian, Dave [Calhoun], and Seymour Betsky if he's still there.
It has been a long time since he has written and since PS has written; reflects on the change in his affections and refers to their relationship before Frances [Whyte] arrived and speculates that it would have degenerated instead of being abruptly cut off; shares what he has learned in analysis about his relationships; is afraid that he has put too much into the relationship to let it evolve into a friendship now; has seen Dave [Calhoun] and when they speak of Cambridge finds they are speaking of the Shaffers; mentions thrilling progress on analysis, Frances, and career but does not go into detail.
Writes from the German course at Middlebury College, Vermont. Has left the apartment he shared with his cousin Harold [Rosenberg], will probably be the building superintendent in Frances [Whyte]'s apartment house; thinks they will be married inside a year; describes the course at Middlebury College; has a lead on a teaching job at [Sarah Lawrence College] and at Columbia University; asks for news of Richard [Mayne?], Brian and Tony, and Dave Calhoun.
Western Union, New York, NY - With admiration and thanks for the night's extraordinary theatrical experience ['Equus']. Telegrams from Betty [Bacall?], Arvin Brown, Clive Hirschhorn, Ted Kotcheff, Eddie Kulukundis, Sherlee and Robbie [Lantz], Pat Macnee, Mary Ann Madden, Hal Prince, Leo de Rothschild, Harold Schiff, Carolyn [Shaffer?], Nellen and Brian [Shaffer], John Springer, Margaret and Jule Styne, Nick [?], Tony and Gen [?], Sidney and Gail [?].
18, Earls Terrace, London, W.8. - Granada is economising, cancelling plans for two hour-long scripts; Rediffusion still want his thriller; describes Jim's decorating; is reviewing books for "Truth" and says "Hotel Paradiso" with Guinness is very funny, thinks "Waltz of the Toreadors" also 'noble'; briefly shares news of Tony and Brian.