TLS: Wednesday, February 05, 1919

West Point Pleasant, N.J.
Feb. 5, 1919.

My dear Mr. Madden:

As there was no word from you this morning, I judge you did not see Williams yesterday. I hope you received my letter giving contents of his note of Saturday last.

A letter from Eddy Goodman tells me that he had an interview with you in regard to his plan of blossoming into full-fledged managership. In this matter of Eddy's interest in my play I wish, confidentially, to state my exact position to you. It does not seem to me an occasion where any friendship or former association of mine should, in justice to "Beyond The Horizon", influence in any way a judgement based on sound, unbiassed values. My play, by the very difficulty of its nature, demands for a fair hearing and a chance of success an exceptionally excellent production. You will agree with me in this when you have read it. The cast is not large but the action is concentrated, and the leads correspondingly strong. Big parts mean big people - or failure. Williams has realized this need of the play from the start - which may, perhaps, account in part for his waiting policy. Certainly I believe it better to have the piece hang fire indefinitely than to risk the almost certain fizzle of inadequate production.

I don't at all mean to infer that a possible - (Eddy hasn't read the play yet or Williams given it up) - production by Goodman would fall under this latter category. I know nothing of his plans or resources. If Eddy can fill the bill, so much the better. It is a happier job to work with a friend than a stranger. What I do mean to make clear is that, in case Williams fails us, you should be free to market this play as any other - to the man who can give it the most favorable showing for success, financial and artistic. In short, since our interests are necessarily identical, I want you to have a free hand with this matter.

Hope to hear from you soon about Williams. Have written Eddy to give you the script of "Beyond The Horizon" after he reads it. Am very anxious to get your opinion on the play. I am sure the points I have dwelt on in this letter will be very plain to you after you are familiar with the play, and you will agree that in this case I have not exaggerated their importance.

With very best regards,

Very sincerely yours,

Eugene G. O'Neill.