ALS: Wednesday, January 07, 1920

Provincetown, Mass.
Jan. 7, 1920.

My dear Madden:

Expected to hear form Williams, either directly or through you, long before this on the rehearsal matter. What is wrong with him this time, do you think? Is he up to the same old promise flim-flam to gain time again? It seems to me he has no excuse for not starting work on "Beyond" at once. As for casting, he claimed long ago he had that all settled. I see they are beginning to have big ads. in the papers for the Rice play -- which looks as if it needed boosting badly. Will they be able to hold the Playhouse with a play that is not a big drawing card -- long enough to get "Beyond" started, I mean?

Or, on the other hand, is it possible that they are going ahead with the rehearsals without notifying me? If W. tries that sort of monkey business I will sure raise hell about it when I do arrive.

These delays certainly make me suspect there is something rotten in Denmark somewheres. Williams must be made to understand that this is his last chance to hold the play, and every day he delays further makes that chance slimmer. I'm about at the end of my patience.

If you have not already written me when you receive this, it will be a great favor if you will wire or write me at once and give me the latest dope on all this mess.

With very kindest regards,

Very sincerely yours,

Eugene O'Neill.