TLS: Saturday, November 20, 1920

Provincetown, Mass.
Nov. 20, 1920.

My dear Madden:

I do not agree with you in any particular of your criticism of "The Ole Davil". In my convinced opinion it is one of the very best things I have ever done. However, everyone who has read it has gotten a different reaction on some part of the play or other - and that is a sure proof that there is something in it. Of course, the subject matter of the play is unpleasant on the surface - but so is that section of life. All that I care about is whether I have written the truth or not. As for the religious element toward the close of the play, I find nothing in it to offend me or mine, and we are all more or less Catholics. A man like Burke is exactly that sort of superstitious Catholic - an overgrown child - and I think his action should tickle anyone with a sense of humor instead of offending.

However, we will talk it all out when I see you. In the meantime, will you have at least three copies made and have one copyrighted? I am anxious to submit the play to Tyler - which I have decided is the only fair thing to do - and then when he turns it down, as he undoubtedly will, go after Hopkins with it. Hopkins has promised George Jean Nathan that he will read anything of mine at once and Nathan has offered to take him any script I send him.

Yes, the Provincetown Players are to do my two-act play on their next bill. It is in no sense a full length play and does not come under the head of any option. Besides which, its form and subject matter are such that noone would touch it but the P.P. If it makes good down there, it and "The Emperor Jones" would make a good full bill.

But how about the P.P. and the Garrick Theatre? You don't say anything more about it.

I sure am peeved at the Famous Players. The Bennett affair is no reason they should hold up my royalties, long overdue. I would go after them strong. They always try to make the author the ultimate goat. If I have to wait until Bennett comes across, I'm liable to die in the alms house in the meantime. Bennett is about nine-tenths pure bull, in my opinion, and I put no faith in any plan of his.

I am hardly liable to be in New York for some time - not until a week or so after Thanksgiving, at any rate.

With very best regards,

Sincerely,

Eugene O'Neill.