TLS: Monday, November 29, 1920

Provincetown, Mass.
Nov. 29, 1920.

My dear Madden:

I am sorry to hear there is to be further delay in the Famous Player royalty matter. I really need the coin as soon as I can get it. I have written Williams that I expect him to do all he can to clear up this business at once, and with you and me both getting after him, he certainly ought to get down to cases. However, I think putting the blame on him is just another stall on the part of the F.P. As you remarked, they do hate to be separated, but I think the ten day letter ought to do the trick.

From what I hear, the Guild were trying to put over a hold-up game on the P.P. and that is why the Garrick deal fell through. You were quite right in telling Light that the five percent was not excessive under the circumstances, and I will hold out for it unless they can absolutely convince me that they can-not afford it. However, it will be time enough to talk of that when the uptown move looks a fact instead of a dream.

You are wrong in supposing that there is any money coming to me form "The Emperor Jones". No author gets any down there unless it is a plain case of dire need. All the money made goes into the general fund which is used solely for productions and for improving the stage facilities. Three of the working officers are paid for giving all their time to the theatre but their salaries are small. Gilpin is the highest salaried person we have ever had and all he gets is fifty per. Other actors have been paid in the past but only when it was absolutely necessary. The expenses down there, in comparison with what we get for them, are unbelievably high. The best we have ever done is to split a little better than even and this year we started with a deficit due to the building of the dome, etc. When you remember that the theatre is idle five months in the year while the rent, etc. keeps merrily on, this isn't so surprising. In view of the unprecedented prosperity of "Jones", they would doubtless be willing to pay me royalty but I shall not ask for it unless things get to a crisis. The more money they have on hand, the better production my next play will get. It all comes to the idea that the better we stick together, the better it is for each of us in the long run.

I have heard nothing further from Williams about "Gold". It's hell the way things drag just when you want most action, and when everything is so favorably set.

With very kindest regards,

Sincerely,

Eugene O'Neill.