ALS: Thursday, March 25, 1926

(Letterhead: "BELLEVUE" / PAGET EAST, BERMUDA)

March 25 '26.

Dear Dick:

I enclose herewith the three German contracts. I have made changes in them and signed them. If Fischer V. don't like the changes, they can go to hell! The first change affects their right to make changes in the script for a production. With "Brown" they can't have this right and that's all there is to it! You can write them that the producers of "Desire" used this right to put my New England farmers on the stage in Stetsons & six shooters like cowboys, and I want no more of such nonsense. My second change is to make the publication clause read that they must publish the play if it is produced. Did they publish "Desire", do you know? And when writing, will you inform them that this is the very last play of mine they'll get until they have collected some of the plays into a regular book, not a pamphlet.

Well, I'm sort of sorry Belasco won't go ahead -- that is, really go ahead and produce "Marco". Why not get in touch with Oliver Sayler and have him read it and Gest at same time? This might result in something. Arthur Hopkins is, of course, a fine bet. You can let him know Bobby has done a lot on it already and hint that I am anxious to get back with him on a production, which is the truth. Miller, from what Nathan told me of how the Larky people control him, I haven't much hope in. He would be a good one, though. And how about trying Sam Harris? Seems to me he would be a fine bet. But I suppose all this will be held up by the Playwrights contract mix-up? Kenneth's Starry Point people -- if all goes well there -- might be good people for it if they could get Reinhardt to do it.

I've given the Guaranty Trust Co. people my permanent business address as c/o American Play Co. so if anything even comes from them, will you tell Miss. Rubin, or whoever, to forward to wherever I am with dispatch?

"Lazarus Laughed" is coming along in great shape -- but slower than I thought for I've been rewriting and reconstructing what I did last fall in accordance with a newer and deeper scheme. I might send you the first two scenes -- what would constitute a first act -- to let Hampden read in confidence, if you think it might be a good idea. Ask him. They will have to be typed first, however.

I'm waiting to hear more about your "First Man" proposition. It sounded as if it might fall through. That play wouldn't stand a chance unless wonderfully acted -- nor would "The Straw" or "Gold", for that matter. Bad acting wrecked all three before -- I mean, it took away whatever chance they might have had -- so when it's a question of revival, its a question of cast with me.

Has Hulman anything new on Bury -- Hairy Ape?

It's grand here. Better visit us. You & Mrs. M.

Gene

P.S. Be sure & push Coward -- "Brown" -- Dean -- London!

Let Bel-Geddes read "Marco". Would like to hear what he'd have to say and what his proposition would be. Better get copies of play made.

You might phone George Jean Nathan that "Marco" is free. He might have suggestion -- probably would have!