ALS: Monday, September 13, 1926

Belgrade Lakes,
Maine.
Sept. 13 ---

Dear Dick:

No, don't submit "Laz" anywhere yet. The Reinhardt-Actors proposition seems to have a good chance of coming to something. And I wouldn't want to be mixed up with Erlanger on any play in any event. He's been dead too long. He simply wouldn't know how to handle my stuff.

As for Campbell's letter about the "Hairy Ape" matter, that is all "the bunk" -- and I am dropping him a line to tell him so -- or rather, as I haven't his address, you can quote me to this effect in your next letter: "As I have only had two productions in the commercial theatre in England and as the first of these, "Anna Christie", ran for over a hundred performances and, according to Arthur Hopkins who owned a half-interest, did not loose money (in spite of Cochran's self-excusing lie to the contrary), why Mr. Campbell's statement about the lack of success of the plays is a bit silly. And his proposition of a contract which would restore to Harwood the rights he forfeited is a proposition I would never consider for a second. I am willing to let the non-commercial art theatres of England do certain of my plays for practically nothing but with the commercial theatre there I insist on a decent return. I'm not enough interested in getting plays done in the London trade theatres to make the slightest concession for that somewhat doubtful distinction. If Mr. Campbell cannot handle my plays with this in mind, and handle them a bit more successfully than he has hitherto, then I advise you to get someone else in London to take over my stuff."

Will you kindly quote the above, quoting also my request that you do so, to Campbell when you write? These English asses, with their superior air and their third-rate theatre, give me a severe pain! It will do him good to let him see how I feel. By the way, I happened to mention this "Hairy Ape" matter to Miss. Marbury, knowing she knew them all over there, and she thought she remembered that Harwood once had a Campbell for a partner. If it is the same man, this would explain a lot. In any event, I think the American Play Company ought, at my request, to take my plays out of Campbells hands. From his letter, I should say he was absolutely the wrong man for it and that, if he continues, we can expect no more results in the future than he has got in the past. And will you kindly remind him that this same Everyman theatre he is touting hasn't yet paid me a cent for their "Beyond The Horizon" production last year! By the way, you said you were doing something about that. More than ever now, I want that royalty - even if its only ten dollars - paid!

All best wishes!

Gene.