Showing 23 results

Typewritten letter, in which Weissberger recounts his difficult negotiations with Irene Selznick and his progress in formalising an agreement by which Beaton is employed to design the costumes for "Portrait of a Lady". Irene Selznick has expressed her unease that Beaton would not be in America to work on the play from the beginning, but would only come out from London at a later date. Also, Weissberger is concerned that Irene is under the false impression that Beaton would merely decorate sets already designed by someone else; Weissberger writes that this is absurd, that it is Beaton's designs, rather than their execution, which are primarily appreciated by an audience. He provides details of his discussions with Lyn Austin and Tom Noyes [the producers of 'Portrait of a Lady'] and states that he is now waiting for the terms of an agreement for Beaton to work on the costumes for the production. Weissberger confirms that it is possible for Beaton to manage both projects in a round-trip scheduled for October / November of that year.

Typewritten letter, concerning the approval of contracts in accordance with the Union, and Weissberger's lack of information from Irene Selznick, although he has been in contact with her manager, Irving Schneider. Weissberger encloses copies for Beaton of the letters he has sent to Rudy Karnolt and Oscar Olsen, also concerning the matter of Beaton's contract.

Typewritten letter, regarding the contract agreement between Beaton and Irene Selznick, the terms of which are now in the process of being finalised. Weissberger also discusses the contract terms for Beaton's work on the costumes for "Portrait of a Lady". He concludes by noting that when the managers of "Quadrille" understand Beaton to be visiting the U.S. in the autumn, they will undoubtedly also wish to engage his services, for which a formal contract should be formalised.

Typewritten letter, in which Weissberger confirms that he has consummated the contract for "Portrait of a Lady", and outlines the financial details queried by Austin & Noyes in connection with "The Chalk Garden". Weissberger concludes that in addition to the monetary reward, Beaton will benefit from his prominent association with both productions in terms of his reputation.

Weissberger thanks Eileen for sending copy of her letter dated 14 Oct. Eileen's letter to Beaton was an exceptionally well written document coming from a non-lawyer. Subscribes to Milmo's conclusions.

Weissberger writes that Beaton showed him her letter. If the statement to Equity is not a privileged communication, Weissberger agrees with Milmo that it shouldn't be sent, as Beaton would risk an action for libel. Beaton could tone down the document and send it to Minster to present to the Council of Theatre Managers in London. "Virtual blackmail" could be changed to "indirect pressure". Beaton is afraid however that Minster will be half-hearted about this. He wishes to do his utmost to expose Wolfit's misconduct to the public. Weissberger suggests suing for damages so that the press would report it. Mr Brendan Smith of the Dublin International Theatre Festival is reported in the Irish Independent of Sep. 22 to have said that Wolfit's statements made people think that the play was bad "with the result that many stayed away". Although Beaton wants to see Wolfit dealt with he does not want to involve himself in extravagant expenditures.

Typewritten letter, in which Weissberger confirms Beaton's agreement to the terms of the contract for his work on "The Chalk Garden". He requests that if both she and Irving Schneider would read the rider for the contract, would they approve it and finalise dates to allow arrangements to proceed.

Typescript letter, regarding the set designs for the English production of "The Chalk Garden".

A typewritten letter to Irving Schneider, c/o Irene Selznick, from Arnold Weissberger. Duplicate copy. Concerns Beaton's contract as Costume and Scene Designer for "The Chalk Garden", and a supplement letter-agreement for Beaton's services as a photographer.

Typewritten letter, regarding communication between Jennifer Jones and Beaton.