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Thanks Beaton for his letter. Was pleased to hear that Greta is well. It is a pity that she cannot find something to occupy her mind. Feels that creative people 'who have nothing to do all day but think about themselves' can never be in good health. He sent her a present so that she would know that he hadn't forgotten her this Christmas. Has been to see a lot of shows this Christmas. Discusses the shows that he has been to see. Was pleased to hear from Beaton that John Gielgud is such a success in New York. Has found a new comedy to produce on T.V. Discusses various projects he is working on in the coming year. Is not sure if he will be able to go to Austria for a holiday. Hopes that Beaton's designs for the play are going well. Sends his love to Greta.

The new house sounds 'like something you designed sketched on paper as your project for a dream house'. Discusses social occasion and all the people who were there. John Gielgud went and so did Greta. Dr. Hauser is in New York and Greta and Elsie have both been seeing him. Discusses Greta's reaction to Jerome Berbe's photographs. Discusses Greta further. Thanks Beaton for Dorothy Carrington's travel book. Beaton's travel writing 'compares well' with 'those other distinguished travellers through the ages'. Thinks the best writing Beaton ever did was his appreciation of Rex Whistler in "The Masque". Is glad that everything is going well with Paulette's costume and Alex. Asks if Vincent Korda is designing the scenery for "An Ideal Husband". Finds it hard to understand. Is glad that Beaton and his mother are settled.

Longs for Garbo to come to visit him in England. Mentions his hard work on his Gainsborough play. Writes that his relationship with Garbo feels like part of another life. Illustrates this with an anecdote about how he went to dinner with Lady Duff, and Howard Sturgess surprised him by mentioning Garbo. Complains about the wet weather. Describes his stay in Chipping Campden near Stratford-upon-Avon with John Gielgud. Praises Gielgud's acting. Describes a visit to an eccentric old man who had made a museum of an eclectic collection of items. Describes his daily routine working on his play back at Reddish. Mentions Mr Blick, his mother, David Cecil and Augustus John. Informs her that he has not heard from the Bliss Brothers. Refers to the absence of his secretary.

Is sorry that he could not ring Beaton this morning. Had serious talks with John (Gielgud) last night and they feel that only John, Beaumont, Beaton, Conway and Gladys Cobb should be allowed into the dress rehearsal. Discusses difficulties with the chandelier. Is sorry to be difficult, but is anxious that the play should be a success, particularly as it is the first peace-time production. Was delighted with the "'Dandy Dick"' this morning.

Has heard from Tony Guthrie and it looks like he is unable to fit in a production until after the Edinburgh Festival. Feels that it is very important to cast a Director to work with the Author-Designer. Would like to wait until Beaton gets back from America to talk it over and then approach whoever they decide would be best. Feels that they should get the Directors reaction to the script and talk about ideas before finally committing themselves. Discusses experience with "The Heiress" which has shown him how dangerous it is the have a Director who is not fully committed to the script. Has sent a note to Maud telling her about Guthrie. Gives suggestions for potential Directors. Thinks that John (Gielgud) would be 'magnificant'. Hopes Beaton is enjoying New York. Discusses events in New York. "Oranges and Lemons" opens at the Globe on 26 January. Is grateful to Beaton for "The Prodigal" as it has encouraged John as an actor.

Has been discussing "Lady Windemere's Fan" with John (Gielgud). They are both 'rather alarmed' at making the production too large in scale for the play. Discusses possible plans for various sets and scenes. Does not want to make the play too elaborate. Is going away on Thursday morning. Discusses more details of the play. Has enclosed a ground plan done by John of the Darlington rooms.

Thanks Beaton for the food parcel he sent. Discusses the progress of the costumes for "The School". V.L.'s (Vivien Leigh) balldress has been worked round to the original design. Describes how this has happened. The Sneerwell medallions are successful. The "Aunt" is doing very well and has almost reached five thousand. Discusses the "Aunt". Gielgud (John) is not doing well at the moment and his reputation as an actor is suffering. Encloses patterns for Beaton. Complains about the wardrobe people at the Old Vic. Has managed to find the majority of the furniture needed at Old Vic prices. L.O. (Laurence Olivier) has passed it all. The premiere of the "School" will be at the Capitol cinema in Perth.

Expresses sorrow at having hurt Beaton. Fought to have him work on the play ("The Chalk Garden"). Feels she should have fought harder. Irene (Selznick) did not want Beaton to do the play. Discusses Irene. Feels that the set suffered because Beaton was not properly treated. Refers to Beaton's letter of 22 February. Binkie did not want to have to pay Beaton's high fee. John (Sir John Gielgud) saw pictures of the set and did not want it. Discusses her weakness. Thought that Beaton knew about the difficulties before he left for America. Wonders why Beaton did not answer her letter of welcome. Expresses sorrow at everything that has happened.