Showing 12 results

Complains that he has been too busy. Summarises current affairs, including Russia's deteriorating relationship with Europe, and shortages of fuel and food in England. Describes gardening at Reddish. Mentions his mother's enthusiasm for the house and notes her ageing. Writes that, with Alexander Korda's return from New York, work was finished on 'An Ideal Husband' and restarted on 'Anna Karenina'. Discusses Vivien Leigh. Mentions that he is spending five days in a nursing home in Richmond to recover from exhaustion.

Details the outcome of his shopping trip in Paris. Writes that he found a flea market in Paris for the first time since the War but the London one has not returned having been dispersed during the air raids. Critiques plays directed by Louis Jouvet, including 'The Maids'. Describes the 'Anna Karenina' costume fittings for Vivien Leigh. Reports the progress of Alexander Korda's 'An Ideal Husband'. Gives his opinion of California. Describes his Whitsun holiday to Stratford-upon-Avon. Writes that he is staying with Juliet Duff and the other guest is Mr Maugham. Postscript, Whit Monday: describes being woken by an otter hunt. Describes the Chelsea Flower Show. Mentions Reddish House.

Reproaches Garbo for her lack of communication with him. Refers to the long hours he has to work at the studio of 'An Ideal Husband', as well as attending one or two theatrical parties. Complains that he become despondent about his play. Writes that he and Vivien Leigh travelled to France by boat because they are both scared to fly having had aeroplane accidents in the past. Explains that he is resting before the costume fittings for 'Anna Karenina' begin. Hopes to have time for personal shopping for items which he lists. Refers to his new home in the country.

To her astonishment, received a letter from Beaton which was hopeful of departure for Christmas reunion. Will warn Caroline. Discusses Mary Erskine and her marriage. Expresses curiosity to know who the 'trying director' is that Beaton speaks of. Has been in Portugal. Daphne is 'pretty grotesque', but ten years younger than the rest of them. Discusses what they have been doing in Portugal. Describes the style of clothes worn by the Portuguese woman and children. The drink in Daphne's house is 'unstinted' and the food is 'total original excellence'. Is hoping to go to France tomorrow. Hopes to see John Julius when she returns home. Sees that Vivien (Leigh) has 'chucked her past' in "Tovarich". The 'poor thing is nutty as a fruit cake'.

Is travelling to Lisbon to be met by Daphne. Was lured into the journey by the promise of meeting an English woman who grows port wine. Will write Beaton a journal of the spree. John Julius has taken a sabbatical year of absence from the F.O. Discusses various acquaintances. Discusses Artemis and her life in the convent. Went to Paris yesterday and spent the night with Andre de Staerke. Had lunch with 'you-know-who'. Heard that Macmillan was down. Discusses politics. Went to dinner at Enid's. Descibes the people who were there. Was invited to dine with Vivien (Leigh) at Eaton Square. The party was called off as she is suffering from nervous exhaustion. Went to the hospital to take some of the dying flowers for her lunch party. Lady Olivier phoned, 'bright as a button' and said that the nursing home had stolen all of her jewels and that they wouldn't let her out. A housekeeper arrived 'fresh from the bedside' and said they couln't let her out as more treatment was essential. Saw Leigh the next day and they discussed her treatments. Discusses plays and films. Is looking forward to seeing Margot Nureyev in November. Discusses her plans.

Expresses relief that Beaton has approved all of the patterns. Describes the 'rumpus' over V.L.'s (Vivien Leigh's) striped dress. It has been discovered that she does not have much time to change from the yellow and white dress into her balldress. Feels uneasy about the paisely dress as 'the insufferable' James Brown does not think it will look nice. Complains about James Brown and the wardrobe team. Maud will be at the dress rehearsal on 30 January to report to Beaton about it. Discusses argument with the '"sugar mouse"' about shoulder straps. Describes his mother's encounter with the fishmonger. Suspects that Beaton is in trouble with Deborah Harker for buying all the furniture from a different place. Discusses Dali show and other artists.

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.

"Charley's Aunt" did very well last night. Discusses the reception of the audience and details of the play. The show is scheduled to stop at the Palace and then move to the Apollo. It will then go on the 'Number One' tour. Hopes the Old Vic will go to the Palace. Sent Beaton a cable about the dress situation. Has received Beaton's paisley sample. Discusses relations with the actors. Sees little of the Oliviers. Relates story of an argument between Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. Discusses furniture for the play. Has tickets for the Old Vic Ball. Discusses costumes for the ball. Asks if Beaton will buy him some colouring pencils. Went to Covent Garden to see the ballet the other day. Discusses ballet. Suggests Beaton write Alick a note thanking him for his work. Is going to see "Charley's Aunt" on 1 Janruary with Maud. Encloses some notices which may interest Beaton.

Expresses annoyance at the late arrival of his letters to Beaton. Advises Beaton not to come back for '"School"'. Describes what he has been doing with the costumes and set. V.L.'s (Vivien Leigh) criticisms are 'entirely destructive'. Has triumphed in the area of hats and 'they are now resigned to having them as big as you wish'. Discusses 'brouhaha' over the coats for Sir Harry Bumper and Careless. Discusses patchwork dress. V.L. is being difficult about the wigs. They are starting on refurbishing the Aunt tomorrow.

Has been to see Alick with details of the Joseph Surface Library. Then went to the Haymarket where the first rehearsal was taking place. L.O. was giving out cuts for the text with 'all the zest of a frenzied Chinese executioner'. Describes a debate with Vivien Leigh about the pearl buttons. Leigh won the argument. Desribes an argument with Leigh about the colour of her balldress. Was 'shattered' to hear that the patchwork is definitely not going to be used. Discusses designs for Maria. Has been to Covent Garden to see the new Massine ballet. Discusses his opinion of the ballet. Mentions article in the "Evening Standard" and encloses it for Beaton to read.