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Has been wanting to write to Beaton, but has only just had the chance. Thanks Beaton for his beautiful costumes and writes that they were very successful. The play was very well received in Manchester. Isabel's dress is always greeted with gasps of delight from the audience. Discusses other costumes. Is delighted that Beaton is coming to Edinburgh to photograph the play. Will book Beaton a room. Discusses arrangements. They are a little anxious tonight as the truck containing the scenery was unhooked from their train at Preston and they do not know when it will arrive.

With a certificate of election to The National Register of Prominent Americans. Letter tells Beaton of his election to the register. Gives details of what will happen next. Local newspapers and journals will be notified. The register will list Beaton with its center. Any biographical synopsis requested by publications etc. can be composed by the research center and reviewed by Beaton before release.

Asks forgiveness for his lack of correspondence. Feels able to write now that the play has opened in Edinburgh. After Beaton's departure, Alick Johnstone 'threw a terrific temperament' and gave up altogether. They managed to settle him down and after this he did a 'fine job'. John and Binkie are happy with the scenes. Extended discussion of various details of the set and how it compares to Beaton's original sketches. Thinks Beaton would be pleased with the costumes and general appearance of the actors. Any defects will be put right before they come to town. The audience in Edinburgh gave the play a warm reception on the first night. There are a few passages that need 'ironing out'. Discusses various scenes and actors in the play and their attendant problems. Has strong feelings that the show will be running in London when Beaton returns to England. It will come to town as long as the situation is favourable as far as raids are concerned. It has been a great adventure to undertake this play in the middle of a routine army job. Discusses lighting. Hopes that Beaton is enjoying his mission and congratulates him on his escape from disaster.

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.

Is enjoying his holiday in spite of the unsettled weather. Has been looking at the Duder drawings. They are not on display, but he went to the library to see them. Feels that there is 'so much that never comes out in reproduction'.

Thanks Beaton for an enjoyable weekend. Reddish house looked really beautiful. The countryside is like champagne. Thanks Beaton for the roses.

Incomplete letter. Second page missing. Enjoyed the film of "My Fair Lady" enormously. The interiors were 'creative, fresh and unusual'. The costumes were 'a triumph' and with the Ascot scene, Beaton surpassed all that he has done before. It is a pity that Beaton did not get his own way in filming the exteriors on location in London. The general effect of Covent Garden was good, but when it came to detail, the 'real thing would have counted for a great deal'. The treatment of Stanley Holloway's numbers lacked imagination. Rex Harrison was 'superb'.

Congratulates Beaton on his Knighthood. Discusses how Beaton deserves the Knighthood. Asks if Beaton has a Coat of Arms. Wonders if the College of Heralds will let Beaton design it. Has been reading the lives of the Bishops of Hereford. Their heraldry sounds 'magnificent'. Gives some examples of this. Has been listening to Cathleen Nesbitt talking on the radio about Granville Barker.

Thanks Beaton for the flowers he sent. Read "Figures in a Landscape" yesterday morning and has been thinking about it ever since. Feels that there is an air of unreality running through the play. Discusses the play further. Feels that the writing should be equal to Beaton's best style and stamped with his 'personal idiom', and does not believe that this play is. Feels that the character, 'G', does not come alive. Discusses the characters further. Feels that this letter sounds depressing, but knows that Beaton wants his honest opinion. Hopes to see Beaton soon.