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Forgot to tell Beaton how splendid the portrait of David Wanner looked in the gallery at Stratford. The décor for "Don Giovanni" was 'the most offensive I have ever seen in any theatre'.

Was pleased to receive Beaton's letter giving news of Matilda's success. Discusses Matilda. Started to write to Matilda last week, but did not get very far, as did not know whether to congratulate or commiserate. Congratulates Beaton on his work on "School for Scandal". Is delighted to hear that the script of "Gainsborough Girls" is being well received. Discusses details of the play. Has had Teddy Rattigan's new play "Adventure Story" on for two weeks. Discusses the merits and faults of the writing and acting in the play. Gives news of various other plays. Writes about the themes in Rattigan's play. Looks forward to seeing Beaton and is sorry to hear that he has a cold. Finds Brighton a nice place to live.

Thanks Beaton for sending such a magnificent present. Is happy to give Beaton advice without any thought of a business arrangement, as 'one can never be sure of the final result, where plays are concerned'. Hopes that any help he has given Beaton in the past has made a positive contribution to "The Gainsborough Girls". Feels that Beaton will be satisfied with his next draft, as there is no new ground to be covered. Asks Beaton to send him a copy when he returns from America. Would like to collaborate with Beaton on a play when his current one is finished. Discusses various other plays and plans. Finds New York very stimulating. Will keep Beaton up to date with the news.

Thanks Beaton for his letter and present. Thanks Beaton for his hospitality over the last three months. Was delighted that Greta's visit was 'so full of enchantment'. Will write to Aldrich and Myers. Is anxious to direct the play. Praises Beaton for 'driving on' with "The Gainsborough Girls" throughout all the frustrations and interruptions. Is glad that he is determined to carry on writing plays. Will be ready to come to Reddish on Wednesday if that is what Beaton would like. Mentions Rita Smith.

Has seen his friend, John Richmond, and is writing to tell Beaton what he thought of "The Gainsborough Girls". He thinks the play is well structured and has charm and humour. The characters are well drawn, apart from Christie and the dialogue is straightforward. But he feels that the story and treatment is lacking in originality. He believes that if a cast of expensive personality actors were engaged, then it would be a success, but if not the show would be dull and uninteresting. Gives Richmond's suggestions for alterations. Relays discussion about which actors would work well. Advises Beaton to value Richmond's opinion, as he is very experienced in every kind of play. Feels that a 'try-out' in summer would be fatal. Is going to get Doreen Dixon to read the play. Spoke to Beaton's mother on the telephone and is taking her to Covent Garden next Tuesday.

Thanks Beaton for his letter and all the news from New York. Was glad to get the press cutting of "Venus Observed" and is sorry that it is not a success. Wonders what Beaton thinks of the idea of John Merivale playing Angus. Tracked down Doreen Dixon, but she considers herself to be a bad play reader. Has sent it ("The Gainsborough Girls") to Judith Furse and received a report back. She felt that there was a good feeling for the period and that the young characters were interesting. The tea party scene was amusing. Relays Judith's comments on various scenes throughout the play. Details her criticism about scenes and characters in the play. Has been very busy trying to produce three plays at once. Discusses the plays and his difficulties. Has not heard from Bruce York yet, but still feels free to accept any offer he may make. Describes an enjoyable evening he had at the ballet with Beaton's mother. Has no theatre news, but will try to send some cuttings in next letter if anything interesting happens.

Thanks Beaton for his letter and for the 'devestating' notice for "Women in Twilight". Wonders how Aldrich and Myers intend to do the play. Feels that it needs a certain style of production to bring it to life. Discusses the American style of production. Feels apprehensive at the choice of Mr and Mrs March playing the painter and his wife. Was glad to hear that Myers thought that the play was greatly improved. Discusses one of his plays. It had its production on Monday and it went well. One of the leading players for "The Cherry Orchard" has had a nervous breakdown. Had his first rehearsal for "The Shadow and the Peak". Discusses other plays. Saw a good play called "The Happy Time".

Is sending Beaton a book for Christmas as a token. As Beaton enjoyed the biography of Hugh Walpole, he thought Beaton might enjoy this book. Has started to rehearse "Call it a Day" and it is going well. Lockwood's little girl is a good actress. Discusses various plays that he has been to see. There has been a big correspondence in "The Times" about the rights of "Pygmalion". Is sending Greta a small present. Hopes that she is well and happy. Was delighted to hear that Beaton's exhibition was a success.

Thanks Beaton for his 'sweet and understanding' letter. Found it comforting that 'his' death was painless and not too lingering. Sometimes feels as if she were living in an 'empty goldfish bowl'.

Is 'touched and grateful' that Beaton went to so much trouble for her. Thinks that the "Moonbeams" picture may make history. Hopes that Beaton's headache has gone.