1613000 1950 Michael Redgrave

 

Original typescript. 163 numbered leaves, with type on verso only. (4to) pages bound in black cloth binder with paper spine label. On the front pastedown is a tipped-in mailing label From BBC London   Gerald Kean, United Nations BBC, Rothwell House, Room 204.  Title typed on label mounted to front free endpaper, Redgrave's London address is written at the bottom of the page.

 

Presumably written around the time of Redgrave’s acclaimed performance as Antony in a 1953 production of the Shakespeare play, the manuscript is Shakespeare’s dialog with Redgrave’s detailed and often lengthy directions for the film version he envisions. The prologue to the treatment begins: "The aim of this suggested prologue treatment is partly to avoid such cliches as fortissimo music and the turning pages of books, etc. - all of which have been seen and heard too often in historical films or in films based on plays or books - but also to find something both new and relevant." A likely unique item, with no copies noted at OCLC or found at any other online resources.

 

Sir Michael Redgrave was an English actor and filmmaker. He received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Mourning Becomes Electra, as well as two BAFTA nominations for Best British Actor for his performances in The Night My Number Came Up and Time Without Pity. In 1951 Redgrave joined the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre company at Stratford-upon-Avon and appeared in numerous major roles.  General light wear to cloth, rubbing to edges; some closed tear to endpaper edges; mild toning to interior; very good.