Title: Five Typed Letters Signed by the Hollywood Producer & Agent Ray Stark to the Novelist & Screenwriter Ben Hecht & His Wife, Regarding Film Productions of Hecht's "Miracle in the Rain" & "Iron Petticoat".
Description: Beverly Hills, California, September 27, 1954 through January 14, 1955. [1954]. [1954]. - Five signed letters typed in green ink on Ray Stark's 10-5/8 inch high by 7-1/4 inch wide "Famous Artist's Corporation Agency" stationery, with the firm's logo embossed in green at the top of creamy white paper. In his first letter of approximately 90 words dated September 27, 1954, Ray Stark, acting as Ben Hecht's agent, writes to him about Frank Rosenberg's deal regarding "Miracle in the Rain". Stark pleads with Hecht to not "be a soft-hearted cuss and let him talk you into anything." He goes on to write that "Frankly, this looks like a lot of crap to me. If he is producing the picture, you should receive one-half, unless he wants to give up his claim to the $10,000." and closes by requesting that Hecht send him "a copy of the wire" in which Rosenberg claims to have told him of the details. Signed "Ray" in green ink.
In a retained carbon copy of his letter of the same date addressed to Frank Rosenberg, Stark sets the scene for what he clearly sees unfolding. He writes Rosenberg that "I am still rather confused about the exact details of the sale of Miracle in the Rain to Warner Brothers", and inquires as to whether this is a definite sale or contingent upon the selection of a director. He then goes on to question Rosenberg's deal with Warner: "It is difficult for me to understand how you can be under contract to Warner's as a producer, be assigned MIRACLE IN THE RAIN as your first picture, and yet, as you stated to me this morning, consider the producer deal separate." He then urges that Rosenberg have his agent acquaint him with the details.
In a 114-word typed letter to Ben Hecht dated October 5th, Ray Stark indicates that he's been in touch with Frank Rosenberg's agent, Arthur Parks of MCA. Parks claims that Rosenberg's "producing at Warner Brothers is completely separate from the possible sale of the screenplay." Looking to make sure that Ben Hecht is protected in this deal, he writes: "I told Parks that the only thing you and I wanted was the producer's salary he is now receiving to even out the $10,000 that you have received -- and that if it didn't sell by January the we would have a chance to put it together." Signed "Ray" in blue ink.
In typed letter of over 140 words to Ben Hecht dated October 20, 1954, Ray Stark inquires about "the Saltzman thing", Harry Saltzman's first film based on Ben Hecht's script "Not for Money" which was contentiously released as "The Iron Petticoat" in 1956. Mentioning that other projects were still "on the fire", he mentions that "Kirk [Douglas] is really, really excited about the play and it would help very much if you could send him any portion of it that you are satisfied with.. He has told me that if he liked the play, he would rather do it than any of the films which are on tap for the next several months.." Kirk Douglas had starred in the 1954 film "Ulysses", the script of which was co-written by Ben Hecht and subsequently co-produced and starred in the 1955 Western "The Indian Fighter" for which Ben Hecht wrote the screenplay from a story by Robert L. Richards. Here Stark is referring to Hecht's play "Not for Money" which was eventually released as "The Iron Petticoat" starring Bob Hope and Katharine Hepburn. Ray Stark concludes his letter to Hecht which he neglets to sign with a 14 word autograph note penned in blue ink "And please don't get involved privately with the play until you check with me".
A retained carbon copy of a letter to Ray Stark from MCA's Arthur L. Park, Jr. acknowledges receipt of Stark's letter and that he, Park, will advise him as soon as the contract for "Miracle in the Rain" is signed. He goes on to say that "Incidentally, Mr. Rosenberg has advised me that he discussed the Warner Bros. deal in detail with Mr. Hecht personally before accepting it and that Mr. Hecht had voiced his complete approval.."
In a 241 word Typed Letter Signed dated October 25, 1954, Ray Stark writes to Ben Hecht expressing his excitement at talking with him "this morning about the play." "I know how very rarely you are enthusiastic - at least this enthusiastic, about your projects, so I am really sitting on the edge of my chair waiting to read it." He further pens the following note at the end of this paragraph: "I hope you've sent act one". Going on to discuss other matters, he writes: "I am also so very happy that you like Saltzman. He is a tough business man and this is good. Also, I think he is a very honest guy - as well as a very good promoter. Once again, Ben, I just hope you don't sign any papers unless you send them through me.." Stark goes on to write extensively about the need to protect Hecht's interests in these deals and then, excitedly tells him that "There are still a number of assignments, including the Barrymore story, the Kirk Douglas Japanese story, and others, which I have been holding in abeyance for you.." Signed "Ray" in blue ink.
In a retained carbon copy of a letter written by Stark to Harry Saltzman on the same day, Stark writes that "I am very excited over the fact that you and Ben have formed a partnership on his new play. I would appreciate your sending me copies of any contracts which Ben may be requested to sign -- or, which he may have signed, since Ben in general is rather forgetful of these things.. Also, as I told Ben, if Kirk Douglas likes the play there is a very good chance of a big investment on his part.."
Predictably, on January 14, 1955, Ray Stark has typed over 540 words on two pages, this time addressed to "Rosie" (Mrs. Ben Hecht): "I am answering your very sweet letter of January 9th. However, I have to admit that I have taken a day to simmer down. I can't tell you how angry I was when I read of this swindle that Mr. Rosenberg had pulled.. Ben promised me that he would not deal with those guys, and as I told Ben, I would have been very happy to have the agency advance the money he needed against this contract. I just think it's a shame, and a ruthless hunk of chicanery, to have screwed Ben like this.." The paragraph which follows speaks volumes as to Ray Stark's character, waving the commission owed by the struggling Hechts: "It is very sweet, Rosie, that you mention the commission due me in reference to the Saltzman and other situations. However, forget about it. It's more important that you people get into some kind of a liquid position.." He goes on to mention Hecht's script "NOT FOR MONEY" and urges her to "persuade Ben to really keep me advised of all the various things that are happening. I have a couple of jobs possibilities for him when he is finishes with his present assignment.." Signed "Ray" in blue ink. In a post script, Stark states that he's enclosing a copy of a letter he will send to Frank Rosenberg, with two corrections in his hand and the addition of a brief note penned in ink requesting that she "First let me have Ben's okay".
The carbon copy of Stark's angry letter to Frank Rosenberg, dated January 14, 1954, is included. Stark angrily denounces Rosenberg's actions: "For a long, long time I thought that both Harold and yourself were two of the most ethical guys in this very unethical town. However, after the bit of chicanery that either you, or both Harold and yourself accomplished together in reference to the Ben Hecht situation, I can't help but tell you how very strongly I feel about this fancy bit of mis-dealing." He goes on to list the mis-deeds, the last being: ".. the fact that you thought you had pulled a fast one at Warner's by having a separate producer contract, etc. should all add up to many sleepless nights for you, Frank.."
All five of Ray Stark's original letters are in very good condition, folded for mailing. The onion skin carbon copies are clear and legible but worn.
"Miracle in the Rain" was Ben Hecht's adaptation of his novella of the same name. The film is a World War II romance between a happy-go-lucky soldier played by Van Johnson and a lonely office worker played by Jane Wyman who meet on the streets of New York City during a downpour.
Ben Hecht's play "Not for Money", a British Cold War comedy was released as "The Iron Petticoat". The play was written by Ben Hecht from a story by Harry Saltzman, who produced the film. It was intended as a vehicle for Katherine Hepburn. Major stars such as Carey Grant, William Holden and James Stewart balked at playing second fiddle to Hepburn and the studio finally settled on reworking the film with Bob Hope as the leading man. Turning up in London at the last minute, Hope threatened to pull out unless the film was re-written to his liking, striking out many of Hepburn's scenes. The title was then changed and Hecht removed his name from the credits.
A man of many talents, Ben Hecht (1894-1864) was an American journalist, screenwriter, producer, director, playwright and novelist. The author of 35 books, he wrote screenplays for nearly 70 films. Among his most noted are "The Front Page", "Underworld", "Scarface", "Angels Over Broadway", "It's A Wonderful World", Hitchcock's "Spellbound" and "Notorious", etc.
One of the most successful independent Hollywood producers, Ray Otto Stark (1915-2004) was Ben Hecht's agent through his "Famous Artists Corporation". His early experience as a literary and theatrical agent set the stage for his successful career as the producer of some of the most dynamic film of the latter part of the twentieth century. Among the most memorable films that he produced are: "West Side Story", "The Misfits", "Lolita", "The Night of the Iguana", "Reflections in a Golden Eye", "Funny Girl", "The Goodbye Girl", "Annie", and "Steel Magnolias". Fine .
Keywords: MOVIES; FILM; RAY STARK; BEN HECHT; TYPED LETTERS SIGNED; TLS; AUTOGRAPH NOTE; NOTES; TWENTIETH CENTURY; FAMOUS ARTISTS CORPORATION; HOLLYWOOD; MIRACLE IN THE RAIN; NOT FOR MONEY;THE IRON PETTICOAT; JANE WYMAN; KATHARINE HEPBURN; HARRY SALTZMAN; SIGNATURE
- Book number: 35897
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