Correspondence
Quantity: Dictabelts 

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Talks of a wire and various gifts sent to Mr. and Mrs. James Mason and others and asks if all have received these wires. He then goes on about Justine Wanger. Says he hears she is going to be out of town on a trip around the world, but that if she is in town to send her the usual kind of gift basket and her whereabouts can be found via her lawyer. Imagines perfume would be the best option for a gift. He says he is currently handling the European wires and that he can do them from "here". Regarding the local wires he indicates he is sending back their list with his markings. Says he will look after the English, French and Italian tables from his end and that if there are any problems to write him right away. Requests the receiver of the wire to send the usual "season's greetings" wire. Mentions the head of publicity at Metro as a resource for contacting a Mr. and Mrs. Tasker(?) Tells recipient to send wires to various people. Then he addresses his daughter Shelley and says that he enjoyed her letter very much. Stephanie is back at the hotel after having her operation. Says he will be leaving for New York to see her (Shelley) in about 2 weeks. Mentions that he and Stephanie are going to the embassy to have lunch with the American ambassador's wife and her children. Briefly discusses the weather. Requests recipient to send a Christmas card to Father Barney and Reverend Harris in London. Sends all of his love to "mom and yourself" indicating he must be addressing his father. Note to Jess Morgan; asks her to send a gift to someone after the Sturman(?) situation. Thanks Ted for his letter and mentions the moving of bookshelves. Doesn't want to discuss anything about the letter yet. Sends good wishes.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Starts by saying he heard the name of a constructor a few nights prior at Silhoeutto's and also that a Princess Arietti(?) wanted to talk. Gives the recipient the name of the constructor and says to call and give it to her (princess?). Says to take a letter to [unidentified] indicating that he (Wanger) has received the person's letter on 10/26/1961 and if he wishes to communicate further he can. Wants a letter written to William Sachs thanking him for his letter and that even if he hasn't yet received the $20 million he would be happy to hear back from him. Letter to Steve Brody thanking him for his letter and regarding Joe Mankiewicz: he is a resident of New York so there is no use approaching him regarding the "drive"? Wanger says he is a non-resident at the moment and in order to establish his foreign status he isn't making any American contributions, but tells recipient to leave out the last part. Says the picture is going very well, despite many problems. Thinks it will be a tremendous attraction. Note to Alex talking about how he was very nice in San Diego and that he had disposed of his house about a year and a half prior. Thanks Ms. Fitch(?) for her letter. Mentions the picture, says he thinks it’ll be great and the cast is superb. Talks about payments of some sort, then mentions charges to Fox. Addresses Ms. Raimondo in London thanking her for her letter. Goes on about the fire that burnt down his house. Says Shelley is not with him in Rome, but with her mother in New York. Steph is in France. Doesn’t know how much longer he will be in Rome or if he will move to London after, depends on whether or not he can make arrangements with the landlady. Letter to Harry Brandt(?) at 20th century fox. Says they have 5,000 stills so far and they and the cast are tremendous. Weather has been holding up the production. Morale is great on the set, and Wanger thinks the scenes are playing beautifully. Thinks if things keep up the way they are going that they will end up with the greatest attraction of all time. Mentions a Newsweek article, captain of the Rutgers football team and his senior thesis. Thinks they can use him in connection with the picture. Wants Harry to send him a letter. Addresses Steph, says he is enclosing two articles. Letter to Charles K. says he hears his picture is going well and then mentions how his own films' production is going. Mentions a few setbacks due to the size/scale of the picture, but also says that Joe (director) has been doing great despite the pressure and the morale on the set is great. Says Liz [Taylor] is also doing very well in her scenes and that the picture will make Richard Burton a star. Predicts that the picture will be an enormous success. Talks about how South Pacific (film) has already made $22-23 million as a musical film even after it was said that no one wants musicals anymore and that a $10 million budget is absurd and impossible for Cleopatra. Says that with a cast/campaign like they have it should make 3 times as much as South Pacific and the company will get $20 million back in distribution alone. Thinks they should be more worried about selling the film instead of trying to correct morale by making cuts which aren't bright for that time. Admits money has been wasted during the planning due to the pressure surrounding the film. Says there is a lot of interest in the public surrounding the film with the Queen of Denmark, King of Sweden and the Infanta of Spain having already requested to see it.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to his brother, Harry: Says he is extremely busy, wishes he would've been there (where? mentions the Rhine) 6 months earlier because he could've saved the movie a few million dollars. Says picture is going great and can't wait to see the family at Christmas. Letter to Gisele: He and the studio would be happy to see her again. Wants a letter sent to [unidentified] in London: mentions a robe needed for a Christmas gift. Addresses Steph, talks about a clipping from the New York Times and her weekend arrangements with an Italian(?) family. Note to Gregor(?) talks about his house that burned down a year and half prior. Letter to Charles Cannon in the London office: sending him two small bills to be paid off. Says he's currently in California. New letter to [unidentified]: wants them to have his doctor send him Nitroglycerine/Coumadin by airmail. Wants to call Dr. Cohen and go over his production papers, dinner plans for that evening.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to John M: Wanger is returning to Manhattan with his script. Says Pete Levathes is interested in seeing the picture when it is finished, but not interested in making any deals at the time. Note to Paul Lazar: says he hasn't heard from him for several months, inquires about a bonus he was supposed to receive. Note to a Mrs. Decorever(?): thanks her for her letter. Makes small talk about his daughter Stephanie and her recent case of appendicitis. Asks if she is coming to visit at all. Letter to Vincent Lebella (man from office "here in town"): Says he appreciates his kindness in getting the rosary and diploma for sisters Georgia and Marie. Letter to Jen(?): Makes small talk about Stephanie and her recent illness and the weather. Says he is looking forward to the holidays in New York. Is glad she is having a good time with "Ma" (end letter). Wants a talk with Kurt [unidentified] from Hollywood. Wants a talk with jack smith.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Doc Merman: thanks him for his call. Wants to call him again. Letter to Jess Morgan: Wants the Stillman(?) situation to be cleared by the 1st of the year so he can make advances to his lawyers. Sends her $150 to cover clinic expenses (presumably for Stephanie). Mentions an Italian film called "Theodora". Wants to see the design to know the publishers. Letter to Ma: Talks about Stephanie and their lunch with the ambassador's family, also addresses her recent illness. Letter to Harry: Talks about dinner with Italians from Cairo the night prior. Says he has been very busy because of the holidays and Stephanie's illness. Says the picture is progressing slowly and expensively, but also magnificently. Thinks it will make a new record in the industry. Says director and stars are doing great. Letter to Charles cannon in London: Asks him to charge the enclosed bill to his account. Letter to Mrs. Fitch: thanks her for the letter, is interested in her remarks about the showings. Would appreciate hearing from her in the future (end letter). Talks about his Christmas list and what he wants sent to everyone.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Memorandum to Mr. Rogell: Decided to discontinue certain takes in Rome, says the studio can make its own choice of what they require in order to check the quality. Doesn't know where to find Christmas cards in Italy, asks Brad(?) to get quite a few for him. Mentions lunch and dinner plans for that day. Wants to talk to Richards in accounting about his hotel. Says that this is not the first picture that Fox has made not on location and that there should not have been problems with it. Talks about lack of management. Nothing was done by the studio organization to smooth the process on the job. *To Shell* Talks about the weather and school and how he wants a gift sent to her and that he can't wait to see her.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Abraham L.: Talks about a will and thinks it should be changed, wants to know what he thinks. Mentions Stephanie and her operation. Says the pressure for the picture is enormous. Talks about Levathes and a script he has sent. Wants the number for the American embassy included in the letter. Letter to Levathes (but says not to send it?): Says he spoke to Figs(?) and they came to agreement about something on the payroll concerning Elizabeth Taylor. Waiting to hear back from him regarding other matters [Levathes]. Telegram to Kurt F.: Confirming that Elizabeth has agreed to start at 9:30 instead of 10 for a period of about 8 weeks. Letter to Greg (one of Wanger's lawyers at the coast): Says the pressure on him is great so he has not been able to write sooner. Gives him a brief rundown on the status of the picture and talks about Stephanie. Wants him and his wife to come to visit. Complains about how difficult it is to keep the picture private. The press won't leave them alone. Thinks Fox needs to figure out how to merchandise the film so they can get back on their feet.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Enclosing a letter from the doctor on set containing the names of medicines he needs. Wants them airmailed. Letter to Charles [unidentified] at 20th century fox in London: asks for his bill for 1 pound paid and charged to his LA account. Letter to martin (Marty): mentions the house fire from the year prior. Mentions good results for the picture so far, despite bad weather. Wire to [unidentified]: Talks about money spent on costumes. Mentions a Mr. Oliver Messel who wants to redesign the clothes for the picture because he is dissatisfied with the picture so far. Wanger says there was no talk of compensation for Messel's work until the work was completed and then someone close to Messel approached Wanger asking for him to be compensated for his work. Wanger says he made no commitment to Messel and explained this to Mr. Messel’s solicitors that the corporation had no obligation to Mr. Messel and that he was well-paid, but nothing beyond the contractual obligation would be granted to Mr. Messel. Wanger says Messel has been giving statements to the press that are critical of the new costumes and detrimental to the cooperation he received at the hands of the corporation (20th century fox). Wanger personally feels the company is under no obligation to compensate Messel financially. Letter to Mrs. Fitch: thanks her for letter #21. Doesn't care about the titles. Says his only concern is the weather. Letter to Joe [unidentified]: Appreciates his letter, says everyone on the set got a great kick out of it and that they don't get much info on Hollywood where they are. Says only current major problem is the weather. Talks about the actors and the problems with costumes/Oliver Messel. Note to Jess Morgan: wants status on Stillman and what she is doing to solve the issue.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: November 6, 1961: Apologizes to Stephanie for not getting back to her sooner. Says he has been sick. Talks about her boy situation. Mentions the death of a Mr. Cook. Talks about how Shelley has been helping him. Talks about school and college in the future.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Thanks Mr. Saurat(?) for his kind letter. Says that unfortunately he disposed of his house a year and a half prior. Letter to Hal [unidentified]: apologizes about the house. Talks about note regarding Clifford. Letter to Shirley M. Field(?): apologizes that she is suffering from nerves. Letter to Laura(?): mentions the house fire, wants to hear back from her. Letter to Jerry: Has heard rumors that he is coming over, but has since learned he won't be coming. Talks about the actors in the picture and the weather. Says Skouras and Levathes are very worried about the costs. Points to "south Pacific" and its success as an example of why the execs should stop bothering him. Is confident his picture can do better. Letter to John Ditty(?): Talks about a fire, wants to know more about it. Takes it that John has been very busy. Says he is isolated and the weather has been bad so they have to shoot interior shots, but still thinks the picture will be great. Letter to Mrs. Fitch: Wants her to find about the size clothes a friend's kid wears so he can send some. Notes to brad to put in a name: Ted Sandler. Alsohas him note a few telephone numbers.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Jess Morgan: thanks her for the Christmas books, says he'll get to work on them and get back to her soon. Note to Miss Hyle(?): Looking forward to hearing from her. Wants to know what she is doing in Barcelona and requests that she sends pictures to put on file since she is student acting. Letter to Jerry: Thanks him for his letter, says everyone is enjoying it. Letter to Dot: Talks about correspondence concerning interviews with Elizabeth. Thinks the picture will be one of the greatest of all time. Letter to harry: Says personal matters are making things kind of difficult, but he is delighted with masterminding the picture. Letter to Jess Morgan(?): talks about bills for Stephanie's surgery and the Oliver Messel compensation situation, saying he has no intention of paying him. Letter to Doctor: thanks him for helping Shelley with her teeth.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Memo: Talks about time to prepare for certain sets and various problems on the set. Mentioned: Anthony's bedroom, two days; Richard Burton, 2; the Senate, the cast problem, 2 days for Caesar’s death; MGM set, how much time to prepare and cast problem; new plans for mausoleum; Cleopatra's sketch.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Has a letter sent to the Sheraton in NYC requesting the manager to get him a room for December 22. Letter to martin: Says things are progressing well. Letter to Bill Benton: Says he is in the middle of making Cleopatra. Thinks his picture will have great historical value. Wants to meet him for a conference on world affairs. Letter to Doc Bishop(?) at 20th century fox Beverly Hills: A Henry [unidentified] visited last week and thinks his visit turned out better than anticipated. Thinks Henry understood the caliber of the picture being made. Hopes that what Henry has written will be constructive and in the interest of the picture and 20th century fox. Letter to David Raphael at 20th century fox: wants a couple bottles of perfume sent to his Pan Am airplane. Mentions that the picture is going along wonderfully, but slowly and that the end result will be great.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Asks a Mrs. Van Buren(?) to add the telephone number of a woman named Katherine Bradford’s to his book. Then asks for a letter to be sent to Burt Stern in NY; in the letter he asks what has happened to the fortune idea, says he is writing in particular to see that Irene Sharaff (costume designer) gets credit for the clothes she has designed for Cleopatra (Liz Taylor). Wants to see a profile/article about it in Vogue magazine (which he says Burt controls). Compliments Irene on her work. Mentions the Oliver Messel controversy with the London production and the abandonment of all his designs. Thinks Irene deserves to win an Oscar. Mentions Kathy Bradford’s and how he hopes she can be developed into a major fashion figure. Talks about where they are at in the film, mentions the Sphinx. Letter to Jess Morgan: Thanks her for her letter regarding Stillman and (?) pictures. Says he is amazed by the letter from Woodson Wallace and thinks they have been as cooperative as possible when looking at the extra taxes/insurance policy payments that they paid. Asks if there is a way to arrange an advancement of the four months payment. Then asks about Justine Wanger, thinks it seems like she’s gone on a royal cruise. Says he wants to be cooperative but his own obligations between the government are enough to keep him busy. Doesn't think that this note is consistent with their past correspondence and their attempt to be cooperative. *NEW NOTE* mentions his Sunday expenses (lunch, tape, barbershop, supper). wants to look at his expense book because he says he'll probably have to put some additions in.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Notes for the day: says he and Mr. Levathes have arranged an appointment to meet with Mr. Monaco at his office. Then says he is supposed to meet that morning with Mr. Deliani(?) And Mr. Roddell. Mentions a lunch he had the day prior with Mr. Ginsberg and his party in which he gave them 6,000 lira? Is supposed to make a report on the story illicit for Mr. Levathes and another report on the reorganization of the picture for Levathes. Wants to the see the pictures that Mr. smith brought back and wants to go to the projection room to see some film that was taken by Mr. Shamroy. Wants to order a dressing gown for Mr. Mankiewicz for Christmas (wants Levathes to do it). Wants to write letters to Charles Schwartz, Joe Rosenberg and Charlie Feldman. Wants to speak to Annalena Linetani the following week at the office. Says on Sunday he is going to be called by a production manager. Wants to talk to Kurt Freens(?) about the carpet situation and the photos that Mrs. Fischer. Wants to look at the production board. Wants to check on a girl named Maggie Sanchez who is in Spain. Wants to talk to Irene and about Rex Harrison's clothes. Wants to talk find out about his blood test from Dr. Cohen. Wants to talk to Paul Fox about the carpet situation.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Note #1: Says he has spoken to John Mather(?) and has arranged for you(?) to meet with him to discuss the possibility of making a picture with Marilyn [Monroe?]. Note #2: appointment on Monday at noon with Monaco at his office. Note #3: Regarding treatment illicit; thinks their current work is the basis for a very excellent entertainment and that if properly done the picture should succeed all over the world. Sees no reason for changing the local of the picture from Greece to Italy, as he sees enormous interest in Greece and the shipping tycoons. Says there are quite a few things that worry him about the treatment of the picture. First thing is the business and he thinks that the Americans treated him in a very old-fashioned manner, and thinks the business background should be made more intelligent and human in order to match with the Greek partners. Feels that the characters are not developed by what happens to them, which seems obligatory; they are the same in the end as they were in the beginning. Thinks it’s important in order to justify the break between the couple; the girl blossoms mentally and physically on her travels abroad. Says this is logical and will be a great interest to all American woman who "just look at television and lean over a washing machine" and that there is a great fascination in the first trip to Europe and it usually has a telling effect on the individual. Says the wife in the beginning is a very different woman after she meets Hercules and has seen all of the beauties, luxuries, manners and culture of Europe. Thinks this is the pivot from making this picture more than a one-gag comedy. Thinks Hercules is much too smart and has too much experience with women not to expect something, doesn't want him to be more suspicious than he is. Thinks the husband’s sacrifice of his wife for his business success is something that can be deftly handled and should allow for many good comedy situations and some dramatic ones. Says there should also be a great suspicion on the husband’s part that he has a real competitor in Hercules and how he can cope with him. Can see possibilities of the husband ending up with the other girl who is also an adventurous European type. Objects to the undramatic way Hercules sulks and leaves after he finds the husband coming out of the bedroom. Thinks Hercules would be much more skillful in his plan to get this girl. Thinks they have all the ingredients for a hit, a roman holiday only with more substance. Thinks the script needs to be well-developed. Asks Mrs. Van Buren to find out what time the film that was taken yesterday will be ready. Tells her to take a note to Julia [unidentified] regarding the policing of photographers and press for the shooting of the procession so as to make sure there are no problems.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Note to Mrs. Van Buren: speaks of yesterday’s lunch with the Mr. Amerson from the embassy and a man from TIME. Last night’s supper with Stephanie. Wants to talk to [unidentified] about policing the crowds. Wants to talk to Irene Sharaff about Rex Harrison. Letter to Mr. Denieli(?): mentions the conference Mr. Denieli had with Mr. Rodell the day prior and that Rodell is being appointed the direct contact between him (Mr. Denieli) and the production. Letter to Mr. Marley(?): Reminds him that he (Wanger) is in charge of the production and that any memos regarding the picture need to be cc’ed to him. Note to Johnny [unidentified]: wants a weekly cost sheet for the production. Letter to Mrs. Fitch: says he is enclosing a bill that he wants to make sure is paid. Says there are some problems, but they are working hard.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Mrs. Francis… (Italian director of Stephanie's school): Thanks her for her letter and sends his regards for her late husband (who Wanger knew apparently). He discusses chaperonage for a trip of some kind. Letter to Stephanie: Hopes to see a letter back from her describing all the things she sees on her trips. Misses her very much. Lists various expenses for the previous couple of days. Letter to Jess Morgan: Says he will do something about the English situation (?). Says the work has been back-breaking, working seven days a week and long hours. So far the rushes(?) have been very satisfactory. Mentions reimbursements for some of his family's expenses, wants those messages to be sent directly to Jess to speed up the process. Letter to Mr. Eller (unsure of the spelling): Doesn't know what to tell him as there has recently been a re-organization, but he would love to meet him (Eller) for a drink sometime soon. Letter to Jimmy Wolf: Thinks there is chance for a great success in London and New York with his current project. Is delighted to hear how well his (wolf's) picture is doing. Wants to meet with him soon, says he feels isolated. Thinks wolf will love the picture. Letter to Mrs. [unidentified]: Thanks her for her letter to Steph. Letter to John Michael: thinks John should revert to his longhand letters but says he understands why not (John is unable to dictate to his secretary). Says the weather has been fine, but he's been very busy. Hopes to get some of the big scenes out of the way soon. Letter to Jerry: Says Buerates(?) has been very helpful on set and Wanger hopes he gets the authority he deserves in order to make things move properly for everyone. Talks about how busy things have been, thinks the rushes have been very good and that Liz Taylor is doing fantastic. Hopes to see him soon to tell him more about the picture. Letter to Gilbert Miller: Is delighted to know the caretaker is doing well and that he has a hit to start the season, also he is pleased to see Miller in the film business again. Warns him to not overdo it, thinks he should take care of his health. Wants to know when he feels better so he can come and visit. Says he has been working hard, but it has been fun. Letter to Harry Brandt: Is glad he likes the rushes, thinks Liz will be sensational in the picture. Mentions it's been very hard work, but that the picture will justify the efforts.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Starts with a list of recent expenses. Asks for a letter to be taken to Molly Manderville at the studio: Thanks her for sending the script. Says things have been progressing well, but slowly and that Liz is in great form. Letter to Joseph Rosenberg in Los Angeles: Says Henry Ginsberg is there and is glad he's on the team. Thinks they are on the road to a great success. P.S: Bobby Leven was there and was impressed by the sets. Thinks that bobby is backing the wrong people at Fox and that he should back Pete Levathes instead. Letter to Harry Brandt: thanks him for his notes. Hopes he is seeing the film as it comes as it should be to his liking. Thinks they will the most tremendous box office success in many decades, but also thinks their big problem is making publicity last over years, not just months. Letter to Dr. Merman(?): Thinks he should come to the set, as it will pep up the “boys from home” and give him a better idea of the scope of problems they are dealing with. Says they have a great picture on their hands and the morale is high. Note to Frank Komite(?): Talks about cars, wonders if he wants to send any of the bills. Letter to Charles Schwartz, lawyer in NYC: Says Henry Ginsberg is here and that he saw you (Ginsberg). Says he was glad to see him last year in London, but he is sorry that things didn't turn out better. Says the picture will be one of the greatest of all time. Letter to Charles K. Feldman: Says things are coming along slow, but yell. Thinks it will be great they just have to sell it and handle it properly and it will turn out fine. Says Joe and the cast are doing superb, the sets are great as well. The only problem so far has been the weather, but Liz is doing great. Excited to see his play is at the Lion. Says they've been working very hard to smooth out their problems. Note to Bowring Arundel & Co. in London: asks to order a suit, will have London office send them the payment. Letter to Mrs. Lea de Cordova: Thanks her for the medicine she sent. Says the weather has been marvelous until today when it messed up their processions. Has great faith they will come through with a marvelous picture as they have been working very hard and overcoming problems in the process. Asks how her family is doing and is grateful for her kindnesses. Letter to Madame Pavlacini: Apologizes for not being able to attend her cocktail party as he was working very late. Appreciates her kindness to his daughter. Would like to have drinks with her and her husband sometime.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: (Not sure who he is addressing, possibly Shelly in NYC), Says they started shooting the procession, but the rain has put a halt to that. Elizabeth looks wonderful and has lost a great deal of weight. She has been rehearsing her entrance to Rome on a sphinx pulled by 800 Egyptian slaves. Asks how she is doing in NY. Says Levathes and his family are going back to NY for week. Letter to Gisile Galwar(?) Says he's checked with the casting department and would like to have her come back, but he doesn't know the dates because they have been slightly delayed. Would like to have her in their picture if the proper part can be found. Letter to [Skouras, President of Fox?] Says they are going to do everything they can to make this picture in the most efficient manner possible. Mentions the inclement weather, but that they have shot two days of the procession scenes and that the studio will be impressed with it. Mentions the hard work and cooperative spirits of Elizabeth and Joe (director). Says Levathes has been of great help in organizing things. Above all, they have been working long hours, seven days a week to smooth out any problems that come along with making picture of that size. Letter to Mr. Capodano, director of the Bank of America: Hopes that Cilio will be able to come out to the studio. Would like to get lunch sometime soon. Would like to deposit $150 every month into Steph's checking account. Wants to send a postcard to Shelly with Russian stamps in it.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Levathes in LA: Hopes he knows how constructive his visit to Rome was and was sorry to see him go. Regarding his telephone call to him (Levathes) about the Warner contract, all demands that Warner objected to were dropped because of the good terms of the contract. However he (Wanger) is not certain Warner isn't trying to get out of the deal. Says Eddie has the option on the Gouffe case. Kurt Fring has called him (Wanger) to set up a deal for Audrey Hepburn to be in "Justine". John Maither called him (Wanger) from Paris the night prior. Says he (Maither) found a book he wants to play, but that he needs Marilyn Monroe to be in it. Says the biggest hitch is that the picture couldn't be done before next spring as there is no script. Says he gave Levathes the wrong name of the book, it is actually called "Catch 22". Says Joe Demiro(?) arrived the day prior and that he will be a tremendous help (he has been helping with all of the contract issues). Says there has been two days of no activities due to the rain, but that Joe has finally started on act and he (Wanger) thinks it will be easier than act 1. He (Wanger) and Joe had a good talk a few days prior and Joe was most receptive to it. Says he has talked with Charlie Townsend and Sid Rogell the matter of not putting so much responsibility on Kellogg’s and that Kellogg’s should just focus on acting. Wants to get things rolling with the procession scenes so they can cut the payroll as they are currently employing a lot of people in connection with the sequence and that after they can have a more compact organization for the picture. Says he is still concerned with the exteriors of Alexandria. After the procession scenes and Alexandria exteriors are done, they will be able to see the light. Everyone's morale is high on the artistic side and they think they will deliver the best picture ever. As they soon as they get more material underway they might be able to start selling tickets. Pressure for material from the press from all over the world continues. Wants Levathes to read a book that is comparable to Breakfast at Tiffany's, but although it is of the same genre it is no competition for it. Wants him to look for script writers in London to write a script as he thinks they are good at writing comedies.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Levathes: Wishes for him and his wife to come back soon, says he is sorely missed. Is enclosing a clipping from the London observer written by London's top film critic, thinks it’s very interesting. Has something to do with a film that Wanger thinks could work well with a director he knows from the Blake Edward's School. Talks about the film's progress. Says they are in the midst of the procession, thinks it looks tremendous. Morale is high on set and he hopes they can finish it by the following week. First act of the picture is complete and he thinks Joe (director) has done a great job with it. Says he was worried about the Roman sequences because they were quite complicated and could be dull, but Joe did a fine job making them. Admits that he was more moved by the first act of the script than he has been in years. They are getting really good reports from the studio. Wants a few shots of Egypt to be sent near the end of filming. Wants Kellogg to finish on a Battle scene. Is going to write Levathes a letter sometime in the next week that includes work on finding someone new to do merchandising for the film. Talks about work that needs to be done with cover sets. Says the organization dealing with the 3-4 thousands extras has been working better than he's ever seen happen before. Mentions some concern over contracts. Is enclosing a letter from Bert Stern, the photographer. Says Johnny Johnson has made a revised schedule that has Elizabeth being done by January, but Wanger thinks this is optimistic. P.S. to Levathes: Mentions Sheila Graham, a columnist, who has been causing trouble with the picture's publicity. Says she is blackmailing them. But Wanger thinks he was able to calm her down a bit after meeting with her.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Harry: Talks about Shelley, the weather in Iscia(?) and the possibility of shooting down there. Picture is going well, studio is excited. Letter to Burt Stern: Talks briefly about progress of procession scenes with Liz (Taylor). Letter to Mrs. Fitch: Regarding the rushes, he suggests she see Doc Merman. Things are progressing well. Note to Ted Kane at the Studio in Hollywood: The track sheets, music and instructions have arrived and they are planning to have 20 in the choir, are trying currently to cast the girls for it. Expresses enthusiasm for the picture. Letter to Jerry: Talks about shooting of procession, hopes to finish it within a week. Thinks studio is impressed with the rushes. Is keeping in close touch with Pavlicini as he been seeing him around a lot. Mentions the previous day’s events with Harrison and Burton's first scenes being shot. Wants him to come visit. Letter to Arthur Jacobs; is very pleased that the Walter Wanger film festival is underway, wants to know about dates as he will be occupied with the shooting of the picture until spring. Mentions how busy he has been. Says publicity surrounding the picture is absurd; they are having to fight off the press rather than plant material, has never known anything like the pressure for information like on this picture. Excitement surrounds the rushes. Thinks Publicity/propaganda campaign should last five years. Letter to Sal: Thinks he has done a tremendous job (on what?). Is interested on his educational approach and its importance to the industry. Talks briefly about the picture. Letter to Jess Morgan: Picture is progressing slowly, but he still thinks it will succeed all over the world. Mentions that in one more year his contract will be up (the following October 20th). Letter to shelly: is enclosing some tickets for a raffle that is being given at the Grand Hotel [Waldorf Astoria], hopes she wins a prize. Anxious to hear from her. Wants to know if she has made up her mind about what she wants for Christmas. Letter to Mrs. Levathes: Thanks her for her note. Hopes all is well with her and her family.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Shelly: Congratulates her on her report card. Says he is dying to see Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but he has seen Camelot. Is going to see an Italian musical comedy that night and if it is good he is going to try and send it to New York. Thinks the picture will be a great success. Letter to Mrs. Wanger (Ma): Was delighted to receive her note. Would like to hear what's going from both of them. Says he has never worked harder in his whole life than he is now. Has only finished 1/2 of the screenplay. Millions of dollars at stake every time he looks around. Thinks they'll be alright if they gross $150 million.

before 1961 December 12
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Jess: Is concerned that she did not mention Sturman in her last letter. Wants to know what is going with that situation. Wants to call the colonel at the embassy to see if he is back. Wants to call the ambassador, Ryan Howard. Wants to write a letter to Pete Levathes about publicity. Wants to find out what happened with the test on Ramus on Saturday. Wants to write a letter to the cast about the shooting schedule.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: [content inaudible] Mentions of the things to take place in the following spring and summer. Possibly talking to Shelly in one part. Mentions Pete Levathes at one point.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Letter/memo to Peter (Pete Levathes?): Says that their previous talk on the phone has him (Wanger) concerned that Peter is under great pressure from external sources, guesses that this is why he made some of the statements that he did concerning Burton being in New York and the bonus he was given, among other things such as asking what the crew does on their weekends and saying that him (Wanger) and Joe (director) are unconcerned with the cost of the picture. Wanger says this is quite untrue and that he expects the picture to exceed all expectations. Praises Joe for the scenes he has written for Liz Taylor and Burton. Says there are many sequences which are being improvised in order to save the studio a lot of money. Mentions second-unit situation, Kellogg situation, set dressing and Walder Scott, fittings regarding Liz. Says they are working on an open-end budget, nobody has any sense of responsibility and everyone blames everything else. Asks when there will be a definitive budget for the picture. He (Wanger) just wants to make a great picture regardless of the budget. Letter to Jessica and Hugh(?) Cronon. Letter to [unidentified]: thanks him for a poster and his tailor's address. Says he is looking for an artist to make a trademark poster for the film and asks if he or anyone else he knows could do it. Letter to Jess Morgan: Says picture is progressing slowly, but material is wonderful and hopefully it will make over $100 million. Added notes to Levathes letter/memo: says one of the first things he did when he arrived was to stop the “deploreless” studio deal with the location and building of the ship. Letter to Maurice Newton: Says he misses their telephone calls from California to New York. Hopes to talk to him on the telephone when he is back in New York. Mentions he is in the midst of a big picture. Talks about Stephanie. Hopes he and his wife are in the best of health.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Spiros: Writing in response to Spiros' letter of Dec. 13th* [content inaudible] Mentions of Joe's great work as director of the picture. Letter to Jerry: [content inaudible] Hopes to see him when he is back in NY for the holidays. Very impressed with Jerry's newsletter and its mention of Cleopatra. Says he shares Jerry's opinion completely and wishes the studio would do the same. Says Joe has been doing a miraculous job. Is sure the picture will achieve a victory, but he sees a long year still head that will be spent preparing it. New letter to [unidentified]: [content inaudible]

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Martin J(?): [content inaudible] Mentions British/French outfits? Letter to Harry: [content inaudible] Letter to Jess Morgan: Says he got a letter from Stanley Grainger. Talks about expenses, an address in London, and expenses for the previous fall season. Asks if she has heard anything about the Sturman situation. Letter to Blake Edwards: Says he was thrilled to see Breakfast at Tiffany's. Thinks everything was amazing. Says it was one of the first modern pictures he had seen in years. Mentions his dinner with Audrey Hepburn and Ingrid Bergman the previous night. Congratulates him again on his achievement. Letter to Abraham: is grateful for his council. Regarding wills he has asked Jess Morgan to fill him on his will.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: [content inaudible at start] Mentions script, someone coming from London. Says Rex Harrison, Liz Taylor and Joe (director) are all doing wonderful jobs. Thinks it will continue this way as long as Skouras (Pres of 20th century Fox) keeps his fingers out of it. Says expenses will be great, but that he believes the gross and profits will be also. Letter to Charles Feldman: Writing to let him know that he has seen about three quarters of an hour of Joe's first cut and it is "absolutely out of this world. It has depth, quality, great humor, wonderful dramatics and some of the best performances I have ever seen in my life". Thinks it should gross 100 million. Talks about going back to NYC to be with his family over the holidays. Couldn’t be more enthusiastic at the moment, not so sure how the company is feeling. If South Pacific can do 30 million they can certainly more than better than that. Says everyone thinks it is worth the money except 20th century fox. Wants the following to be added to a letter to john wolf: he has heard of a story that might interest jack clayton and if he (wolf) likes it then it could become a joint Italian/English project. Wants to see if they can have him and clayton meet to try and get this going. [content inaudible again]. Letter to Deliani: Talks about getting lunch to talk about what can and can't be done in order to garner commercial success.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Letter to [unidentified]: Talks about dinner he had the other day with this person and it was nice to see him again. Hopes 1962 will be a more peaceful and prosperous year. Letter to Mrs. Anderson(?): Thanks her for her letter and gift. Wishes her and her family well. Letter to Jack Anderson: Sends him well wishes. Letter to Mrs. Fitch: thanks her for her gift. Is very enthusiastic about how the film looks and thinks it should be done sometime in the spring. Thinks it will be a great spectacle. Letter to another couple Donna and Greg M.: Says Charles Feldman and Pete Levathes are coming in as they are having an unusual crisis at the moment, but the film is looking magnificent. Taylor, Burton and Rex Harrison are doing great work and that everyone will be proud of Joe Mankiewicz's work on the picture. Letter to George C: Says the picture is moving along slowly, but beautifully. Praises Taylor and Joe for their great work in the movie so far. Note to John Michael: thanks him for his greeting. Wants him to come visit so he can get away from 'those Hollywood intellectuals'.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Says memos (?) of January 10th were very helpful as they are now reorganizing the production set-up and appraising the whole Cleopatra project to a realistic completion date while Peter (Levathes) is there. The major priority is to get a script completed so they will soon be in a position to appraise the entire enterprise. It is essential to accelerate the shooting of the film with a 2nd unit filming. Shortly they hope to present a schedule of activities for the second unit. A 3rd unit might even be needed. At this time the question of length should be reviewed due to the universal criticism of the length of Ben-Hur, Exodus and Spartacus, they should aim for the 3 hours and Pete confirms this as an ideal length. If this is to be the length they must eliminate the telescope scenes in the script. At their current rate the final cut would be 6 hours. We know that time is our biggest problem. Certain cuts will be made to the script for scenes 6/7. Same goes for scene 29 and 8. *continues talking about which cuts will be made to the script*. Regarding shooting time, if you have a properly organized day you can shoot 2.5 pages with ease, but this has not been the case up to date. the removal of non-obligatory scenes, optimization of time, the use of a 2nd unit and the 1st unit doing 2.5 pages/day is the only way to be finished shooting in Rome by mid-April. *New heading* Unanswered questions: We are still looking for locations, expect to have answers in the coming 10 days. IN his opinion, in consideration of the excitement/publicity surrounding the film, the opening will be disappointing for the audience. The only advantage is showing Antony. Is worried that the film will be jumpy and incoherent, suggests that it should start in Cleopatra's temple. Thinks Caesar’s introduction after Cleopatra would be much better and the only loss would be Antony's introduction. Goes on about various aspects of the film's scenes and his suggestions/plans for them (2nd unit projects, battle scenes, art department). Says going to Egypt for a few scenes is still a possibility.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Letter to his mother. [content inaudible]

after 1961 December 11
Language: In Italian

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: [content inaudible]

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Oliver M. Brooks: Thanks him for the bottle of brandy. Letter to Harold L(?): thanks him for his letter, was glad to hear from him. Letter to Mrs. Romundo: thanks her for her letter. Talks about his daughters and their plans. Wire to Charles Feldman: Asks how long he will be in Paris. Letter to Margaret L: Was delighted to read her notices for her play. Hopes she is doing well in New York. Hopes to finish the film one day, but the going is slow.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Night cable to Pogana: Please meet after arrival of Pan-Am flight. Wants to see if new scripts have been sent to New York.

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Nina; Thanks her for her letter, has received the photographs he asked her to send. The purpose of the letter is to introduce a very good friend, Ted Lewan(?) One of the most attractive, entertaining men he knows. Letter to 21 Brands(?): *reads addresses off*

after 1961 December 11
Scope and Content Note: Wants to get in touch with the American school in Rome. *Shelley speaks about an award she is trying to apply for*.

1962 January 29
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Jess Morgan: Received her letter. Wants to comment on some points in the letter. Talks about the alimony situation with Justine Wanger. Talks about Steph and Shelley’s situation (trust fund, education expenses, etc.). Mentions Allied artists, wants to know if there are any statements from them.

1962 February 1
Scope and Content Note: Asks to make the following notes about production: Doc Erickson about a costume coordinator, Irene Shariff about tosses (?), dining arrangements for the following days, wants to talk to publicity department, wants to arrange to look at cut stuff with Mr. Feldman, planning to write a book, wants to talk to Stuart Lyons about actors for barge scene, letter to Pete Levathes. Letter to Jess Morgan: Mentions information received by Mr. English among other things regarding expenses and production. Letter to Arthur Jacobs: Will stand by his decision in which he doesn't wish to continue any publicity actions at this time. Letter to Alec (Last name?): Appreciates his thoughts, thinks his New York trip will be very successful. *new note* wants to talk to Mr. Rogell about the Irene Shariff situation.

1962 February 5
Scope and Content Note: Note to Arthur and wife: discusses the movie's stills, says he will forward them as soon as he gets them. Thinks the movie will hopefully be done by spring. Mentions a special addition and a paperback for children in many languages. Thinks Charlie Einfeld(?) should be contacted. Note: wants to talk to the American Embassy about Robert Kennedy's trip to Rome. Is expecting a note from Liz Taylor in Paris. Note to Patty [unidentified] in New York: Asks her about Lewis and Aphrodite and if she's ever seen it because he thinks it would make a good film script.

1962 February 5
Scope and Content Note: Letter to Mel F.: Jerry is much better and back at work. Has been in touch with Bob Panero and told him how interested they are in getting the real estate set up properly. Talks about a prospectus on United States company called U.S. Enterprises who specializes in electronic education and another company interested in building hotels called Winston Muss who has a lot of capital and might be interested in joining up with their enterprise. Says they shouldn't forget.

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