Personal book-bound script for The Great Sinner (M-G-M, 1947)....

Description

Personal book-bound script for The Great Sinner (M-G-M, 1947). Vintage original [156]-page script dated October 1, 1948 and with pink revision pages dated to April 11, 1949. Screenplay by Ladislas Fodor and Christopher Isherwood, from a story by René Fülöp-Miller. The present script was custom-bound for Mr. Peck's personal library in full burgundy calf with title and Mr. Peck's name stamped in gilt on the front board. Spine stamped in gilt with five raised bands. Decorative endpapers. With 17 gelatin silver matte double-weight 7" x 9" production stills from the film tipped to pages bound-in. Spine slightly sun faded, spine edges rubbed. Corners rubbed. A few light scuffs and impressions to the boards. Fine.

The film is loosely adapted from Fyodor Dostoevsky's novella, The Gambler (1866), and incorporates aspects of the novelist's life as well as details from his masterpiece, Crime and Punishment. Lana Turner was originally intended to be Peck's co-star, but had to refuse due to her extended honeymoon in Europe, so the role passed to Ava Gardner and was the first of their three collaborations. Director Robert Siodmak had difficulty cutting the enormous script down so filmed it as it was. The film was originally three hours long and M-G-M told Siodmak to cut it down and reshoot it with a stronger love story element. When he refused, the studio brought in Mervyn Le Roy, and drastically cut it to just over two hours in length.

Please note that while not a studio presentation script, the present script was custom bound for Mr. Peck's personal library and features his name stamped in gilt on the front board.

Heritage Auctions provides detailed information when available but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements and photographs are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of facts, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Framed artworks are not examined outside their frames, and additional details from Heritage may be unavailable; therefore, the condition of unexamined works is not guaranteed. Heritage is not responsible for damage to frames, glazing, original boxes, display materials, or for works that have shifted within the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" in accordance with our Terms & Conditions of Auction.