Skip to main content
Go to accessibility options

Description

James Thurber Signed The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Agreement with Notes from the Author. Many Hollywood movie adaptations of written works are less than faithful to their source material, as James Thurber learned during the production of this 1947 Danny Kaye vehicle. Thurber worked with screenwriter Ken Englund for ten days after Englund's first draft was rejected by Samuel Goldwyn; Thurber's suggestion's were regularly ignored by both partners, and legend has it the author offered Goldwyn $10,000 to not make the movie. This two-page agreement, dated May 21, 1946, grants the movie rights to Goldwyn for the sum of $1,500 and is signed by Thurber in blue ink. Attached to it are the following: a five-page letter from Thurber to Englund dated March 31, 1946, containing notes on the script; a letter from Thurber to producer Pat Duggan expressing frustration over the script, dated April 1, 1946; and a letter from Thurber to Duggan dated April 10, 1946, containing suggested revisions. All are in Very Fine to Excellent condition with slight wear, toning, and creases. Accompanied by James Spence Authentication auction LOA.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Auction Info

Auction Dates
November, 2010
13th-14th Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,461

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.

Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Sales Tax information

Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More

Terms and Conditions  |  Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments |  Glossary of Terms
Sold on Nov 14, 2010 for: $717.00
Track Item