Fat City (Columbia, 1972), Early-Draft Script by Leonard Gardner, Plus Casting Director Fred Roos' Manuscript Casting ...

Description

Fat City (Columbia, 1972), Early-Draft Script by Leonard Gardner, Plus Casting Director Fred Roos' Manuscript Casting and Crew Research. Vintage original script plus extensive casting and crew research notes by casting director Fred Roos. Script appears to be combination of typed-carbon and studio mimeo or xerox, in varying fonts, on 112-white pages (as paginated) and measures 9" x 11.5". Written by Leonard Gardner, dated 17 March 1971 from his own novel of the same name, screw-bound in brown leatherette covers, with typed title taped to spine. John Huston directs this wonderful character study of two boxers, one who has never reached the level he hoped (Stacy Keach), and a young one learning the ropes (Jeff Bridges). Co-starring Susan Tyrrell, Candy Clark and Nicholas Colasanto (Coach on "Cheers"). The book and movie are set in and around Stockton and concern the struggles of third-rate pro boxers who only dimly comprehend that none of them will ever make the big time. Devoid of the usual "sweet science" cliches, the book roils with dark pessimism as the characters eke out a gritty existence. It is considered an underappreciated classic of early 1970s cinema. Lot also includes Fred Roos' multi-page manuscript notes (most on yellow legal 8.5" x 14" pages) detailing casting, crew, call sheets and more. Script shows only a trace of handling, with some tanning to interior pages, especially near margins, and note pages exhibit handling and age. View the expanded description for this lot online at HA/7433. The poster is for reference only and is not included with this lot. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. From the Estate of Fred Roos.

More Information: Vintage original script plus extensive casting and crew research notes by casting director Fred Roos. Script appears to be combination of typed-carbon and studio mimeo or xerox, in varying fonts, on 112-white pages (as paginated) and measures 9" x 11.5". Written by Leonard Gardner, dated 17 March 1971 from his own novel of the same name, screw-bound in brown leatherette covers, with typed title taped to spine. John Huston directs this wonderful character study of two boxers, one who has never reached the level he hoped (Stacy Keach), and a young one learning the ropes (Jeff Bridges). Co-starring Susan Tyrrell, Candy Clark and Nicholas Colasanto (Coach on "Cheers"). Leonard Gardner (born 3 November 1933) is an American novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter. His writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Esquire, The Southwest Review, and other publications, and he has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship. Gardner was born in Stockton, and went to San Francisco State University. He currently lives in Larkspur, California. Gardner's 1969 novel Fat City is an American classic whose stature has increased over the years. His screen adaptation of Fat City was made into an acclaimed 1972 film of the same title, directed by John Huston. The book and movie are set in and around Stockton and concern the struggles of third-rate pro boxers who only dimly comprehend that none of them will ever make the big time. Devoid of the usual "sweet science" cliches, the book roils with dark pessimism as the characters eke out a gritty existence. It is considered an underappreciated classic of early 1970s cinema. In their memoirs, producer Ray Stark and director John Huston both cited it as among their finest achievements. Gardner has made a couple of acting appearances, most notably in Francis Ford Coppola's 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream. Gardner appears in a handful of scenes as a character known only as the Gas Station Owner. He has written a number of screenplays for television, including several for NYPD Blue, for which he was a writer and producer for a few seasons. The prestige of Gardner's novel has grown since its publication, due to critical acclaim from Joan Didion and Walker Percy, among others. Denis Johnson cites it as a major influence on his writing. The book is widely considered a classic of boxing fiction. Lot also includes Fred Roos' multi-page manuscript notes (most on yellow legal approx. 8.5" x 14" pages) detailing casting, crew, call sheets and more. Script shows only a trace of handling, with some tanning to interior pages, especially near margins, and note pages exhibit handling and age. Provenance: Obtained directly from the Estate of Fred Roos. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.


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