The Big Sleep Carbon Typescript Script by William Faulkner and Leigh Brackett (Warner Bros., 1946)....

Description

The Big Sleep Carbon Typescript Script by William Faulkner and Leigh Brackett (Warner Bros., 1946). Vintage original studio bound and bradded 172-onion skin paged script stamped on the cover, the title "The Big Sleep," "Temporary," as well as 2-"Story Department Stamps." Dated on the interior title page, "9/26/44" and typed, "PRODUCER: Howard Hawks." Script content preceded by 3-pages of character names and short descriptions, i.e.; for the character ultimately played by Humphrey Bogart;

"Phillip Marlowe......... 'Doghouse Reilly' - private detective, working for the D.A. husky, confident, well-dressed but not flashy. 38 years old - unmarried." And for the character ultimately played by Lauren Bacall;

"Vivian Sternwood.....Mrs. Rutledge - spoiled, exacting, smart, ruthless, with a habit for getting married. She is beautiful, giving the impression of strong will and strong emotions - the dangerous unpredictable type."

In this early script, the famous final scene and last exchange:

OHLS
All right, Marlowe. I'm waiting to see how you're going to talk yourself out of this one.

MARLOWE
(laughing)
For once I'm going to tell the truth.

OHLS
It had better be good

MARLOWE
(turning to Vivian)
It'll be good, Bernie. It'll be very good. Because you won't have to hold me here. I've decided already myself to stay.

In the resulting film, the unforgettable exit line became:

VIVIAN
You forgot one thing. Me.

MARLOWE
What's wrong with you?

VIVIAN
Nothing you can't fix.

The Shooting Script would be ultimately co-written by William Faulkner, Leigh Brackett and Jules Furthman who had to contend with much racy subject matter and material being massaged to handle The Hayes Commission's scrutiny. The movie perpetuated the already beloved Bogey and Bacall mythos as a power couple of the 40s and established Bacall as a serious and fine actress. Exhibiting edge tearing to the studio covers. Content remains in Vintage Fine condition. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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