1953 · London
by [Americana] M.A. Simpson
London: N.p., 1953. Original film script, an unofficial "without permission" adaptation of George Sidney's "Young Bess" (1953). Simpson's copy, a maroon composition notebook with the script filling rectos of over 70 leaves in the author's own manuscript ink, and a dedication on the front endpaper: "Everything I have to say, has already been said. I'll dedicate this, my first film to [memories], to you, and I hope you [appreciate] the honour / Herladyship x / 1953." No recipient is mentioned.
The mysterious and unseen ladyship Simpson based her adaptation on the film, itself based on Margaret Irwin's 1953 eponymous novel and nominated for two Academy Awards. She includes her own embellished "title card" and a cast list of all credited members except Lester Matthews, and follows the film closely in dialogue and action, with slight differences, mostly spelling, grammar, and word replacing. Presumably Simpson watched the film incessantly to master the dialogue and scene changes, or may have had access to original scripts. She dutifully prefaces the script with "A-dapted from the film, without permission / by M.A. Simpson."
Octavo, maroon boards and vellum spine, "wide rule," marbled page edges, all versos blank, 23 rear leaves blank, "W. Straker. Ltd." label on the front pastedown. Very Good plus, with light rubbing and foxing, front hinge tender. (Inventory #: 145667)
The mysterious and unseen ladyship Simpson based her adaptation on the film, itself based on Margaret Irwin's 1953 eponymous novel and nominated for two Academy Awards. She includes her own embellished "title card" and a cast list of all credited members except Lester Matthews, and follows the film closely in dialogue and action, with slight differences, mostly spelling, grammar, and word replacing. Presumably Simpson watched the film incessantly to master the dialogue and scene changes, or may have had access to original scripts. She dutifully prefaces the script with "A-dapted from the film, without permission / by M.A. Simpson."
Octavo, maroon boards and vellum spine, "wide rule," marbled page edges, all versos blank, 23 rear leaves blank, "W. Straker. Ltd." label on the front pastedown. Very Good plus, with light rubbing and foxing, front hinge tender. (Inventory #: 145667)
(410) 366-7329
