Twelve Just Men (Original script for the 1932 comedy sketch)

Middlesex, UK: Ernest Lotinga, 1932. Typescript play for a comedy burlesque sketch entitled "Twelve Just Men," originally written by Charlie Chaplin around 1915 and whose rights were subsequently purchased by Ernest Lotinga in 1932. To our knowledge the play was never produced.

British Comedian Ernest Lotinga bought the sketch from Chaplin for £5 and then shelved it until 1932 when he announced that he would be producing it. Lotinga refused Chaplin's offer to buy it back, proposing that he and Chaplin should go into partnership in the production, with Chaplin playing a part in the sketch. Chaplin declined the invitation, and although Lotinga (truncated) then claimed he'd produce the sketch himself, history records no further activity.

In a letter to Chaplin, currently held in the Charlie Chaplin Archive, Lotinga says "I would like to ask your permission to change the title as I am not impressed by the same," 20 May 1926. To our knowledge the play was never produced, likely because of the success Lotinga found in the 1930s with his character "Josser," whom he portrayed in a series of seven films between 1931 and 1935. A facsimile copy of the letter is included with this script.

Typescript in red and black type, leaves Near Fine in a Very Good plus wrapper. Title label on the front wrapper crediting Chaplin. 18 pages. Title page credits Chaplin as the writer and notes Lotinga's ownership, along with his address in Middlesex.

Included is a facsimile of the circa 1932 letter from Lotinga to Chaplin, proposing Chaplin star in a UK stage production, that profits be shared, etc. (Inventory #: 165893)