Agreement with Paramount Pictures for a Musical Play

Document Signed 9 pp, 4to, August 28, 1950, New York City, The document is an agreement signed by both between Paramount Pictures and Ferenc Molnár, parties of the first; Preston Sturges, Harry Rigby and Hugh Martin, parties of the second. “Ferenc Molnar…is the author of a well-known play entitled ‘The Good Fairy.’ PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION has succeeded to certain stage-producing rights concerning said Play. The Adaptors wish to make a Musical Play from said Play, and the Manager desires to obtain the sole and exclusive license to produce and present said Musical Play throughout the world.” Signed by Preston Sturges, and Ferenc Molnár. Also signed (truncated) by Harry Rigby (producer), Hugh Martin (music & lyrics) and other studio parties. Also initialed by Sturges and Molnár in numerous places for royalties, amendments, etc. Sturges wrote a screenplay based on Molnár’s play, "A jó tündér," retitled as "The Good Fairy, " which was directed by William Wyler and starred Margaret Sullivan, Herbert Marshall, Frank Morgan and Reginald Owen. Sturges’ screenplay later became the basis for the 1951 Broadway musical, "Make a Wish." The play opened on April 18, 1951 at the Winter Garden Theatre, where it ran for 102 performances. The cast included Nanette Fabray, Stephen Douglass, Helen Gallagher, Melville Cooper and Harold Lang. Stapled wraps are slightly toned along edge with short tear, otherwise, fine. (Inventory #: 2250)