Letter

This material is held atUniversity of Manchester Library

  • Reference
    • GB 133 DON/88
  • Dates of Creation
    • 4 Dec 1935
  • Physical Description
    • 5 sheets

Scope and Content

Letter from RD to his parents and brothers John and Bill, in which he discusses the finances of the Donat Fur Farm in Connecticut, in particular making reference to a proposal received by the family from an American businessman representing Gaumont British, who has apparently offered to provide a bungalow for his parents [if they could persuade RD to sign a contract with the company]; RD urges them not to commit themselves in any way. Other topics covered include: the great success of The 39 steps; the unconventional approach of Hitchcock; the ending of the film (an alternative ending involving a kiss between the two stars was not used in the British version); a recent film survey run by [Alexander] Korda, which ranks RD as fourth most popular star; Korda's recent purchase of Precious bane as a vehicle for RD; and a published article on RD's boyhood and education by Caroline Lejeune.

Dated at: Chagford, Devon. Holograph.