CAIN, James M. and Otto Preminger.
Galatea. Letter of Agreement, and Contract between James M. Cain and Otto Preminger [with] a Western Union telegram to Cain detailing Preminger's offer on the film option
A Typed Letter Signed by Otto Preminger to James M. Cain dated 16 February 1954, additionally Signed by Cain accepting the proposal. With an attached partially printed document Signed by both Preminger and Cain detailing the rights and royalties due to each for a proposed film production of Cain's Galatea, with Preminger directing. Aside from signing the contract, Cain has Initialed it in nine other places, and Preminger in one other place. Both letter and contract folded into a docket folder bearing the printed name and address of Cain's Hollywood attorney, I.H. Prinzmetal. Near fine. Also included is a copy of a Western Union telegram dated September 29, 1953, detailing Preminger's offer for the film option. One of the earlier examples of something that is nowadays a common practice: a successful film director (as opposed to a studio) purchasing an option to film a novel. Preminger ultimately let his 6-month option lapse, and the novel never became a film (though it was optioned again in 1979). A very interesting intersection in the histories of the famed author and director.
[BTC #85096]
