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Two ALSs, signed "John Steinbeck" and "John," each one page, 8.5 x 11 and 6.75 x 11, February 10, 1954, Steinbeck writes to his literary agent Elizabeth Otis, discussing his forthcoming plan to attend 'Holy Week' ceremonies in Spain with the intent of writing several pieces about the celebrations, noting the possibility that Elia Kazan would be joining him on a trip to Greece in connection with a collaborative film project to be sponsored by Queen Frederica.
The first, in part: "Following is a projected plan for your files and so that you can have something definite to sell. As you know I am going to Spain in March to attend the Holy Week ceremonies and the Féria in Seville. These two celebrations are unique in the world as far as I know—a complete return to the middle ages. Before I saw this a couple of years ago I tried to read up on it and found singularly little in English had been done…Therefore I will try to do several pieces on the subject and Elaine will photograph the whole thing…There is a strong chance that Elia Kazan will join us in Spain. If that is so we will probably fly to Greece to set up the Greek moving picture we have been discussing. To fill you in—the Queen of Greece told us that if Kazan and I would work together on a film about Greece, the Greek government would give us every facility, even financing. I have a story and it would be a good thing business wise to visit the Queen."
The second, in part: "As you know I go to Europe on March 1, of this year. It may be that during the ensuing months we may be out of touch It is also possible that Elaine's mother Mrs. Anderson of Ft. Worth, Texas, or Waverly Scott or my sons John and Thom might have an emergency which would require you to disburse money to them. If this should happen let this be your authority and permission for such disbursement out of my funds." In fine condition, with a trivial stain to the upper right corner tip of the lengthier letter.
Although Elia Kaza had worked with Steinbeck for two of his films, Viva Zapata (1951) and East of Eden (1955), the two never collaborated on a film about Greece, despite the Queen of Greece having offered financing and locations for such a film in 1954 and again in 1962, when Steinbeck visited Athens and the Aegean islands.
