TLS signed “Papa,” one page, 8.25 x 11, personal Finca Vigia, Cuba letterhead, July 19, 1954. Hemingway writes to novelist and screenwriter Peter Viertel (1920–2007), whose works included the Hemingway memoir Dangerous Friends and the screenplays for Hemingway’s own The Sun Also Rises and The Old Man and the Sea. In part: “Thanks for the letters and the telephone call. I’ve sent the dope to Rice. Kohner wrote yest[erday] too and said he would get in touch with Rice after he had been with John [Huston]. Had a letter from John and will write him. He didn’t say much only that he was still figuring on doing it and what was the best way. Leland called and I said what we’d agree; Zinnerman [director Fred Zinneman] best; better to do Old Man [and the Sea] later and with him; same as you said and wrote. Leland wants you to do the script. Has somebody else who has done something which will turn over to you. No dates specified. He seemed sort of cooled on Spence [Spencer Tracy; who ultimately won the role]; maybe everybody has. It all sounded as though put-off was The Word. I think it is just as well. None of us want to do it right now and I’m not in shape yet…. Kohner said John would like to make a picture out of Death in the Afternoon. You should be getting valuable experience now to write a script for it. Don’t catch kidney stones…. Mary [Hemingway, his wife] is fine, healthy, cheerful and happy (or was until she had to go see her father on the last swing around with that disease Winchell wiped out)…. How’s your bursitis? I have lion fat that is supposed to be good for anything like that. Do you want me to send some. You rub it on and in but maybe it is good if you eat it too. Everything about me is clearing up good. Have the blood pressure down to 160 over 70 and it will get further down. Kidneys functioning good. Liver same. Back clearing up good. They put me on a normal diet and said to drink according to my own judgement. Only thing is I am slow and tire easier than I should. But that is natural and I will train out of it…. It has been hot as hell but every place else worse. Sitting here in a hot July probably accounts for lack of pep, too…. When you come down will put you in some big fish. Haven’t been out yet as the big ones are running and I didn’t want to do anything stupid with back….” A few wrinkles and edge creases, otherwise fine condition. Unusually rich in themes and references closely associated with the great writer’s career! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
