TLS signed “D. F. Z.,” eight pages, 8.5 x 11, December 2, 1964. Lengthy letter from Zanuck analyzing talks he had in Paris regarding his studio’s upcoming 1964 production year, commenting on each film planned by the studio. In part: “Last night I went through and analyzed separately each of the thirteen very important films we will produce in 1965, at a cost of 46,650,000 dollars…it is vital that each of the thirteen pictures be carefully examined on an individual basis, to be certain that they contain the maximum of box-office ingredients…I believe most of them do, and on the questionable ones we must concentrate on developing showmanship patterns wherever we do not have and established best seller as a basis to our production or a box office cast…Of the thirteen pictures, six stand out as having the potential ingredients…I list the leaders as: The Day Custer Fell, The Sand Pebbles, Do Not Disturb, Call Me When The Cross Turns Over, The Hawk, Blue Max.” Zanuck then lists all the films individually and comments on the production of each. Highlights include: “Fantastic Voyage…since it has the least important cast it must have the maximum of showmanship. I am going to work on Salvador Dali…I will meet with Dali this week. If we can use in our advertising and titles ‘inspired by the designs of Salvador Dali,’ this is plus-value. If we succeed in getting Honor Blackman as the girl…as she is the most heavily publicized character in Goldfinger…There is no reason why audiences (before they enter the theatre) will not expect to see just another one of the cheaply made science fiction thrillers.” “Flight of the Phoenix…I urge you, however, to work on the balance of the cast, particularly because of James Stewart. He has been playing ‘father roles’ recently and he is sort of a family-man type. Since this picture is a change of pace for him, we should capitalize on this and protect ourselves wherever we can by surrounding him not only with good actors, but whenever possible with actors such as Melvyn Douglas, as an example.” “The Day Custer Fell…If you get Charlton Heston for Custer, then I am certain you will attract other names for the three or four important roles…It seems to me Charlton Heston is the key to the cast. Once you break the ice and get him and line up another real name for Reno, I am sure they will flock to you like they did to me when I first signed Robert Mitchum for ‘The Longest Day.’ He broke the ice for us and then I got John Wayne, Richard Burton, Henri [sic] Fonda, Robert Ryan…How The West Was Won was, in my opinion, a second-rate picture that was carried by three exciting episodes and an accumulation of personalities.” “The Sand Pebbles: We have a great script and a top director. We have Steve McQueen and excellent casting possibilities in the other roles…This is not only a road-show but it has all the ingredients to justify it and Steve McQueen is the hardest name in motion pictures today. The theme of the story is enormous. Without saying so, it is a powerful and dramatic reflection of the roots of American foreign policies, but it is told from beginning to end with showmanship, suspense, action and violent sex.” In fine condition, with a mild overall shade of toning, paperclip impressions to top edge, and a few light creases. Remarkable insight to the behind-the-scenes thinking of one of America’s best producers. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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