Legendary director (1885–1957) whose autocratic nature and profligacy brought an end to his directorial career. He went on to enjoy success as a character actor, perhaps most memorably as Gloria Swanson’s faithful butler in the 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard. MGM inter-office communication, one page, 8.5 x 11, June 15, 1936. Stroheim sends word to MGM vice president Eddie Mannix and producer Edwin H. Knopf. In part: “In regard to my suggestion…concerning a story ‘The Conquest’ dealing with the building of the Panama Canal and the conquest of the yellow fever menace, I inform you that in Louella Parson’s column of June 2 an item appeared which related the fact that Warner Brothers intend to make a picture entitled ‘Panama Canal’…As I have heard…that our company has invested already a great deal of money in material for this story, I tried to save the day by calling Friday afternoon you as well as Mr. Knopf. Neither you nor Mr. Knopf were in. What I was going to suggest…was to find out…from the Hays office if such a story had actually been registered by Warner Brothers with them. If not, perhaps we still could do that and gain precedence.” In fine condition, with two horizontal folds, one passing through his name, and light handling wear and edge toning.
This memo shows von Stroheim’s dutiful commitment to the job, as the great filmmaker was spending his time at MGM slaving away on his own manuscripts, trying to make his dreams come true, and striving to improve others’ work. The chore, however, left the legendary director feeling unfulfilled. He eventually decided to break out of his rut and shortly after this memo left for France and a role in Grand Illusion, a classic 1937 film directed by Jean Renoir—a motion picture considered by film historians to be a masterpiece of optimism. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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