American novelist (1892–1977) best known as the author of such crime/noir classics as The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity. TLS signed “Jim,” one page, 6 x 7, personal letterhead, February 4, 1960. Cain writes to H. N. Swanson, the famed Hollywood agent known as “Swanie,” in full: “I forgot to mention, in the note I wrote you Sunday, what I meant to say about Harold Swanton, credited with the Wagon Train story featuring Tommy Sands. For all I know, he may be a big TV writer, already fixed up with an agent, and perhaps handled by you. However, for what it’s worth, I thought this story terrific, one of the few things on TV recently I could accept 100%—and this is just a tip-off to one man’s opinion, in case you want to sign him, or try to. While I am on the subject, another writer who impressed me, by one of the Trackdowns he wrote, was Christopher Knopf, son of Eddie. Am hard at work, and you should have a script from me soon.” Trimmed edges, a few faint pencil notations at the top, and a Swanson stamp to the top left corner, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
