413 W. Channel Road

Santa Monica, Cal.

December 23, 1937.

Dear Denis: –

Not for a moment did I think that you are in any way responsible for McClintic’s decision. His attitude seemed to me strange since last summer. He was in California and did not even ring me up. He told Miss McCall that he wants to have many changes made and when you went over to see him, he avoided a discussion until the last moment, and then said that he only wants a slight change in the first scene. I think it is just a mood. Mostly these producers have no firm conviction about a play and if someone who has neither conviction nor understanding, says a negative word, they alter their decision immediately. This seems to be the case in this instance. A German “friend”, who is an intimate of McClintic seems to have played some sort of an intrigue.

Let’s forget the whole matter and hope that some other producer will take the play.

Miss McCall wrote me that Robinson Smith, who produced “Parnell” and “Richard the Second” is quite definitely interested, and I am glad to read about Anmer Hall’s interest.

I just returned from a six weeks trip to Mexico. It was a real recreation for me to be among the Indians in remote villages and to forget Hollywood and its craziness.

Please remember me to Mrs. Johnston.

All good wishes for the New Year.

Yours,

Ernst.