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Cukor, George (director), Francis Marion (writer), George S. Kaufman (writer), Edna Ferber (writer)
Dinner at Eight
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Los Angeles: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer [MGM], 1933. Draft script (identified as "Dialogue Continuity," as was the practice at MGM for pre-production draft scripts during this period) for the 1933 film.
The pinnacle of Frances Marion's work as a screenwriter, and a film that struck many different notes in Hollywood and in film history, making George Cukor an A-list director. "Dinner at Eight" proved that stage plays could be made into films without being stagey, but went quite beyond that breakthrough, with a great director and a group of Hollywood actors both working at the peak of their respective talents, resulting in one of the greatest comedy-dramas (and indeed, it was equal parts both) of the 1930s.
John Barrymore and Marie Dressler, both very seasoned and even in twilight by 1933, were interestingly cast here as more or less themselves: Barrymore is a self-absorbed drunk who ultimately commits suicide, and Dressler is an actress past her prime who, despite her vanity sees herself for who she is.
Blue studio wrappers, noted as "Wardrobe" in holograph pencil, noted as Dialogue Continuity on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped copy No. 5306 and production No. 1945, dated Mar. 1, 1933, with credits for writers Kaufman and Ferber. 152 leaves, mimeograph. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good with some wear at the left margin, bound with two gold brads.
In a custom quarter-leather clamshell box. Full collation available upon request. [Book #124820]
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