You Can't Cheat an Honest Man

Universal City, CA: Universal Pictures, 1938. Draft script for the 1939 film. Director George Marshall's working copy, with his profuse substantive annotations throughout.

Ne'er-do-well circus owner Larsen E. Whipsnade (W.C. Fields) struggles to keep his performers and carnival business just a few steps ahead of the law in order to avoid foreclosure. Meanwhile, Whipsnade's co-ed daughter Vicky attempts to navigate her equally confounding romantic entanglements in light of her father's financial trouble.

Also starring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy as fictitious versions of themselves, likely in an attempt to drawn attention to the duo's famous "radio feud" with Fields.

Light blue titled wrappers, noted as REVISED SCRIPT on the front wrapper. Title page integral with the first page of text, dated 10/31/38, noted as REVISED SCRIPT. 139 leaves, with last page of text numbered 164. Typescript on onionskin stock, with light green, pink, and gray revision pages throughout. Pages Near Fine, front wrapper Near Fine bound with two gold brads. Lacking rear wrapper.

[Book #137535]