The Meanest Man in the World

Sidney Lanfield (director)
George Seaton, Allan House (screenwriters)
George M. Cohan (playwright)
Jack Benny, Priscilla Lane, Eddie Anderson, Edmund Gwenn (starring)

1942. First Draft Continuity script (pre-production) for the 1943 film.

Based on a play by George M. Cohan, a small town lawyer finds no success in his practice simply because he is too nice, does not take payment from those too poor to pay, and will not represent those he does not believe are actually innocent. His fiance's father forces him to go to New York City to practice law, attracting new customers simply by being mean. This newfound attitude pushes his fiance away.

Set in New York.

Orange titled wrappers, noted as First Draft Continuity on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped copy No. 9 and production No. 776, dated May 5, 1942. Distribution page present, with receipt removed. Title page present, dated May 5, 1942, noted as First Draft Continuity, with credits for screenwriter Morris Ryskind. 146 leaves, with last page of text numbered 144. Mimeograph duplication. Pages Very Good plus, wrapper Very Good plus bound internally with two gold brads.


[Book #140155]