The Big Fisherman

Lloyd C. Douglas (novel)
Frank Borzage (director)
Howard Estabrook, Rowland V. Lee (screenwriters)
Howard Keel, Susan Kohner, John Saxon, Martha Hyer (starring)

Burbank, CA: Centurion / Buena Vista, 1959. Pre-Production script for the 1959 film, dated August 7, 1958. Copy beloning to art director Walter M. Simonds, who would go uncredited on the final film, with his name in manuscript pencil on the front wrapper and a single manuscript notation inside.

Based on the 1948 biblical novel of the same name by Lloyd C. Douglas, a sequel to The Robe. First picture to be filmed using Panavision 70mm, allowing for superior depth of focus and definition of the lavish and well researched production. 300,000 feet of film was shot and then reduced to 16,000 for the final version. Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Color).

Set in Arabia of the New Testament, shot on location in San Fernando Valley.

Green titled wrapper noted as pre-production script, dated August 7, 1958. Title page present, dated August 7, 1958, noted as pre-production script, with credits for novel based on by Lloyd C. Douglas, screenwriters Howard Estabrook and Rowland V. Lee. 228 leaves, with last page of text numbered "P-16." Mimeograph duplication, with revision pages throughout, dated variously between 7/28/58 and 9/16/58. Pages Fine, wrapper Very Good plus, bound with three gold brads.


[Book #142695]