The Helen Morgan Story

Burbank, CA: Warner Brothers, 1957. Second Revised Final script for the 1957 film. Director Michael Curtiz's presentation copy, in tan leather with gilt titles and Curtiz's name at the bottom right corner of the front board.

A highly fictionalized portrayal of the life and career of Prohibition era torch singer/actress Helen Morgan. This film marked Curtiz's return to Warner Bros since leaving in 1954 due to a salary dispute. Ever since Morgan's death Warner Bros wanted to make a film biography though struggled to find an actress and continuously in development. Working titles included, "Why Was I Born?," "Both Ends of the Candle" and as printed in this copy, "The Jazz Age." Many female actresses auditioned including Doris Day who rejected due to her squeaky clean image. Blyth was chosen for her dramatic ability even though her singing voice was akin to Morgan's. Gogi Grant would supply the singing voice dubbed over Blyth.

Set in New York, shot on location in Burbank, CA.

Brown leather covered boards, titles in gilt. Distribution page present, with receipt intact. Title page present, dated 1/29/57, with credits for screenwriter Nelson Gidding. 130 leaves, with last page of text numbered 124. Mimeograph duplication, with blue revision pages throughout, dated variously between 2/6/57 and 3/8/57. Pages Near Fine, binding Very Good plus.

[Book #142897]