Tonka

Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Productions, 1958. Final Shooting script for the first half of the 1958 film, thus incomplete as issued, dated April 9, 1958. With lead actor Sal Mineo’s name in manuscript ink on two revision leaves, and his character’s name in pencil on the front wrapper.

Laid in is a small leaf with manuscript ink notations including the name of director Lou Foster, actors Fess Parker and Jerome Courtland, and characters White Bull and Captain Keogh. Parker was originally hired for the role of Keogh but refused second billing, and was replaced by Philip Carey. Jerome Courtland played the role of Lieutenant Henry Nowlan in the film.

Based on David Appel’s 1951 novel "Comanche: Story of America’s Most Heroic Horse," about the bond between a young Sioux boy and the titular horse, who end up on opposite sides of the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Set in Montana Territory and shot on location in Oregon.

Tan titled wrappers, noted as FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped copy No. 112 and production No. 5812, dated APRIL 9, 1958, with credits for director and screenwriter LEWIS FOSTER. Title page present, dated April 9, 1958, noted as FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT, with credits for director and screenwriter LEWIS FOSTER. 70 leaves, with last page of text numbered 69. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with blue revision pages throughout, dated variously between 4/10/58 and 5/15/58. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good plus, bound with three gold brads.

[Book #146435]