Ten Gentlemen from West Point

Los Angeles: Twentieth Century-Fox, 1940. Early First Draft Continuity script for the 1942 film, thirteen months before the beginning of the production (according to the AFI Catalog), by screenwriter Tom Reed. Front wrapper contains annotation of "Legal Dept." in manuscript ink on upper right margin and ."3" amending "2152" stamp, a Twentieth Century Fox "Received" stamp, dated "Nov 12 40," and "Permanent Legal Records," production number "574," and copy number "7" stamps.

Laid in is a four page mimeograph duplicated letter, dated December 10, 1940, on a Twentieth Century-Fox interoffice form, from Darryl Zanuck, who was in charge of the production, to Lou Edelman, who was originally assigned to produce, of suggestions and criticisms to a December 6, 1940 treatment of the script. Front page of letter contains two annotations in manuscript pencil, and "Permanent Legal Records" and production number "2152" stamps.

Congress reestablishes a military academy at West Point, lead by a strict commander (Laird Cregar) who pushes the young men in hopes of breaking their spirits. After a grueling trial, the remaining ten men are sent to the Indiana territory to fight with General William Henry Harrison (Douglass Dumbrille).

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

Set in West Point, NY.

Orange titled wrappers, noted as FIRST DRAFT CONTINUITY on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped copy No. 7 and production No. 547, dated NOV. 11. 1940. Distribution page present, with receipt intact. Title page present, dated November 11, 1940, noted as 1st Draft Continuity, with credits for screenwriter Tom Reed and story credit for Malvin Wald. 170 leaves, with last page of text numbered 165. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Near Fine, bound internally with three gold brads.

Letter, 8.5 x 11 inches. Near Fine.

[Book #148688]