The Magnificent Dope [The Magnificent Jerk]

Los Angeles: Twentieth Century-Fox, 1942. Final Draft script for the 1942 film, here under the working title "The Magnificent Jerk." Production No. 647, and copy No.1 stamped on the front wrapper, with FINAL printedd at the top right corner of same. Single annotation on title page amending title with "Dope," in manuscript pencil. Laid in is a credit sequence page, with credits divided, horizontally, from letters "a" to "h."

Don Ameche runs a Dale Carnegie-esque "success school" that isn't terribly successful, and at the suggestion of his secretary decides to pursue a promotion where the company makes a success out of the "laziest man in America," who turns out to be Henry Fonda.

Set in New York City.

Blue titled wrappers, noted as FINAL on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped copy No. 1 and production No. 647, dated FEB. 14, 1942. Distribution page present, with receipt removed. Title page present, dated February 14, 1942, noted as Final Script, with credits for screenwriter George Seaton. 136 leaves, with last page of text numbered 131. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with blue revision pages throughout, dated variously between 2/18/42 and 3/30/42. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good plus, with one two and a half inch closed tear on front wrapper and several small closed tears, bound internally with two gold brads.

Credit Sequence, 8.5 x 11 inches. Very Good plus, with center crease, open tears at top and bottom hole punch and very small chip on top right.

[Book #148689]