Wake Island

Los Angeles: Paramount Pictures, 1942. Draft script for the 1942 film, in maroon leather presentation binding belonging to William Bendix, with his name in gilt on front board, and title in gilt on spine. Copy lacking last part of Sequence "C" and Sequence "D," possibly due to reports that multiple endings had been considered and filmed, due to the uncertain course of the war.

William Bendix was an American stage, film, radio, and television actor who is best remembered as one of television's archetypal patriarchs, the blundering Chester A. Riley in "The Life of Riley," first on the 1944-1951 ABC and NBC radio serial, then in the 1949 film, directed by Irving Brecher, then finally in the 1953-1958 NBC television series. Bendix was nominated for an Academy Award in 1942 for his supporting role in the WWII drama "Wake Island," directed by John Farrow.

Preceding the script is a note asserting the "extremely confidential information supplied by the US Marine Corps" in the script, emphasizing that it is not to be taken out of the studio unless absolutely necessary, nor is it to be read by or discussed with any unauthorized persons. The script, written just a few months after the fall of Wake Island to Japanese forces, was based on (then confidential) official Marine records, and was sent to the Marines for approval prior to filming.

The first major Hollywood film on the US entry into WWII. Nominated for four Academy Awards, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Bendix.

Shot on location in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in Coachella Valley, San Diego, and Salton Sea, California.

Maroon three quarter leather binding over brown leather boards with title in gilt on spine and William Bendix in gilt on lower right of front board with endpapers crediting BooKraft Hollywood. Title page integral with first page, dated 3-24-42, with credits for screenwriter Frank Butler. 104 leaves, with last page of text numbered A-6. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with blue revision pages throughout, dated 4-9-42 and 4-15-42. Pages Near Fine, leather binding Near Fine.

[Book #152869]