The Wings of Eagles

Beverly Hills, CA: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer [MGM], 1955-1956. Three screenplays from the 1956 film, including two draft scripts dated 7-21-55 and one partial draft script dated 2-16-56.

One script with manuscript pencil annotations to the inside rear wrapper, noting revisions, and one with manuscript pencil annotations on the front wrapper. Also included in the collection is a memo from technical advisor Admiral John Dale Price to producer Charles Schnee and an unknown crew member, bound in script format, addressing factual errors and questions, dated 2-15-56. Script dated 2-15-56 missing a number of pages, as shown below, likely as used or issued.

A dramatization of the experiences of US Navy aviator-turned-screenwriter Frank "Spig" Wead, a rowdy and dedicated pilot who is forced to retire from the Navy after being paralyzed in an accident.

Shot on location in Florida and Washington DC.

Copy No. 28, dated 7-21-55:

Blue titled wrappers, stamped VAULT COPY, MIMEOGRAPH FILE COPY, and TEMPORARY COMPLETE on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped copy No. 28 and production No. 5651, dated 7-21-55, with credits for screenwriter Frank Fenton. Title page integral with the front wrapper, as issued. 111 leaves, with last page of text numbered "111-113". Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with white revision pages throughout, dated variously between 8-3-55 and 10-10-55. Pages and wrapper Very Good plus, with tide marks to the bottom and fore edges, bound with two gold brads.

Copy No. 29, dated 7-21-55:

Blue titled wrappers, VAULT COPY, MIMEOGRAPH FILE COPY, and TEMPORARY COMPLETE on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped copy No. 29 and production No. 5651, dated 7-21-55, with credits for screenwriter Frank Fenton. Title page integral with the front wrapper as issued. 154 leaves, with last page of text numbered "111-112". Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with white revision pages throughout, dated variously between 7-22-55 and 10-10-55. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Near Fine, bound with two gold brads.

Script dated 2-16-56:

Blue titled wrappers, dated 2-16-56 on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped VAULT COPY and production No. 5651, noted as Section of Script. Title page integral with the front wrapper as issued. Approximately 100 leaves, dated variously between 2-16-56 and 2-21-56. Mimeograph duplication on yellow stock, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Near Fine, bound with two gold brads.

[Book #152913]