A Bell for Adano

N.p. N.p., 1944. Final Draft script for the 1945 film. Presentation copy belonging to William Bendix, with his name in gilt on front board, and title in gilt on spine.

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.

Based on John Hershey's 1944 Pulitzer Prize winning novel, previously adapted as a Broadway play by Paul Osborn in 1944. A US Army Major wins the trust of the liberated Sicilian town of Adano by replacing the 700-year-old bell taken at the beginning of the war by the fascists.

Set in the fictional town of Adano, Sicily, shot on location in Malibu, 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 present, dated October 27, 1944, noted as Final Script, with credits for screenwriter Lamar Trotti. 162 leaves, with last page of text numbered 148. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with blue revision pages throughout, dated 11/3/44. Pages Near Fine, leather binding Near Fine.

[Book #152916]