she said, quite rightly, that so much depended on the scenario treatment. Anyway, she would not give a definite answer—but then she couldn’t very well, and on the whole I got the response I expected. So the next thing to do was interest a producer; because naturally I could not go ahead with such a project unless someone was ready and willing to put the picture in production when and if. I offered it to David Selznick (who has produced other Garbo pictures) and he was enthusiastic at first, then less so; and what was more, we did not seem to see the picture in the same way. I still think I could get Selznick to do it … though I’m afraid he would be mainly interested in it as a vehicle for his wife, Jennifer Jones. Which brings us to Roberto Rosselini [Rossellini] (he is the Italian director who did OPEN CITY etc). I’m reasonably certain Rosselini would do The Dreamers … but here is the catch: Rosselini will want to star his wife, Ingrid Bergman, and will want to direct. Well I don’t think he is the right kind of director for such a picture as this … (cause one thing it ain’t, it ain’t realistic.) I suppose Bergman could be rather good in the part (I would like to know what Dinesen thinks); but after all the whole point, or at least my point, is that this is a picture for Garbo. I guess the thing to do is to find a producer who hasn’t got an actress wife. All joking aside, I do still very much want to adapt this story, and if Miss Dinesen will allow me to continue I know that I will find just the right sponsorship. For one thing, I want to speak to Carol Reed (and am going to do so in March) who I know is interested in this whole idea, and who I think would be able to realize it in the most sensitive way possible. But if on the other hand Miss Dinesen would care to take a chance on Rosselini and Bergman … then I am perfectly willing to have all rights revert to her, as indeed they would in any case, for I should not want to do the scenario.
Bob I expect to come to New York around the middle of March. I must finish my play first (I think you will like it) … and when that is over I’m going to settle down to being a novelist again.
I miss you all the time, and God knows I wish I could talk to you. Give my best to Bob Haas.
always
T
P.S. Bob, would you please see that all mail is forwarded to me c/o Saint Subber, 17A East 57th St. N.Y.C.
[Collection Columbia University]

TO CECIL BEATON
33 via Margutta
Rome
New Year’s Day 1953
Cecil dearest—
Here it is, a new year—I want to begin it with letters to those who are closest to my heart: I shall not be over-burdening the postman.
Perhaps this will reach you somewhere on your ‘lecture tour’—probably too exhausted to open the envelope. Oh I don’t envy you, poor lamb; but I hope you are making a fortune and not having to eat too much cream chicken (those provincial ladies serve only that).251
I had such a laugh over the clipping about Juliet [Duff]. But seriously, I think someone has it in for that family: all those fires, robberies—can they be just coincidence?
As for Saint—his personal life is too muddled for me. I can only conclude that he is a masochist: and rather a bore about it, too. What he needs is a dose of dignity—maybe Dr. Jacobsen could oblige. On the other hand, I am touched when he writes, as he does every letter, how much in love with you he is; and I believe him, too. But there is such a lot to say on this subject—best wait till I see you.
We had a very quiet holiday period—the only really good present I got was a Caraceni suit (which I gave to myself). I have been working pretty steadily, and so has Jack; we did not even go out New Year’s eve.

Jack is rather put out today, because we saw in the paper where Joan is getting married again. Not that he objects to that—only the person she is marrying, a dancer called Bob Foss [Fosse]. Seems to be a most unfortunate alliance.252 She has a good part in the new Rodger’s [sic]-Hammerstein.253
The [Charlie] Chaplins were here last week—amid great ovations. And I acted as their cicerone for several days—it was kind of fun. They were showered with presents—including a miniature Japanese tree, which they gave me, and which I shall probably leave to the landlady—although it’s charming, and Lola looks delightful perched on its tiny branches.
I want to come to London in March—Jack & the animals would have to stay in Paris because of the quarantine (on animals, not Jack). But will you be there—around the 10th or 15th?
I miss you, precious one. Write soon, and forgive this dull note—I only want to tell you that I am thinking of you and love you
T
[Collection St. John’s College, Cambridge University]

TO CATHERINE WOOD
33 Via Margutta
Rome
[Early January 1953]
Woody darling
Bless you sweet heart for the oh so appetizing can-goods—which arrived a few days ago: we’ve all been gorging!
Darling, the reason your letters were returned is that you mis-spelled the name of this street. M – A – R – G – U – TT – A.
I had your letter this morning, and my goodness you sound as though you had a gay holiday whirl. Mine was very quiet—just rested up, having finished that damned movie. Yes, you will see it in New York—it’s in English. I’ve been working regularly on the play, and another 2 months should see me finished.
It’s freezing here in Rome. I have two electrical heaters but they just barely take the chill off the room. The floors are marble—absolute ice. I can hardly hold this pen—
Princess Caetani arranged for me to have a private audience with the Pope. It was supposed to last 15 minutes, but I stayed more than half-an-hour—an extraordinary man, so really charming and beautiful. I long to tell you about it.

The Chaplins were here just before Christmas, and when I leave Rome (around March 1st) I am going to stop a few days with them in Switzerland, (where they have taken a house) on my way to Paris. Did you see his picture, ‘Limelight’? I loved it. I am so fond of them, and it breaks my heart that all this foolishness is happening about him at home. It makes me feel so ashamed of my own country.254
Give my love to Margery: I enjoyed her Christmas card. Jack sends his fondest regards. All the animals are fine. I love you with all my heart, precious Woody.
Your own
T
[Collection New York Public Library]

TO ANDREW LYNDON
33 Via Margutta
Rome
Jan 7 1953
Dearest Bunny—
I was so relieved to have your letter—I’d begun really to be alarmed. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the holidays—ours were very quiet.
I expect you must have seen Nina when they came back at Christmas to close up the apt. Heaven knows where I am going to keep my things—much less live—when we get back to N.Y. If you hear of a nice sublet from April 1st let me know.
As for the movie—I don’t think very much of it. The actual making of it was a helluva lot more interesting. I got started on a great feud with M. [Montgomery] Clift—for six weeks we really loathed each other—but then (this is for your eyes alone!) we suddenly started a sort of mild flirtation, which snowballed along until it reached very tropic climates indeed. Nothing too serious—I’m not breaking up house and home—but it has been rather fun, and anyway he is really awfully sweet and I like him quite a lot. He is leaving next week—going to Hawaii to be in ‘From Here to Eternity’—Or ‘Horseshit’ (as you say)? So I guess everything will cool down—and I’m glad in a way because, for obvious reasons, it’s all been too nerve-wracking—
And not at all good for my work! Still, I am making headway—and with Great Effort should have the play finished by the time we leave. As for J. [Jennifer] Jones—I don’t want her in the part: she is all wrong for it, I feel a little badly about it, because I really have gotten to like her—but she is an extremely neurotic girl, and would have 12 nervous breakdowns before rehearsals had hardly started. Besides, I want an all colored cast—or nearly so. Why was Alice P. so upset at the thought of Eartha Kitt? Of course I’ve never seen her—have you? If not, I wish you would and write me. By the way, when does Alice open at the Blue? I’d like to send her a cable.
Another thing, darling—where is Tiny? I asked before but you didn’t answer and of course none of the Capotes ever write.
Jack sends love—(when you write, be discreet about certain items mentioned in this letter as Mr. D. always wants to read your letters). I love you, too, my precious one
T
P.S. What I wouldn’t give for one of our long tête a têtes just now.
[Collection New York Public Library]

TO CECIL BEATON
33 via Margutta
Rome
Jan 21, 1953
Dearest Cecil—
I’m in bed with a cold—am sitting here sipping tea laced with rum, and have read six books in two days: it is all so very cozy: such a pleasure to be ill once in a while.
But I must tell you how I