Description:

(1924 - 2004) American stage and film actor and Academy Award winner, remembered for his roles in A Streetcar Named Desire, The Wild One, and The Godfather. A superlative piece of movie memorabilia, actor Marlon Brando’s working script for the 1963 classic political thriller, "The Ugly American", signed by him: "Marlon Brando" on the cover and bearing his additions and multiple sarcastic comments scattered within. The 119pp. script also includes 19 pages of appendices setting forth the shooting schedules for the first and second units, as well as the cast list with names, addresses, telephone numbers and agents, and staff and crew particulars. The 8 ½" x 11" script is dated February 22, 1962 with some corrections dated later. It is also marked as being: "Property of Universal-International Pictures". Most of the corrections in the script are in a secretarial hand, but Brando does interject several interesting points. Opposite page 34, in a conversation between Johnson and Ambassador MacWhite concerning protesters at the airport, Brando writes: "I would like to interrupt here. So far the only thing that’s clear is that here is nothing clear at all. So we’ll stop squabbling and I’ll present you with some facts." In a scene with a conversation with DeLong, the fed-up actor writes: "I really had a snoot full today and I just ain’t up to it. I just want to have a toddy and beat at your silly face." Also: "I’m suffering from a slight concussion (of words). You threw me a few fast combinations of words that caught me right in the back of the head." The back cover bears three cryptic notes: "Living and loving the way you like him to. If he ain’t a com. lady he’ll do until the real thing comes along. Let’s do frolic through group to the end". There are about a dozen additional emendations and comments as well. This script was originally given to one "Alice Marshak" whose name has been crossed-out on the cover. We suspect it was Marshak who penciled-in the routine corrections before giving the script to Brando. In fine condition. Also present are four additional items related to the film, including Brando’s personal copy of the paperback edition of "The Ugly American" and picturing him on the cover. Written by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick, it was published by Crest, New York in 1958. Tellingly, a review of the book printed within notes: "...a lot of readers will want to do something about the problem it presents..." Beside that review, Brando penciled: "End it". Also present are three letters to Brando: a 1959 letter from Universal-International producer Melville Tucker expressing his pleasure that Brando was interested the property; a May 29, 1961 very informal letter from director George Englund discussing a draft revision of the script, arrangements for filming in Thailand, and hoping to meet Brando in Tahiti; a 1963 letter from talent agent Arthur L. Park: "Marlon, I think this is one of your best pieces of work...an outstanding and unusual picture"; and a letter of praise from one Bill Parrish. Finally, there is a still from the film, a bust portrait of Brando in character as Ambassador MacWhite. These items originate from the Christie’s June 30, 2005 auction of some of Brando’s possessions, and the illustrated lot slip is included. Although "The Ugly American" initially received mixed reviews, it has since become to many representative of the American government’s attitude toward Third World nations. This film was perfect for Brando, an early political activist. In August 1963, he participated in the March on Washington along with fellow celebrities Harry Belafonte, James Garner, Charlton Heston, Burt Lancaster and Sidney Poitier. Along with Paul Newman, Brando also participated in the "freedom rides" in the American South.

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February 19, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000