Description:

NORMAN ROCKWELL
(1894 - 1978) American painter and illustrator known for his homey, American genre paintings. An archive of material related to the proposal of a documentary by St. Ives Productions, Inc. in 1964-65 titled, alternately titled "Norman Rockwell's America" and "Norman Rockwell: Portrait of the Artist". The lot contains the original pitch, frame by frame directions for the camera crew and editors, the notes to an interview with Rockwell, estimated budget for the film, notes about the establishing shot of the film, and so forth. With pages totaling 40pp. original typescript material, the archive contains information about Rockwell and his paintings and also reveals the process of creating the documentary. The pitch, 5pp. 4to., begins: "The film is introduced by a 'name' host. He tells about the reason the film was made...The camera opens on the magnificent Berkshire Mountains country in Massachusetts. This is rich country, the cradle of America...As the narrator speaks the camera moves down a street, up a driveway...through the window we see a man at work at the easel...We trace Norman Rockwell's course of life...the world of the Cafe Society...We see the war posters and the humorous drawings, including the world-famous Rosie...we hear about his portrait work...We see that here a man who takes seriously the work that he does, who regards illustration as a primary art...Through his creations our heritage is richer and our life has one more element of truth and joy...". The interview with Rockwell lists questions about his divorce, forays into abstraction, etc., while the film directions outline the mise-en-scène and narration, accompanying photographs, b-roll and voice-overs. Included in the lot are two T.L.s.S. by NORMAN ROCKWELL to Edmund Penney of "Crossroads of the World". The first, May 3, 1965, reads in part: "...I just had a second thought about the script. I am now married to Molly, who is a most wonderful wife, dearest friend, severest critic and a great help to me, and I think she ought to be in it somewhere...". The second, July 27, 1965, reads: "...When we were in Denver we got the good news that you were coming up from Hollywood...but then I guess you didn't come?...I certainly enjoyed seeing you...By the way...my lawyer wants to see that contract I signed...Do you still want me to keep you posted on the high point of the foliage?...". It remains unknown whether this documentary ever came to the screen. Overall fine condition, and certainly an interesting group.

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June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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