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Thanks Beaton for his congratulations. Will bear in mind what he said about the O.M. May send a letter to the P.M. from the editors of "Private Eye". Is sending Beaton the manuscript of his review, as Beaton might like to see the beginning, which he cut. Heard that the emphasis on Garbo was nothing to do with Beaton.

Review of Beaton's third volume of Diaries, "The Happy Years of Cecil Beaton". Describes how Beaton consulted him as to whether he should publish his account of his love affair with Greta Garbo. Connolly advised him that he should. Never realised that the Garbo chapters would be serialised. Discusses the issues of publication of the affair. Praises Beaton's writing. Extended discussion and analysis of the relationship between Beaton and Garbo and of their characters. Was moved by Beaton's account of visiting Paris just after the war. Praises Beaton's portrait of Paris, 'still seething with the hates from the occupation and the gestapo tortures'.

Is sending Beaton a book for Christmas as a token. As Beaton enjoyed the biography of Hugh Walpole, he thought Beaton might enjoy this book. Has started to rehearse "Call it a Day" and it is going well. Lockwood's little girl is a good actress. Discusses various plays that he has been to see. There has been a big correspondence in "The Times" about the rights of "Pygmalion". Is sending Greta a small present. Hopes that she is well and happy. Was delighted to hear that Beaton's exhibition was a success.

Thanks Beaton for his letter. Was pleased to hear that Greta is well. It is a pity that she cannot find something to occupy her mind. Feels that creative people 'who have nothing to do all day but think about themselves' can never be in good health. He sent her a present so that she would know that he hadn't forgotten her this Christmas. Has been to see a lot of shows this Christmas. Discusses the shows that he has been to see. Was pleased to hear from Beaton that John Gielgud is such a success in New York. Has found a new comedy to produce on T.V. Discusses various projects he is working on in the coming year. Is not sure if he will be able to go to Austria for a holiday. Hopes that Beaton's designs for the play are going well. Sends his love to Greta.

The new house sounds 'like something you designed sketched on paper as your project for a dream house'. Discusses social occasion and all the people who were there. John Gielgud went and so did Greta. Dr. Hauser is in New York and Greta and Elsie have both been seeing him. Discusses Greta's reaction to Jerome Berbe's photographs. Discusses Greta further. Thanks Beaton for Dorothy Carrington's travel book. Beaton's travel writing 'compares well' with 'those other distinguished travellers through the ages'. Thinks the best writing Beaton ever did was his appreciation of Rex Whistler in "The Masque". Is glad that everything is going well with Paulette's costume and Alex. Asks if Vincent Korda is designing the scenery for "An Ideal Husband". Finds it hard to understand. Is glad that Beaton and his mother are settled.

Thanks Beaton for his letter. Should have written long ago. The experience of "House of Flowers" was 'excrutiating', but at least it may make some money. Went to Jamaica with the Paleys. Then went and stayed with David and Jennifer in California. Jennifer has gone to Hong Kong to make a film. Has no plans until May, when he intends to leave for Italy. Saw Greta at a party lasy night and she looked well, 'though her hair seemed a peculiar colour'. The house in New York is freezing. Lincoln Kirstein has resigned his post. Irene S. seems set to go ahead with the play. Peter Brook read it and said it was 'one of the worst plays he'd ever read' and that she was 'insane' to put it on. She is giving Capote the script this week. Heard that Beaton is going to Portugal. Wishes him a good trip.

Discusses work. Envied the discussions of the weekend. Looks forward to seeing the improvements at Reddish house. Truman seems to think that Beaton may be over as early as July to start some complicated sets. "Pygmalion" has been postponed for another year. Discusses Constance's funeral. Remembers Constance. Believes that Phyllis intends to stay with Kate Hepburn for a while. Discusses Clifton. Discusses various acquaintances and their work. Bill and Brabara Paley will not be able to leave with Truman but will meet him in Italy later. Slim and Leland expect to go to Spain and stay at the Hilton. The "Journal American" has been publishing Greta's story. Asks if Beaton would like the clippings. Gives news of various friends.

Has heard that Beaton is going to Paris for whitsuntide. Discusses when she would like Beaton to come. On Friday there is a 'sensational' charity ball at the Hotel Lambert. Mentions other events that will be happening. Asks whether Greta will be brought into her life. Discusses the cold.

Expresses sorrow that Beaton's apartment is being taken away. Thinks it is 'just a ruse to get you to decorate another flat free'. Is glad that Beaton is in New York, away from his 'female obligations'. Read in the "New York Times" that Alderich and Myers were happy with the alterations to "The Gainsborough Girls". Was offered a job, but hesitated for so long that they gave it to someone else. Now feels sorry, as it would have ended his 'financial straits, which grow increasingly severe'. But feels he must get on with his work. Hopes that Beaton has an 'easier, at any rate, less neurotic rapport with Greta G. this winter'. Feels that she 'will never be a satisfactory person, because she is dissatisfied with herself, and dissatisfied people can never be emotionally serious'. Is still enjoying Rome. It is a beautiful city, though 'inhabited by a quarrelsome and cynical mass'. Sees a lot of Orson Welles who has 'become somewhat pathetic'. Discusses Saint. Hopes that they can spend Beaton's spring holiday together. Will try to come to England when Beaton returns. Has half finished his play. Jack is fine but the animals are getting worse.

Is sitting in bed with a cold sipping tea and rum. The cold is Mr. Subber's fault. Had a message from the telephone office saying that he had a call from New York. Had to wait on a freezing slab of stone for two hours. Saint was on the telephone and had 'nothing to say' but was like 'a manic-depressive in an up phase'. Wishes he could feel more confident in Saint as a producer. Asks Beaton's advice. Feels 'weary of being a pillar of strength'. Suggests Margaret Phillips for Beaton's play. Makes various other suggestions, including Audrey Hepburn. Thinks he is going to have a hard time finding the right girl for his own play. The Selznicks are not so bad and David has some 'quite admirable qualities'. Was interested in what Beaton wrote about Constance, as he is trying to write an article about her. Is glad that Beaton took Greta to see her, as a friendship with Constance would do Greta good. Is delighted that the lecture tour is doing well. It may become an annual event and the 'club ladys will await you like spring swallows'. Jack has written a beautiful short story. May see Beaton in April.