Identity area
Reference code
Beaton/D/1/9/1
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 15 December 1948 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
8p paper
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
In consideration of the sum of £200 paid to the licensor (Beaton) by the manager (H.M. Tennent Ltd.) the licensor grants to the manager the exclusive licence to produce the play in the UK, in Ireland and in the British Empire excluding Canada for 5 years from the date of the first perfornance provided a sufficient number of performances is reached. The manager should produce the play with a first-class cast at a first-class West End theatre within 6 months of the contract being signed. The manager may produce the play in the Provinces of the United Kindom prior to the production in London. If the West End production runs for not less than three consecutive weeks the manager has the following further rights: the exclusive option upon payment of $1000 to acquire the exclusive licence for a performance in the USA and Canada on the condition that the play be performed with a first-class cast in a first-cast theatre of New York City within six months of the last West End performance. The manager may produce the play at any other cities in the USA or Canada prior to the New York performance. The Manager will retain the exclusive licence for the USA and Canada for five years provided a sufficient number of performances is reached. For performances in the United Kingdom territory the manager must pay the following royalties to the licensor: 5% of the first £1000 of the weekly gross box office receipts; 7% of the next £400 ; 10% of the receipts in excess of £1400. For the USA and Canada the manager must pay the following royalties to the licensor: 5% of the first $4000 of the weekly gross box office receipts; 7,5% of the next $1600 ; 10% of the receipts in excess of $5600. The manager will be entitled to 20% all all sums paid to the licensor in the disposition of the motion picture rights.The cast and producer must be approved by the licensor. The licensor can have access to all rehearsals. The manager cannot alter the text without the licensor's consent. The name of the author must be advertised. Witness to the signature of Cecil Beaton: Laurence Evans, agent. Witness to the signature of Hugh Beaumont on behalf of H.M. Tennent Ltd.: Linda M. Gibbs. Witness to the signature of Laurence Evans on behalf of M.C.A. (London) Ltd.: Robin Fox, solicitor.