Identity area
Reference code
Beaton/A/A1/233/9
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 4 Nov. 1957 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
2p paper
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Has just been in bed for a week with the 'flu. Beaton's '"bachelor's mite"' is the best gift he has received in a long time. Beaton must have guessed that he was low on funds. Is now completely recovered and feels ready to tackle the play for the 'umpteenth' time and conquer it. "Compulsion" opened to mixed reviews but seems to be a hit. Carson McCullers did badly. Discusses various new plays and books. Sandy is giving a party for Mishima. Mentions the new Russian satellite. The Americans are 'fit to be tied' because of Russian supremacy in the interstellar field. Has discovered that he has been self-defeating because he is scared of being judged by the world. Admires Beaton for turning out so much work in various fields without worrying about if it is always perfect. Respects Beaton's dogged tenacity in sticking to the "Gainsborough Girls" through endless rewrites. Asks Beaton to come and visit at Christmas. Hopes to have a finished manuscript by then.