Marcel Pagnol

Pagnol, Marcel

Schriftsteller, Dramaturg und Regisseur (1895–1974). Eigenh. Albumblatt mit U. Paris. 1 S. Qu.-8vo.
$ 162 / 150 € (23365)

Marcel Pagnol (1895–1974), Schriftsteller, Dramaturg und Regisseur. E. Albumblatt mit U. Paris, 4. November 1958. 1 S. Qu.-8°.

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Pagnol, Marcel

French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker (1895-1974). 2 autograph letters signed. Paris. 4to. Together (1½+1½ =) 3 pp.
$ 487 / 450 € (82866/BN54234)

Interesting letters about two of Pagnol's most important works. The first letter concerns his 1938 drama "La femme du boulanger" ("The Baker's Wife"); while the recipient wishes to rewrite the film for the stage, Pagnol doubts whether this would work due to the many close-ups: "Je ne sais pas si la femme de boulanger est une bonne pièce de théâtre, car c'est un film de gros plans. Peut-être faudrait-il, dans la mise en scène, suivre le Boulanger avec un projecteur, comme au music-hall? Si vous allez voir la représentation de Guy Alland, pensez-y [...]" (Paris, 23 Nov.

1964). In fact, the film even became the basis of an American musical in 1989. - The second letter refers to his play "Topaze" from 1928. The comedy in four acts was filmed in 1936 under the same title, and 1966 saw a TV adaptation. Pagnol is pleased with the success: "Jamais aucune de mes pièces n'a eu tant de publicité, et si bien placée: je vous en suis particulièrement reconnaissant, et la montée presque continue des recettes me réjouit; non pas à cause du succès d'argent: il me semple que notre réussite, près de quarante ans après la création, est beaucoup plus importante qu'un triomphe de générale [...]" (Paris, 1 Dec. 1966). - On stationery with printed name. Traces of folding, some stains, otherwise in very good condition..

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Pagnol, Marcel

French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker (1895-1974). Autograph letter. Monte Carlo. 4to. 1 p.
$ 270 / 250 € (91571/BN60892)

To an employee named Marti with instructions for Pagnol's relocation to Monte Carlo, questions of accounting, and concerning the impossibility of a film production in Monaco: "Pour le déménagement, laisse les tapis, un secrétaire, des lampes. Tino veut à tout prix refaire les plans mauvais, il est très emballé, il est prêt à tout [...] Je voudrais maintenant terminer la comptabilité totale - mais je m’aperçois que ton compte ne figure nulle part. Où est-il ? Que gagnes-tu ? Combien as-tu touché ? [...] Les studios de Monaco ne permettront pas, pour le moment, de faire un film tout entier.

Les histoires des trains sont terribles. On peut seulement y faire des décors de secours, louer des costumes et du personnel. Les trains de marchandises où les locomotives seules passent à n’importe quelle heure". - In 1951 Marcel Pagnol moved to Monaco, following an invitation of his admirer and friend Prince Rainier III. The family stayed until 1954. - The note "Autre lettre oubliée" points to an autograph copy. On stationery with embossed letterhead. Minimal browning..

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Pagnol, Marcel

French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker (1895-1974). Autograph letter signed. N. p. 4to. 1½ pp.
$ 865 / 800 € (91592/BN60913)

Beautiful letter to "Jojo", very likely his wife Jacqueline Pagnol, concerning preparations for a car ride to the family's summer holiday location on the coast, from where Pagnol was writing: "Puisque tu dépends la Packard, ce n'est pas la peine de prêter un camion ? Mets les meubles à Conflans. Descends les outils, les couvertures, les draps, les livres. Si tu es seul avec Zézette, ça va bien. N'oublie pas de changer le pneu d'avant, celui de gauche et fais vérifier le cric : il ne marche pas.

A-t-on payé le garage avec l'hôtel ? - Ici, soleil énorme, lunettes noires. Frédéric a changé de mine en quelques heures. Toutes fenêtres ouvertes. La mer est d'un bleu impressionnant, plate comme un miroir ! - Vu Clément et Paul Achard, en pleine forme. Frédéric dit 'De revoir ma maison, ça me prise le cœur'. Il joue du piano. J'ai oublié de prendre les quelques pages que MMe Millet a tapées pour moi. Dis-lui de m les envoyer ! [...]". - Zézette was the nickname of Jacqueline Pagnol's older sister Georgette Adrienne Bouvier. Fréderic is the only son of Marcel and Jacqueline, born in 1946. - Traces of folds. Well preserved..

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Pagnol, Marcel

French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker (1895-1974). Autograph letter signed. N. p. 4to. 2 pp. Together with an autograph letter by Jacques de Lacretelle.
$ 541 / 500 € (91663/BN60984)

Charming letter to Édouard Herriot, thanking him for congratulations on his election to the Académie française on 4 April 1946 and expressing his support for Herriot's own candidacy, although Pagnol was awaiting his reception and could not yet vote: "I'm very touched that you thought of sending me a card in your handwriting. I was just thinking that if tradition imposes academic visits, it doesn't say precisely who should make them. It seems to me that, in this case, it's my duty to go and say hello, and I'd be delighted to do so, if you could spare a minute to see me.

- By the way, I'm not voting yet, and I'm sorry about that. But I'll be one of the first to congratulate you next Thursday, which will be a happy day for the Académie française. I only fear for you that you will subsequently become our patron, which would oblige you to pay a visit to yourself: we would have great pleasure, and great honor [...]" (transl.). - Édouard Herriot was elected to the Académie française on 5 December 1946. - The additional letter by Jacques de Lacretelle is equally addressed to Édouard Herriot and in relation to his election to the Académie française. - On stationery with printed letterhead "Marcel Pagnol". Minimal browning..

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