Catalogue

A PASSAGE TO INDIA (1979)

Item id: DL/10/18

Description: Folder containing pre-production correspondence: i) Correspondence regarding the screenplay for the film, including: Correspondence between David Lean and Santha Rama Rau, discussing the meaning of Forster's novel and the finer points of the screenplay, 7 October 1981 - September 1982. Letter to David Lean from Dennis van Thal, close friend and associate of David Lean, in response to Lean's request for his opinion of the draft screenplay written by Rama Rau, 14 October 1982. Letter to John Brabourne and Richard Goodwin from David Lean, regarding his initial thoughts prior to commencing upon his own version of a screenplay for the film, 31 December 1981. 2 letters to David Lean from Verity Lambert of EMI, discussing David Lean's script, 12 November 1982 and 13 June 1983. Correspondence from and regarding King's College Cambridge concerning their views on David Lean's draft screenplay of Forster's novel, 19 November 1982 - 25 November 1982. Letter to David Lean from Fred Zinneman giving his views on Lean's draft screenplay, 25 August 1983. ii) Correspondence concerning the recce and financing for the film, including: Correspondence between David Lean and Eddie and Kathleen Fowlie regarding potential locations for film shoots, 21 August 1982 - 9 October 1982. Correspondence between David Lean, John Brabourne, Richard Goodwin, Tony Reeves and Dennis van Thal, outlining the events of Lean's initial recce in India and discussing matters of location, casting and difficulties encountered with financial backers for the film, December 1982 - April 1983. Typewritten description of the Barabar Caves, [? David Lean], 5 March 1983.

Note: 1981-1983