April 3, 1944

Miss Helen Black
11 West 42nd Street
New York, N. Y.

Re: "Mutual Love"

Dear Miss Black:

Thanks for the information about the Russian operetta. I hate to accept responsibility for the music when there is only one copy in the country. Perhaps you know someone who could play it to us, but it would not have to leave your possession. Perhaps Miss Helburn and I could hear it.

We would also like to have a chance to read the libretto.

LL:cjw

Helen Black

15 WEST 44th STREET
NEW YORK 18, N. Y.
VAnderbilt 6-2582-3

November 5, 1946

Mr. Lawrence Langner
Theatre Guild
23 West 53 Street
New York, N.Y.

Dear Mr. Langner:

Several times you have told me that you were interested, or at least open-minded, about any musical we might have.

I am not writing to suggest a musical from the Soviet Union, but one that has been adapted from an early play of Alexei Tolstoy. The title is LOVE IS A GOLDEN BOOK and the story is an incident in the life of Catherine the Great.

The adaptation has been made by Madame Leo Randole whose name will be found in your archives as the translator-adaptor of a Russian play which the Guild put on in the twenties. Madame Randole has not only written the libretto for a comic operetta, but she has been collecting music of the eighteenth century and already has some of it in arrangements by Jean Francaix.

Madame Randole is handling this script herself and she would like to have an opportunity to present it to you at your convenience. Could she call your office to make an appointment?

Ever since my return from the Soviet Union I have meant to write and tell you that the Guild had a very prominent place in an American exhibit that opened while I was in Moscow. Apparently as part of the material sent over by the Treasury Department, there was a collection of posters and photographs of Guild productions and they were given a room of their own at the Architects' Club in connection with an exhibit of reproductions in American art.—Unfortunately I could not find any playscripts to carry home but I am hoping for something soon from some of the people I had discussed plays for America.

Kind regards to you and Miss Helburn.

HB:SP

Representing PRESLIT LITERARY AGENCY, Moscow, U.S.S.R.