TLS signed in pencil, “Scott Fitz,” one page, 8.5 x 11, September 19, 1939. Letter to literary agent H. N. Swanson, casually addressing him, "Dear Swanie," in full: "Unless I can get some sort of job by Friday my daughter can't go back to Vassar. They absolutely refuse to admit anyone without money on the line. Can't I get a job at half-price for one week?" In fine condition, with scattered light creasing and a staple hole to the top. Swanson's exclusive focus on the sale of motion picture rights to literary properties, as well as the representation of the writers, earned him notable clients such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, James M. Cain, William Faulkner, Pearl Buck, Raymond Chandler, and Elmore Leonard; among the most notable books he sold to Hollywood studios were The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Big Sleep, Old Yeller, and Butterfield 8. This letter originates from the archive of H. N. Swanson.
Fitzgerald struggled throughout 1939—his contract with MGM was not renewed, he was hospitalized twice for alcoholism, and he only managed to pick up odd jobs working on movie script re-writes. In September, he worked for Samuel Goldwyn for a week on the script for Raffles, but was soon fired due to a disagreement between Goldwyn and director Sam Wood. Finding himself without a way to pay for his daughter's education, Fitzgerald reached out to the literary agents he knew to find any work that he could—even at half price. With the help of Harold Ober, Fitzgerald secured an advance from Esquire and worked out a payment plan with Vassar. He sent a telegram to his daughter, Scottie, on September 21st: 'You can register at Vassar. It cost a hemorrhage but I raised some money from Esquire and arranged with comptroller to pay other half October 15th. If you don't play straight this will be all. Forgive me if unjustly cynical remember harmony more practical than music history.' A fantastic letter from Fitzgerald, written during a desperate and destitute period as he neared the end of his life.
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