Terrific and revealing TLS, signed in pencil “10,” one page, 8.5 x 11, November 7, 1969. Williams writes to Audrey. In part: “I have no prospect of making more money as I am, let’s face it, an invalid and much in disfavor with critics. I dread their reaction to the revival of Camino…. They’re probably still enraged at me…. Yes, I have ice cold feet! For good reason. The press has turned against me with a vengeance, attacking me on my private life quite openly. Despite the fact that my private life is one of monastic virtue. I could have my wires tapped and TV cameras concealed in my bed-chamber and, alas, there’d be no evidence of the slightest delinquency of conduct. Camino is, and always will be, a highly vulnerable piece of writing, however lovely parts of it may be…. We live in a carnivorous time, perhaps the most violent and brutal time since the Roman Empire…. If my energy holds up, I am going to write that film about the past year in my life…. Kazan says Baby Doll has gone back into his hands and it will be released for exhibition soon.” In the fall of 1969, Williams suffered a nervous breakdown and was committed by his brother to psychiatric unit of the Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from September to December, the period in which he wrote this letter. In fine condition. R&R COA.
