Gregory Peck's extensively hand-annotated script for the 1949 war film Twelve O'Clock High, bound in the original Twentieth Century Fox paper wrappers, 137 pages, 9 x 11.5, January 10, 1949. On the first page, Peck amends the title in pencil to "The Story of the 918th," and signs and inscribes with his initials in blue, "Elsa—the part is savage. G.P."—a play on the name of his character, Brig. Gen. Frank Savage. He also adds a note pertaining to pace: "If tempo is wrong—visualize what you are talking about. Maybe it[s] too fast, when the director says it is too slow." He continues to make pencil notes and changes throughout the entirety of the script, adding direction for emphasis and delivery, and amending some of the dialogue. In one early instance, he underlines a line of dialogue, writing: "Pause—the whole point. Not too slow, get to the point." In another instance, he gives himself direction for both action and delivery, writing: "don't move" and "not sentimental." He deletes a line, writing: "Lose this—a little petty." In all, Peck writes hundreds of words on dozens of pages, often using the reverse of the opposing page to extend his notes—offering fascinating insight into the actor's dedication to his craft. In very good to fine condition, with expected overall wear from use.
Starring Gregory Peck as Brig. Gen. Frank Savage, Twelve O'Clock High tells the story of the 918th Bomb Group during World War II. Afflicted by poor discipline and morale, the group's pride in its abilities is restored under Savage's command. Focusing on the human element rather than the machinery of war, the film became required viewing at all United States service academies, where it was used as a teaching example for situational leadership theory. Peck was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his turn as Frank Savage, a character that he molded through the extensive notes within this script.
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