Lot #365

Gone With the Wind: Stephens Mitchell

Description

Mitchell's brother to the head of Macmillan, discussing the copyright renewal of Gone With the Wind—"I intend to renew it in my name individually, as next-of-kin"

Interesting TLS, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, Margaret Mitchell Marsh Estate letterhead, June 6, 1963. Letter to Lee C. Deighton, the president of the Macmillan Company, in full: "The copyright on 'Gone With the Wind' expires 30th June 1964. I intend to renew it in my name individually, as next-of-kin of Mrs. Margaret Mitchell Marsh, and in the name of the Estate of Margaret Mitchell Marsh, by myself and Trust Company of Georgia, as executors. This is necessary because of other valuable rights in the novel in which Macmillan has no interest. I presume that we will need a new contract, if you are to continue the publication of 'Gone With the Wind.' Also, the notices in the books published must be changed to read 'Copyrighted by Stephens Mitchell and by Stephens Mitchell and Trust Company of Georgia, as Executors of the Will of Margaret Mitchell Marsh.' I want you to consult with Mr. Edward E. Colton of Colton & Fernbach, 745 Fifth Avenue, New York 22 (Plaza 9 1130), who is my attorney, as to the form of notice to be published. Please get in touch with him and Mr. Benjamin Melniker, head of legal department of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York 36 (who hold motion picture rights), and come to some conclusion as to the notices of copyright. We can then negotiate a new publishing contract." In fine condition. Accompanied by a TLS from Deighton, dated June 6, 1963, forwarding the Stephens Mitchell letter to Bella L. Linden and noting that it "contains a proposal concerning renewal of copyright which appears to us to encounter some extremely difficult legal obstructions."

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Hollywood
• Dates: #606 - Ended April 14, 2021

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