American humorist, author, and screenwriter (1904-1979) best known for his humorous short pieces written for The New Yorker. World War II-dated TLS signed “Sid P.,” one page, 8.5 x 11, August 27, 1942. Letter to “Swanie,” his literary agent H. N. Swanson, in full: “Forgive me for not replying before this to your two letters, but between the corn borers in the north forty, two weeks on the Cape, and making with the quill, I've been run ragged. I have this day signed and sent off to Leah the contracts binding us with bands of steel to you for seven (7) years, which in these days of living from minute to minute would seem to be tempting fate.
First, regarding that ugly rumor about our having a play and your kind offer to rustle up movie backing. This is merely a bit of thistledown sprung from God knows where. I expect, on moving into New York early next month, to start working on something with Jim Thurber which he thinks is a movie but I feel may be a play. I'll keep you posted as we go along.
As to a job of work in Hollywood, I would like to wait a bit. I've finished 12 of my required 26 Satevepost pieces, which started in last week's Post and will continue every other week henceforward. I want to get the major part of the series done before getting onto anything else, and there's some New Yorker stuff I've promised in between. So just keep the hounds at bay, which should be a cinch.
It seems there's also been some idle talk about me doing a big radio thing for Larry Adler – also fluff. I bunted out some theatre and night-club material for this impressive little egomaniac, as Leah may have written you. He wanted me to build him up into a Jack Benny on the air as well, but after I watched him suck at that tin fetish of his one evening, I was vaguely nauseated. Also he is a very slow man with a buck, as that good guy Red Dolan used to put it. To think that Red cashed in and Zanuck is now a brigadier-general.
Laura sends you her best, and now I have to go and shovel a little ******. I don't mind shoveling cow ***, but duck *** is awful. At that it beats working for Gregory Ratoff. My best to Eddie Carter and everyone." In fine condition.
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