Noel, Joseph

[Jack London] Typed Letter From Joseph Noel to Jack London Re: Controversy Over Sea Wolf Moving Picture and Play

Yonkers, New York: 1915. [Jack London] Typed Letter (Retained Carbon) From Joseph Noel to Jack London Re: Controversy Over Sea Wolf Moving Picture and Play, Yonkers, New York, December 5, 1915. 2pps. 8.5 x 10.25 inches.

Small chips and tears to edges, several pin holes and discoloration at bottom of page 2. In protective sleeves. Good Condition.

Emotional and somewhat nasty typed letter from Jack London's former friend Joseph Noel to London regarding the timing of the release of Sea Wolf as a silent movie in 1913. Jack London and Joseph Noel were close friends for many years and Joseph had the acquired all dramatic rights Sea Wolf.

As Noel writes in this letter, "Previous to February 20, 1912, I held all the dramatic rights of the Sea Wolf. On that date you, under the cloak of friendship, took with a word the moving picture rights back. The only condition I imposed was that the play version of the Sea Wolf should have the right of way for two years...."

London would go on to release the silent movie in 1913, playing the role of a sailor. Noel writes "It must be clear to you...that you robbed me of a production of the Sea Wolf. That's final and provable." The letter goes on to talk about lawsuits of similar nature but relents with, "The injury you did me is beyond your province to repair" and Joseph Noel lets the matter drop with no further demands.

Noel's dramatization of Sea Wolf was finally produced on stage and the saga is covered in Joseph Noel's book, "Footloose in Arcadia" in chapter 22 titled, "Controversy Over the Sea Wolf." Item #358

Price: $150.00