Bombshells to Blasters, An Auction You Can't Refuse Pt. 1

Lot #35:

Billy Wilder Seven Year Itch Censorship Telegram

First Time To Auction

20th Century Studios, 1955. Typed telegram on 8.25 x 10 in. Western Union form dated 6-8-55. In this telegram, Wilder appeals to Gehring who will speak to a religious figure about the content of his movie. The telegram reads, in part: "Dear Mr. Gehring: Understand you are to see Father Little regarding our Seven Year Itch picture [stop] I would be most grateful if you would point out that in my twenty years of movie making I have never yet run into trouble with Legion of Decency. [stop] I do not have the reputation of having ever been connected with pictures of lascivious character [stop] In bringing Seven Year Itch to the screen I have tried most carefully to eliminate censorable material [stop] I have changed the entire second half of the play by eliminating the affair between the married man and the girl upstairs [stop] I have successfully demonstrated the seriousness of marriage and the basic decency of the husband [stop]" Wilder goes on to cite the positive preview cards the picture has received and ultimately asks Father Little to rescind his requests for additional changes. Closing with, " Am afraid that additional bleaching will make the picture disintegrate into an incomprehensible nothing. Sincere thanks. Billy Wilder. " Retaining 2-hole punches at the top of the page. Exhibiting only minor age. In very good to fine condition.