September 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, September 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/25/2014
Al Capp collection of personally-owned script drafts from ''Li'l Abner'', the Broadway musical based on his famous comic strip. The musical comedy opened on 15 November 1956 and was an instant hit, with a run of 693 performances and subsequent nationwide tour and Hollywood film. Written by Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, with music written by Gene dePaul and lyrics by Johnny Mercer, scripts include: (1) 110pp. script in two acts. Title page detached, with notes by Capp in pencil throughout; (2) ''Key For M. Frank'' (Melvin Frank) copy as is written to cover, runs 61pp. with a typed two-page revision note by Capp, reading in part, ''Please regard this as simply a first draft of my suggestions for revisions of your second draft. In this I have tried to get inside the people who surround Li'l Abner, expose their motivations to the audience. I am afraid that in the original they behaved just badly, without credible motivation...I have omitted the very necessary further love scenes between Abner and Daisy since I feel that they must in the first act have one continuing theme -- the eagerness of Daisy Mae -- the reluctance of Li'l Abner -- but his reluctance must include a real love for Daisy Mae that is apparent to the audience -- but not to him...''; (3) third 99pp. draft of the script with pencil notations by Capp; (4) ''Capp Revision'' of a 61pp. version of the script as is written in pencil to cover, as well as a note, ''Call me to 10:15 a.m...Thanks / Al''. With the same typed revision note by Capp included. Scripts measure 8.5'' x 11'', each with metal fasteners or brass tacks, all housed in a black binder. Pages are toned and worn, including chips and separation to a few of the pages. Overall very good.
From the Personal Collection of Al Capp -- Collection of Four Draft Scripts for the 1956 Musical ''Li'l Abner'' -- Each With Notes and Revisions by Capp
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