[ Peter Ustinov, actor and playwright. ] Corrected typescript of his unpublished play 'The Man behind the Statue', performed under the management of Robert Donat at the Opera House, Manchester, in 1946.

158pp., 4to. Typed text on rectos only. With manuscript emendations (possibly in the hand of Judith Spearman, stage manager) throughout, including deletions and a few short additional passages, as well as stage directions. Makeshift thumb index at head. In fair condition, with moderate signs of age and wear, bound with pink ribbon into buff card covers. Typed label on front cover, together with 'Judith Spearman' and 'Effects' in pencil. Label on title-page: 'The property of: | Robert Donat, | 23 Three Kings' Yard, | Davies Street, | W.1.', which is pasted over: 'All enquiries to: - | FILM RIGHTS LIMITED, | 24 Whitcomb Street, | London, W.C.2.' Typed 'Foreword' by 'P.U.' List of actors in pencil at head of first page: 'Mr Williams [ Harcourt Williams ]| Mr Donat | Miss Asherson [ Renée Asherson] | Mr Oscar [ Henry Oscar ] | Miss Mannion [ Moira Mannion ] | Miss Dukes [ Lulu Dukes ] | Mr Moxey [ Hugh Moxey? ]'. The play, directed by Fabia Drake, was intended to be part of a joint bill with 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the Aldwych Theatre in London, which Donat was managing, but the only performance was a two-week run at the Opera House, Manchester, beginning on 23 September 1946. Donat had been enthusiastic about the play, writing to Ustinov, 'I want to make your play the beginning of a new era on the stage for me. It is the best thing that has come my way for years and years. Bridie's Sleeping Clergyman is the only job of work that can compare with it'. While the Shakespeare play was well received in Manchester, Ustinov's play was a critical disaster, and Donat withdrew it before it reached London.