MILLS, John; FAIRBANKS Jr. , Douglas
 
An original programme for the world premiere of The Long Memory; 1953 production. Signed by John Mills and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
It is likely that Fairbanks Jr. was present on the night of the premiere as his wife, Mary Lee Hartford, was chairwoman of Leicester Square Theatre.
A rare example of film history. Undoubtedly this evening will have a great story attached, whether documented or not.
Fairbanks was a friend of Laurence Olivier and was among the contributors to a documentary by The South Bank Show titled Laurence Olivier: A Life. All three were in the armed forces, with Mills and Fairbanks Jr. attaining their honours.
On the night of the premiere it is likely that Fairbanks Jr, Mills and Olivier were in refined company indeed. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts patrons Queen Mary and the Duchess of Gloucestershire accorded all proceeds of the production to the organisation. Of which Olivier also served as council.
The Long Memory is a screenplay based on the novel by Howard Clewes. John Mills leads as Philip Davidson, wrongly convicted for manslaughter and who serves 12 years in prison.
 
Description
Hand signed in diagonal orientation to one another. Signed in blue ink.
The programme survives well and is without folds or creasing. Some rusting of the centre binds. Otherwise near fine and bright with the red lettering unfaded.