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Lot 882
Einstein, Albert (1879-1955) Theoretical physicist best known for enunciating the theory of relativity; 1921 Nobel prize winner for physics; considered the greatest physicist of all time. TLS ("A. Einstein"), 2pp, 11" x 8½", on letterhead embossed "A. Einstein, 112 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A.," 1946 Jun. 24. Addressed to Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, regarding a film which M-G-M intended to make on the history of the atomic bomb. Fine; a couple of file notes in red ink, staple marks and erased pencil notes at upper left.
In full: "My dear Mr. Mayer: I am writing to you to express why I am hesitating to give my consent to being represented in the picture which you are making on the history of the atomic bomb. Although I am not much of a movie-goer, I do know from the tenor of earlier pictures that have come out of your studio that you will apreciate my point of view.
Dr. Wigner showed me the script of the film and I talked about it also with others. I believe that no film on the atomic bomb can fail to exert a great influence on the thinking of our people and I consider it most important therefore that it should be truthful and should also at least touch upon the issues that we are facing. As to the truthfulness of the script which I have seen, I have very serious doubts. Certainly the scene in which I appear does not meet this requirement, since the people who approached me to contact the President were Szilard and Wigner. I am disturbed by a general tendency in the picture to minimize the role of those who throughout the history of the uranium project stood up for their convictions, and push into the foreground the role of those who had fewer controversies with the Army. Szilard and Urey are examples of those who incurred the disfavor of the Army.
Another point which concerns me is perhaps even more serious. I find that the picture represents very clearly the point of view of the army and the administrative leaders of the uranium project but does not give a clear picture of the point of view of most of the scientists who played a decisive role in this development. The picture gives too much the impression that most of the initiative had come from above. This is particularly marked in the scenes dealing with the role of the British scientists. The truth was just the reverse of this.
As you probably know, very many scientists, if not the majority, were greatly concerned with the influence which the new weapon will have on our future. While I would not expect the film to carry any kind of message, it should not be too difficult to convey some of the thought and feelings which were displayed by the scientists engaged in this work. I realize that it is very expensive to re-do scenes which have already been filmed, yet I wonder whether it would be worth attempting to rewrite some of the dialogue and insert a few appropriate scenes in order to improve the quality of othe picture, even at some financial sacrifice. I should be very glad if you would find it possible to improve the picture.
You will probably find that all scientists who study carefully the script, will find the same passages objectionable and will note the same conspicuous omissions. It is my hope that you will find it possible to remedy the situation in at least to such an extent as the fairly advanced stage of the picture may make possible. Very truly yours, A. Einstein."
A carbon copy of Mayer's reply to Einstein, dated July 18, 1946, is included, in which Mayer states that he had turned Einstein's letter over to the executive who is "chief editor on the Atomic Bomb picture, and has been especially handling the script for this film" and that he was enclosing "McGuinness' report" [not included]. The film, titled "The Beginning or the End," starred Brian Donlevy, Agnes Moorehead, Robert Walker, and others.
Also included here is a very interesting article by producer Sam Marx, published in the Beverly Hills Courier on September 25, 1979, regarding his experiences dealing with the scientists from Oak Ridge, Los Alamos and Hanford Laboratory, how "they hated the Army for cooping them up for the duration of the war, forbidding them to speak of their work even to their families. And then, after the bomb was dropped, they were warned not to speak out or be charged with violating the Anti-Sedition Act." He also writes of the awe with which Einstein and Oppenheimer were regarded by the other scientists on the project. A letter written Dec. 3, 1984 by Marx thanks "Mel" for a copy of the Einstein letter and remarks that the corrections Einstein wanted to make were impossible. "…the scientists he mentions, Szilard, etc., not only okayed the scenes we impersonated them in but in some cases wrote them themselves. Only Lisa Meitner refused (after we had shot the scene) and we cut her out. Agnes Moorehead played the part." He concludes that "the film…had almost no impact on the public. So much for the importance of movie messages."
Estimated Value $15,000 - 30,000.
The consignor has owned this letter since 1972.
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| Realized $21,000 |
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