Letter from James Ivory, London, England, to Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Delhi, India, 1971 October 3 : typescript signed.

Describing Brown's, his "England in microcosm" hotel in London; updating her on the staus of his favorite London hotel, the Carlton Tower-- now renamed the Sonesta-- where he still goes to visit the barber, and where one is offered "an assortment of the latest, smartest prophylactics along with the newest in aftershaves, hair conditioners, sprays, etc."; noting that the "rich American who bought the Carlton seems to have bought several American hotels as well, including the Plaza; relating "the full story of the New York Film Festival debacle," which he heard from George Trow and Tony Korner-- a disastrous screening for the festival committee, and a friend on the committee, Richard Roud (and his assistant Sally Wilenski), who refrained from promoting the film out of a fear of appearing unfair; telling her the film has also been screened for the London Film Festival committee, he hasn't heard anything yet, but John Gillett told him to "have no hopes" for its chances; relating how the Kendals came to see it too, and John Gillett mistook Felicity for her sister Jennifer, to his embarassment; promising "more horrors for you the next time I write," including the "mini-debacle" of the San Francisco Film Festival; telling her Lindsay Anderson saw the film and liked it, which pleased both Ivory and Merchant, and that they tried to call her mother, but couldn't reach her; telling her he was unsuccessful in reaching Sasha Bruce as well; saying he'll be going to Paris, Ireland, and New York soon but in the meantime she can write him care of their lawyers in London, Harbottle & Bruce; telling her he hasn't done much shopping, but will be attending the christening of "Henry's latest daughter," who Merchant has persuaded them to name Shameen.