Letter from James Ivory, New York, New York, to Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Delhi, India, 1974 February 3 : typescript signed.

Acknowledging receipt of her letter "about the poem and the script" [see MA 23840.1380] at the perfect time for him to begin writing a new "synopsis and treatment" for "The Wild Party"; giving some thoughts on atmosphere and plot; asking her to cable a yes or no on adding a movie premiere to the script; expressing gladness that she feels the elaborate necklace is appropriate for Madhur's character in "Autobiography of a Princess," and agreeing with her on a few other plot points; discussing the question of whether the princess should have a servant and who should play Cyril Sahib; telling her John Mills is currently reading the script, and Ralph Richardson is not available; wondering about Merchant's suggestion of Paul Scofield, whether at 52 he is too young; telling her he received Truman Capote's script, and relating a conversation with Christopher Isherwood-- "I'm afraid he's very seriously and heavily into Indian mysticism"; observing that movie theater booker Sol Horowitz has become "Orientaliz[ed]" but that happily this has resulted in him promising to show more of their films and sending them some of the money he owes them; letting her know "Renana is here," is "well and happy," and all of them are going tonight to a reading of Wally's play in the Village; telling her Merchant met someone at the Swope's who could be a useful source of financing.