Stage & Screen
MANKOWITZ
(Wolf, 1924-1998, Playwright, Screenwriter and Writer on Porcelain)
Typed Letter Signed 'Wolf' to Nicolas Clerihew BENTLEY
(1907-1978, Publisher, Artist and Author), referring to the success in the West End of 'Expresso Bongo', which Mankowitz wrote with Julian More, 1958-1959, 1 side 8vo., 8-10 Piccadilly Arcade, 3rd December
Item Date: 1959
Background
Mankowitz wrote a number of books on porcelain published by André Deutsch, where Bentley was a director, in particular a transcript of the 1779 Wedgwood and Bentley catalogue. Bentley's illustrations include 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats', 1939, and G. Mikes' 'How to Be an Alien', 1946.In 1962, Mankowitz introduced his friend Cubby Broccoli to Harry Saltzman, holder of the film rights to James Bond, as Broccoli had told him that he wanted to make the Bond series his next film project. Broccoli and Saltzman began co-producing the first Bond film, Dr No, for which Mankowitz was hired as one of the screenwriters. After viewing early rushes, Mankowitz feared that the film would be a disaster and damage his reputation and insisted on having his name removed from the film's credits. He later collaborated on the screenplay for the 1967 Bond movie, Casino Royale.
Stock No. 12885