PT 109 [Original Screenplay].

BREEN, Richard L. (presumably)

Los Angeles: Warner Brothers, June 5, 1962.

First edition. 3rd Rev. Final draft screenplay, with revised pages through 9/26/62. Original Movie Script. Item #5720

An original 3rd Rev. Final Draft screenplay presumably written by Richard L. Breen, although no writing credit is given anywhere on this script. The film also credits Howard Sheehan and Vincent Flaherty for the adaptation of the 1961 Robert J. Donovan biographical work, "PT 109: John F. Kennedy in World War II. Having been issued by and the property of Warner Bros. Pictures Inc., we are quite confident that the author of this script is Richard L. Breen, particularly as it is a third revised final draft original issued directly by the stenographic department at Warner Brothers.

Released by Warner Brothers in 1963, "PT 109" was directed by Leslie H. Martinson, produced by Bryan Foy, and starred Ty Hardin, James Gregory, Robert Culp, Grant Williams, Lew Gallo, Errol Jon, and Cliff Robertson as Lt. John F. Kennedy.

The script is bound with metal pins in yellow heavy stock paper covers with the title and the words, " 3RD REV. FINAL" printed in black on the front cover, along with the date, June 15, 1962. There is also a a three-digit number [197] printed in black, presumably the copy number. The front cover also displays two handwritten dates, including "9/26/62" and "4/10/63." The covers are typical Warner Brothers studio issue from this period, with company name and "property of" information printed at the base of the front cover, and a file copy stamp at the top, which has been crossed out in pencil. Pages numbered [1]-138 are a mixture of blue revision pages ranging in date from 7/11/62 to 9/25/62 and white pages dated 6/15/62. Script opens with a page from the Stenographic Dept., followed by a Cast and Credits page outlining the cast and key members of the production team, and a two-page Cast of Characters outline providing a short summary of each character in the film. Screenplay exhibits minor wear from light handling and use, including some small short closed tears around the edges of both the front and back covers.

The White House reportedly had full approval of casting and many aspects of the film, including JFK's choice of actor to portray him, which became Cliff Robertson, following his review of screen tests from several actors. Jackie's choice was Warren Beatty. A unique and rare piece of 1960's war-drama film history, not to mention an interesting biographical sketch of JFK in WWII.