Looking for a photo of Orson and Mank

[Jay Bushman]

Hi all. I've posted a bit over the past couple of years about my short film, "Orson Welles Sells His Soul To The Devil." Now, I've landed a gig as the curator of a new museum called the Screenwriting Museum Project (www.screenwritingmuseum.org). I'm currently putting together the first exhibit, called "12 Moments That Changed Screenwriting," and I'm looking for a photo of Welles and Mankiewicz together. Do any exisit? Any leads on where I can track one down?

Thanks,
Jay

[Harvey Chartrand]

There is a good photo of them in Pauline Kael's RAISING KANE – come to think of it, it's the only time I've seen a photo of Welles and Mankiewicz together. The two seem to be sharing a joke.

[Wilson]

You might also try the big photo houses like AP and Corbis, to name two. Some of their holdings are searchable online, but you might have to contact them for a more in-depth search.

[Glenn Anders]

Yes, the photo in RAISING KANE is the only one I know of Welles and Mankiewicz together, but I bet that there are some in old newspaper files in New York. After Welles gave Mankiewicz a job writing radio scripts for the Mercury Theater on the Air, they hobnobbed and nightclubbed together quite a bit.

In the photo in question, Welles appears in formal wear, and though he is smiling, looks uncomfortable, bemused. Mankiewicz, on the other hand, in a natty double-breasted suit and fedora hat, cigarette butt in two fingers, is sizing Welles up with a sly grin which suggests he has just consumed a mouse the size of a summer sausage.

Wonderful photo -- especially, considering what we know of the relationship.

Does anyone know the occasion?

The announcement of the Academy Best Original Screenplay nomination, perhaps.

Glenn