Elstree's Studios' conflicting original reader's report for Patrick Hamilton's Hangover Square. 6pp. Typed on rectos only. Dated "Read: K. Leaver. 12.2.42."
 
Elstree Studios' original reader's report for Patrick Hamilton's Hangover Square, which had been published in 1941. The reader who prepared the report thought highly of it, writing: "In my opinion this story presents interesting film possibilities. Although it savours the 'Jekyll and Hyde' theme, it is much less gruesome, the characters are portrayed more realistically, and depict a common type of social parasite found in most London pubs. George, a loving, pitiful type of misunderstood manhood would make an excellent starring vehicle for ROBERT NEWTON; Netta, hard-boiled and sophisticated could be played by LILLI PALMER; and Peter, a typical parasite, by Emlyn Williams. The title is good." But a further comment is appended to this, initialed J.F.A. which disagrees: "This subject, although well written, is much too slow, sordid and depressing for wartime audiences. It would be a most inadvisable proposition at the present time. Peoplw [sic — "People"] want cheering up right now." Film production companies have been basing themselves at Elstree since 1914, and in most cases, their archives have been dispersed, lost or destroyed. This unique and hitherto unknown document from surviving ABPC reader reports has not been seen since its composition seventy years ago and has never before been offered for sale.