Elstree's Studios' intriguing original reader's report for I Capture The Castle. 5pp. Typed on rectos only. Dated 1st February 1954.
 
Elstree Studios' original reader's report for I Capture The Castle. The report is based on the 1954 musical adaptation of Smith's 1948 novel, with music by Stephen Hancock. After a pre-West End tour, the show opened at the Aldwych Theatre, London, in March 1954. The production starred Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers, Yvonne Furneaux and a young Roger Moore. It ran for only six weeks. The report summarises the plot, and then gives a thoughtful conclusion, considering Audrey Hepburn for a starring role: "This is very charming. Almost too charming. There are some patches of whimsy which need the pruning shears. But it is very plesant [sic] entertainment. "I have not read the novel but understand that the stage play follows it closely. Theatrically, it ingeniously captures what I imagine is the narrative quality of the novel, but makes me think that it is far better suited to film treatment. "It would, I think, film well. One cannot believe in the Mortmain family, crazy as it is, and I do not think a film version could achieve quite the same hectic craziness as that in "FATHER'S DOING FINE"; but what it lacks in sheer madness is made up by its romantic quality. "Everything really depends on the character of Cassandra. She is enchantingly played in this stage production by Virginia McKenna, who could no doubt play her as enchantingly in a film version. Yvonne Furneaux does very nicely as Rose but lacks, I think, the theatrical technique to make her outstanding. She would certainly, I think, be more effective in a film version of the part of Rose. "My chief impression is, however, that this subject might well be considered as a vehicle for Audrey Hepburn in the part of Cassandra, provided that a top-ranking American star could be secured for Simon and that his part be built up rather more fully." 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.