Thursday,*January 16, 1964

Description

A diary entry written by Patience Cleveland that discusses her acting career, her book, “The Lion is Busy,” and her personal life. The entry is dated January 16, 1964 and is written on white, lined paper in black ink.

Transcription

Called Peter Faith + am having long talk with them about the situation on Monday or Tuesday.

Up early-Peter had to be at Desilu Gower at 9:30–first day on the Van Dyke Show. Weighed 125 this morning at this rate it shouldn’t be long. Dr. Ware called to say Goodbye-he takes off on his trip early next week. Nice chat. He’s a dear man. Then Timmy called from the Honor Farm + I called him back. Such a mixup with those horrible American Library People but at least has a good lawyer. Told him about Peter’s Party on Sunday-although I knew he couldn’t come. He asked us out to lunch on Wednesday. I called Ima to say I was leaving Yum Yum Tree. Peter Faith not there so I left a message. Went back to bed for a bit. Up again-more coffee-mail came. Horribly depressing letter from James Brown-Louis Auchenloss’ agent + lawyer. He said that Hans was asking $15,000.00 which he thought was not out of line + he wanted to know exactly what disposition I wished to make of the physical assetts + he personally advised me to destroy the books, the sheets + the plates. I feel even as I write this physically sick at the thought of paying out 15,000 dollars for wanton destruction. This makes no sense whatsoever. I got terribly depressed. Poor Peter called + I was very curt with him. Called Anne Loos to ask her to tell all the kids about the party Sunday night. She’s such a dear. Got Paul Levett’s number + Allan Sewitt’s. Wrote Bill a note and sent him $150.00 to last him to next week + get him “off the precipice.” Poor Bill. Went shopping-went to Mattsons such nice people. Bought Peter a pair of light color levis and a gorgeous sweater but I think he’ll prefer another color to the gold I got him-he can exchange it though. Then I got him one of those Silver Dollar “decision makers-”where you spin the coin for heads or tails + I found a wonderful traveling clothes brush to give Doctor Ware. Went next door + found a nice key chain with a name disc on it that they’re going to engrave with Peter Hobbs. I’ll bring in the St. Christopher tomorrow + they’ll solder it on and the whole thing will be ready by Saturday. Mailed some letters + came home. Call from Dick Kneeland-we’d thought of going to Olvera St. but it was too late then. Peter came home-I showed him James Brown’s letter + got all upset again + slightly hysterical-(this morning when I first got it I called Don Broome + he promised to read it + talk it over tomorrow night with a man from Harpers + one from Little Brown both of whom will have read it too.) I cried + then we went (I very grudging) to play tennis. Then to Norm’s-low calorie plate. I’m at a complete loss, 15 thousand dollars would clear up every one of Peter’s debts + I’m going to spend it on a whim. I won’t destroy anything of course but I cannot and I will not let the book stay in that Fathead’s hands. Came home + pottered washed sweaters-theatre Gale’s cough very bad. Backstage after. Jo sick. Didn’t stay. Home. Couple of drinks [__]. Feel a little helpless.