Nov 5, 2025 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
44
Samuel Beckett inscribes the typescript of Eh Joe upon completion in June 1965
Collection of American Theater Director Alan Schneider (1917-1984)
SAMUEL BECKETT
Inscribed and partially annotated typescript of “Eh Joe. A Piece for Television.” The complete typescript of "Eh Joe A Piece for Television" with the title leaf inscribed in ink "For Alan with love from Sam Paris June 1965", the title sheet also with "TS 4 4," the text 4 typed leaves with a few ink corrections likely by Beckett and diagram of the stage to the margin of the final leaf also likely in Beckett's hand. The sheets 10 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches (27.5 x 21 cm). A few pinholes, small puncture to margin of last leaf, faint fold lines, fine overall; Together with a first printing of Eh Joe & Other Writings. London: Faber & Faber, 1967. Publisher's cloth in jacket. Minor wear.
Provenance: Collection of Alan Schneider (1917-1984); Following the death of Alan Schneider in 1984, these materials were retained by Schneider’s widow, Eugenie Schneider, who died in the summer of 2025 at 101 years old.
Eh Joe was Samuel Beckett's first piece written for television, which is known to have gone through several typescript drafts. This typescript is inscribed to Alan Schneider, who directed the American television premiere in June 1966, within weeks of Beckett completing the work. Beckett has written "TS 4" on the cover, which may indicate where this draft lands, but a second "4" after may be a pen trial or an indicator of a later draft. Alan Schneider's directed teleplay aired on 18 April 1966.
Sold for $8,960
Estimated at $4,000 - $6,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Collection of American Theater Director Alan Schneider (1917-1984)
SAMUEL BECKETT
Inscribed and partially annotated typescript of “Eh Joe. A Piece for Television.” The complete typescript of "Eh Joe A Piece for Television" with the title leaf inscribed in ink "For Alan with love from Sam Paris June 1965", the title sheet also with "TS 4 4," the text 4 typed leaves with a few ink corrections likely by Beckett and diagram of the stage to the margin of the final leaf also likely in Beckett's hand. The sheets 10 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches (27.5 x 21 cm). A few pinholes, small puncture to margin of last leaf, faint fold lines, fine overall; Together with a first printing of Eh Joe & Other Writings. London: Faber & Faber, 1967. Publisher's cloth in jacket. Minor wear.
Provenance: Collection of Alan Schneider (1917-1984); Following the death of Alan Schneider in 1984, these materials were retained by Schneider’s widow, Eugenie Schneider, who died in the summer of 2025 at 101 years old.
Eh Joe was Samuel Beckett's first piece written for television, which is known to have gone through several typescript drafts. This typescript is inscribed to Alan Schneider, who directed the American television premiere in June 1966, within weeks of Beckett completing the work. Beckett has written "TS 4" on the cover, which may indicate where this draft lands, but a second "4" after may be a pen trial or an indicator of a later draft. Alan Schneider's directed teleplay aired on 18 April 1966.
Auction: Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Nov 5, 2025
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Popular Stage & Screen Auction on November 5, 2025 Attracted Global Audience
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Memorabilia, Autographs, Artwork & Photographs Celebrating Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
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Archive of Samuel Beckett Material from the Estate of His American Director Alan Schneider Topped $75,000
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Sale Featured a Special Section Devoted to the Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's popular Stage & Screen auction on November 5, 2025 attracted fans and collectors around the world vying for an exciting range of offerings celebrating the performing arts of Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.
The Estate of Alan Schneider
Featured in the sale was fascinating collection of early Waiting for Godot material from the Estate of Alan Schneider that topped $75,000 amid trans-Atlantic competition. “The primary American director of Samuel Beckett plays” and a close friend of the playwright, Alan Schneider died in 1984, and his widow died at 101 this past summer. This remarkable archive offered an extraordinary glimpse into the creative partnership between Schneider and Beckett, spanning decades of groundbreaking theatrical work. Highlights included Schneider’s annotated working copy of Waiting for Godot used in the landmark American production, an inscribed typescript of Eh Joe, and first editions and presentation copies of Endgame and Happy Days, many personally inscribed to Schneider by Beckett. Other treasures included manuscripts, letters, awards, recordings and posters that document a pivotal collaboration in modern theater history. Read more
The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Doyle was honored to offer a sequel to the successful 2011 auction of property from the estate of the legendary actor. Featured in the sale were artwork, furniture, photographs and memorabilia. Read More.
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