by Cole Porter
There have been great gaps of boredome [sic] during this visit of mine here, due to your outrageous absence. But I have persuaded myself no longer to think of these gaps, but rather to revel in your hilarious rediscovery of Mexico.
Love to you from Brentwood, and my very best to Allen [Walker] and to Dudley. I am so glad that Dudley is better.
[signed:] Cole
Cole Porter
Financial pressures continued to be on his mind too. The next two letters to Ben Schankman reveal his concerns over his taxes and income:
1 August 1951: Cole Porter to Ben Schankman41
Dear Ben:
I enclose a letter, a most upsetting letter, which you may or may not think that you should answer. I believe I spoke to you last Winter in New York, asking you whether you thought that the present arrangement of distribution of funds from ASCAP would endure or not, and you seemed to think that it would. It is difficult for me to agree with you when I receive such a letter as the one enclosed. Or am I wrong?
I received the copy of A Tailor-Made Man and have forwarded it to the Spewacks, as they write me every now and then of the possibility of our doing a musical together. To me, this play has a charming idea and plot, but I question whether the background is colorful enough and whether the thesis regarding capitalism and labor does not date. Thank you, however, very much for sending it to me.
Thank you very much indeed for having the different publishers’ checks for royalties sent to me so promptly. My accountant here, Ford Dixon, is writing you in detail about them and about what must be done to carry me through September.
Sincerely,
[signed:] Cole
Cole Porter
4 August 1951: Cole Porter to Ben Schankman42
Dear Ben:
In the letter which I dictated, last Wednesday, I underplayed my gratitude to you for having hurried up those royalty checks. This was because I have a gossiping secretary here and were she to have any idea of my precarious financial future, the news would spread all over town. But I am deeply grateful to you.
You will, by now, have received a letter from my accountant here, Ford Dixon[,] telling you of my total lack of funds for September. I don’t see how these demands for advances can lead to anything but disasters for 1952. John [Wharton] + you both tell me not to worry but in spite of your advice, I am living in constant dread. Forgive me for not snapping out of this but I can’t overcome it.
Again my gratitude, dear Ben, + all my best to you + to John.
Sincerely
Cole
Schankman appears to have made an attempt to quell Porter’s concerns on 3 August and he replied more cheerfully five days later:
8 August 1951: Cole Porter to Ben Schankman43
Dear Ben:
Thank you very much for your letter of August 3, 1951 regarding the letter which I received from the Independent Group West Coast Writers. It calmed me greatly.
Also, thank you for your letter of August 2, 1951. It seems to me that Mr. Carlton of Mercury Records is wasting a great deal of your time, and I should not bother further with him.
All my best.
Sincerely,
[signed:] Cole
Cole Porter
Porter’s lack of business acumen – which seems to have been at the heart of his general financial anxiety – also runs through the next letter to Schankman. The rules about ASCAP royalties confused him and in the letter he seems at a total loss to understand them. He also discusses a possible broadcast of his unrevived 1935 musical Jubilee and makes some interesting comments about his artistic control over his work:
15 August 1951: Cole Porter to Ben Schankman44
Dear Ben:
Please give me your advice on the enclosed letter from The Authors League of America, Inc.* and return it to me.
I enclose also a letter from ASCAP. Does this letter mean that as I am both a composer and a writer of lyrics, that my ASCAP checks will be doubled from now on? The wording of this letter gives me this impression, though I cannot believe that it is true.
In regard to your letter of August 8, 1951, re Jubilee, as for getting a script of it, if you will telephone my secretary, Mrs. Smith, at the Waldorf, or at her home – BUTTERFIELD 8-5124 – I am practically sure that she has a script of Jubilee, which she can lend to you. If she has not, then I advise you to call up Moss Hart’s office in New York and try to get one.
I don’t think it is practical to buy the musical material for Jubilee, which is now held by the [Sam] Harris† estate. Apart from the music and lyrics which were published of Jubilee, the lyrics are very topical and would have to be completely re-written to apply to any revival of the show today. This would be a major job, which I should find it impossible to do. But I agree with you and Miss Rubin that $1,250.00 is a suitable price to ask for one broadcast.
As regards the clipping that you sent to me, written by Dorothy Kilgallen,‡ concerning changing of the lyrics of Down In The Depths On The Ninetieth Floor, I agree with you and not with Selma. The lyrics for his new recording have merely generalized my lyrics, so that they could be understood by anybody, whether he had ever been in New York or not. So I see no harm done. It does seem strange to me, however, that changes in my lyrics are often made, and even changes in the music, without anyone ever asking my permission. But perhaps, if we demanded my permission always be given, it would hold up a lot of recordings of songs which might never be revived.
Best wishes,
Sincerely,
[signed:] Cole
Cole Porter
Jubilee and Nymph Errant are also topics of the following letter, in which Porter appears to show enthusiasm for writing a television musical (he would eventually do so, but not for seven years):
20 August 1951: Cole Porter to Ben Schankman45
Dear Ben:
Thank you for your letter of August 15, 1951, regarding Miss Rubin and the license fees for Anything Goes.
Thank you for your letter of August 16, 1951, enclosing a check from Harms, Inc. and information as to future checks to which I can look forward.
In regard to one of your two letters dated August 17, 1951, thank you for clarifying the ASCAP performance income.
As for buying the musical material for Jubilee from the Sam Harris estate, I talked to Moss Hart. He said that he thought it would be very unpractical to buy the musical material. He suggested that as the fees for stock representations are so small, it would be better if we merely rent the musical material from the Sam Harris estate for each performance. He also suggested that it might be better not to make Jubilee a property for stock performances, but rather to hang on to it until there should be a demand for television, when all the television people run short of material. If you want to write to him, his address is – until October first – 522 Ocean Front, Santa Monica, Calif.*
In case Mrs. Smith does not have a book of Jubilee, Moss has one at his country place in Pennsylvania, but could not give it to you until October.
I note also in this letter that you have advised Miss Rubin that I am willing to accept $1,250.00 for a one-shot radio broadcast of this property.
In your second letter dated August 17, 1951, regarding Martin Poll, I should certainly be very interested in a one-shot television project. As I shall be in the country from now on until toward the end of October, perhaps it would be better to plan it for November or December, in case the deal goes through.
I have suddenly changed my plans and will be in Williamstown this coming Wednesday night, August 22. My two telephone numbers are – 742 and 385.
I just remembered that Goddard Lieberson spoke to me last winter about Columbia Recordings doing an album of Nymph Errant. If he could get Mary Martin to do this, it would be a wonderful album and probably much better than the one which you suggested.
Sincerely,
[signed:] Cole
Cole Porter
Porter’s implicit worries throughout these letters are confirmed in the following me
ssage from Linda to Stark, in which she summarizes with concern his current mental and physical state:
25 August 1951: Linda Porter to Sam Stark46
Dear Sam:
A thousand thanks for the charming little basket from Mexico. I have a weakness for baskets + this one gives me much pleasure.
Cole is here, he looks thin, poor darling! + seems so worried. He worries about everything, having no money, having no show etc etc – all of which is perfectly absurd. And he knows it. But he can’t get hold of himself, sleeps badly + eats too little. It is a new Cole. I have never seen him in such a state before. However, he is happy to be at home + before long I feel I can straighten him out + rid him of all his nightmarish ideas. For he has really nothing to worry about!! We are both so anxious to have you here for a visit, and if you can possibly arrange to come, you would do him no end of good. That it does so do let me know if there is a chance. Between us, we could work wonders.
Ever so much love, Sam
Linda
Cole wrote less than a week later to underline Linda’s urgent invitation for Stark to come and stay with them to cheer him up:
31 August 1951: Cole Porter to Sam Stark47
Minutes have passed,
hours “ “,
days “ “,
but not a word from St. Sam except the article re the lonesome girl.
Oh Sam, it’s rather wonderful here + not a bit too hot. And the place + the country side is so beautiful + the pool so refreshing + Linda is in grand form.
When do you hop into your motor + come to stay + stay + stay?
You will be so welcome + we shall all take such good care of you. Even Gracie* will pet you.
And Ambroisine is one of the finest cooks in the world.
Come, Sam, come. Remember the autumn? It is very poetic here in the Berkshires. And you will make it seem even poetical. So hurry, dear Sam. We want you + need you.
Lots of love from us.
Your
Cole
And my best to Allen [Walker] + to Dudley.
It appears from the mention of a painting in the following letter that Stark did indeed visit Porter in early September. But the paranoia that Linda had referred to had continued, and he flew to Paris on his doctor’s instructions. Linda’s account of the situation was much more explicit than Cole’s:
21 September 1951: Linda Porter to Sam Stark48
Dear Sam:
Cole flies to Paris next Wednesday to join [Howard] Sturges for a month or six weeks; his doctor strongly advises it, says he needs a complete change – + I agree thoroughly. He has worn himself out with worrying and is in no condition to work at present. Cole had a complete check-up – all tests satisfactory except that he has an overactive thyroid which accounts for his sleeplessness + loss of weight. I pray God this change will put him on his feet – it is so distressing to see him in such a state.
Much love to you – in haste
Linda
21 September 1951: Cole Porter to Sam Stark49
Dear Sam: –
Linda has fallen so in love with the painting you brought me that she is bringing it to New York to be framed and then it will go into the front downstairs guest bedroom in Williamstown.
After all my worries on the Coast, I had a meeting with the two lawyers, the tax expert, and the accountant, and found that these worries were totally without reason and that I am in excellent financial shape. But, in the meantime, I have run myself down so much that the Doctor recommends a complete change for a few weeks. Therefore, I fly to France with Paul [Sylvain] for a few weeks, where my address will be:
c/o Morgan & Co.
Place Vendome
Paris, France
I only wish you were going along; we could have so much [sic] laughs together.
Lots of love,
[signed:] Cole
But after only a week, Porter came home with a nervous condition that required serious medical treatment, as Paul Sylvain secretly reported to Sam Stark:
7 October 1951: Paul Sylvain to Sam Stark50
Dear Mr. Stark:
Have news for you of the greatest urgency. However, it is Mr. C.P.’s severe order that none of his good friends be told anything. But after examining my conscience, I know, that you, being a very special friend, should be told; though it was Mr. C.P.’s thought that it would make you feel too sad! I’ve come to the conclusion that, were you not told now, it would grieve you the more to be told later. Naturally, little do I need to stress the point that this is strictly confidential and that not even Mr. Walker or Mr. Bray be told. For all they know, or should, or even yourself, is that Mr. C.P. and I are still abroad – in Paris, France; as indeed we were for a very short time (Sept. 28 to Oct 3).
Before we left by air, via Pan American, it was the opinion of everyone concerned – doctors and Mrs. C.P. and even myself – that a trip abroad would be excellent for his health, in as much as he had fallen into depths of dismal thinking, worrying about expenses; had developed bad nerves; and a very bad case of insomnia. After 5 days in Paris, Mr. C.P. became so depressed he was entirely broken down physically – and mentally. Talked immediately with Mr. Sturges and we decided to bring Mr. C.P. back to U.S.A. We talked to Mrs. C.P. on transatlantic phone and we decided going directly to Boston, Phillips House,* and consult Dr. Cope on thyroid, and a neurologist. The captain on the Pan American plane would have gladly dropped us at Boston, but the weather would not let him, at [?] we reserved hotels American [?], but at La Guardia flights were cancelled so we drove all the way to Boston in a car rental. Dr Cope found the thyroid, not nervous, but Dr Calf, an eminent neurologist (in fact, all doctors think he is God) helped Mr. C.P. essentially by finding the mind O.K. but suffering from distressing moods, and a change of life for a man of 60. So we came back to Waldorf, and Drs. Moorhead and Whitemore and Stevenson sent Mr. C.P. to the Doctors Hospital, where we still are, under the name of Paul Sylvain – we did all that traveling back without anyone knowing Cole Porter, the composer, was ill – and where Electric Shock Treatments were started. He’s had two so far, with a shot of Kourari† [sic] for his legs, and they have done wonders. Naturally there is much progress to be made – for Mr. C.P. is far from being recovered completely – but there is great hope indeed, that in two weeks or so, Mr. C.P. will be his old, vivacious, charming, witty self again. There is nothing to worry about any more.
I write Mr. Sturges every night; and talk to Mrs. C.P. every day, who is still in Williamstown until next Monday. She will be coming back to the Waldorf then. I assure you that everything is being done for Mr. C.P.’s health, as well as comfort. I spend the day at the Doctor’s Hospital and sleep at the Waldorf in 41C. Mr. C.P. is not allowed any visitors as yet; we are waiting till he asks for them, which he will when he is better. Don’t hesitate to ask me anything and if you want to phone me for direct inquiries and our news use our private line, which is near my bed – Plaza 5 - 8575 – I am usually home after midnight. You will realize, I’m sure, we are doing our best to keep this news from the N.Y. press and Hollywood’s. News from my wife are good so far. No worries there. But delivery expected soon.
All my best to you.
Sincerely
Paul
Within weeks, Porter was able to resume his correspondence again and was also going to the theatre once more, though he pretended that the need for work rather than his health was the reason for not being able to travel to California:
1 November 1951: Cole Porter to Sam Stark51
Dear Little Sammie: –
Thanks a lot for your letter of Oct. 24th. I am out of the hospital and recuperating as well as can be expected. I shan’t tell you the details until we meet, as it was all rather awful.
It was wonderful to read that your book is progressing so beautifully. Do you begin to see a possible finish?
There is no chance of me coming to the Coast any more this year, as I am still hunting for work. So far, everything that has been presented is impos
sible – but, as I have been through this before, I am not yet discouraged. In the meantime, Linda and I have our usual luncheons together and, in the evening, I am either invited out or I find a cronie. I have seen quite a few shows but nothing that I like enough. This coming Saturday night, dainty Elsa* and I go to see The Four Poster,† which has received excellent notices. I can’t imagine, however, being diverted for the length of a whole show by a cast of two people. I shall report on this.
Please write me gossip. I need it for my convalescence.
Linda and I both send love.
Your elderly friend,
[signed:] Cole
As the year drew to a close, Porter’s health had considerably improved – Paul Sylvain commented to Sam Stark that “Mr C.P. as you know is doing very well, almost completely recovered”52 – and he even contemplated writing a musical version of the Spewacks’ 1935 play Boy Meets Girl.
17 November 1951: Linda Porter to Sam Stark53
Dear Sam:
Your birthday telegram arrived – how nice of you to always remember me. I thank you so much!
Cole is in the country this week end . . . – he phoned last night + sounded so happy to be back in his little house. A few days away from N.Y. does him great good. Cole is so much better, he looks like himself again.
My love to you
Linda
18 December 1951: Cole Porter to Bella Spewack54
Dear Bella: –
I have been trying to work on all the Boy Meets Girl material that you left with me for quite a few days now, but I can get nowhere. I am afraid the reason is that the subject matter, even though it may be excellent, does not appeal to me, and I must withdraw from our possible collaboration on this show.
I can’t tell you how sad this makes me as I wanted so much to do another show with you and Sam. Perhaps you will come up with another idea. This would be wonderful.
A Happy Christmas to you – and my gratitude for your patience.