28

His notes for "Stagecoach"

John Ford

Autograph Manuscript, unsigned,

24-line fragment from his script notes for Stagecoach (1939). The notes, sketches of dialogue and action for 4 or 5 scenes throughout the film, including a brief description of Ringo Kid wearing a handcuff on one wrist [in the final screenplay, Ringo has wrists scarred from handcuffs instead], Doc Boone meeting Peacock in the saloon, Doc Boone meeting Gatewood in the stagecoach, Doc Boone and Dallas facing the Ladies of Law and Order League, the introduction of Chris's Apache wife, and Buck's reaction to learning of Gatewood's theft [does not appear in the screenplay]. 1½ pages, 8vo, personal stationery, with integral blank (now detached); stain at upper right of first page from contemporary ink spatter on verso, faint marginal discoloration from prior matting, horizontal folds.

Hollywood, circa 1939.

  • Notes: "Peacock: 'Kansas City, Kansas.' [T]he 'Kid' has one handcuff on his left wrist . . . .
    "[D]oc to gatewood: 'Saw your wife at the Stage Station, yup! She was head of our farewell committee' . . . .
    "[D]oc seats Dallas outside saloon, the cynosure of all hostile female eyes, waggishly waving his finger at the leader . . . .
    "Buck: 'Gosh! a banker stealing money!'
    ". . . [T]he Apache wife of Chris enters, hums softly . . . . [T]hey sneak on their horses and . . . they dash away. Doc, Curly etc rush to door, thinking it a raid. . . ."

    Provenance: From the family of John Ford.
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November 6, 2025 12:00 PM EST
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