Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

Has just returned from Venice. Will delete the unpopular passages before it goes to New York. This experience made him realize how difficult it is to write a play. Agrees that the critical reception was harsh because of high expectations. Their great mistake was to to have invited the critics and Beaton's "so-called friends" to a raw opening performance. Beaton hasn't seen Ardele yet, but the reviews are not good. He thinks he will come to New York this autumn. He made a new décor for Casse Noisette at the Young Sadler's Wells. Jokes that as the last act takes place in the Hall of Sweets, it will be no setback if the critics deem his work "too chocolate-boxy".