Strangers on a Train (Original screenplay for the 1951 film)

Burbank, CA: Warner Brothers, 1950. Final Draft script for the 1951 film, dated October 18, 1950. Although the front wrapper and the first distribution page identify the script as Part I, the script presented here is the complete Final Draft divided into four parts (Parts I-IV), each with its own distribution page. Laid in are twelve call sheets, dating from October 31, 1950 through December 23, 1950, with all but one heavily annotated in manuscript pencil.

Based on Patricia Highsmith's 1950 novel. A Hitchcock classic, following a psychotic socialite and tennis pro who meet on a train and promptly form a partnership to "exchange murders." The plan seems infallible until one person shirks his end of the deal.

Shot on location in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Connecticut.

Blue titled wrappers, noted as FINAL on the front wrapper, rubber-stamped copy No. 115, dated OCT. 18, 1950. Four distribution pages present, one for each Part, with the first receipt removed, all others intact. 158 leaves, with last page of text numbered 153. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with blue revision pages throughout, dated variously between 10/30/50 and 11/20/50. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good plus, with edgewear and a closed tear to the center left front wrapper, bound with two gold brads.

Call sheets: 8.5 x 11 inches. Near Fine overall.

Grant US. Selby Masterwork. Silver Classic Noir. Spicer US.