N.p. [Elstree]: N.p. [ABPC], 1969

5pp. typed report, rectos only, dated 23 June 1969 to front page. Perforations down left edges from office binding. Very well preserved.

ABPC READER'S REPORT ON JOHN FOWLES' THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN, ASSESSING THE NOVEL FOR POSSIBLE FILM ADAPTATION.

Located in a corner block on the Elstree lot opposite the main administration building, the job of Associated British Picture Corporation's Reading Department was to identify potential film projects for the studio. Most of the material considered by the studio between the early 1940s and 1969 came in the form of new novels, either selected by the readers themselves or submitted to ABPC by their authors' literary agents or publishers. Unsolicited screenplays were also read, as were older titles by authors whose work had enjoyed recent screen success and whose back catalogues might contain more material suitable for filming. Readers also attended new plays, and scoured TV and radio broadcasts, to assess the potential for film adaptation.

All reports were written and presented in strict accordance with ABPC's house style. The first page would carry author, title and genre, how and by whom the work had been submitted, and a date stamp indicating when the report was submitted by the reader. The writer of the report would also usually be identified, either by name or initials (the reader in this case was R.[eg] Groves).A brief outline would be given, and there would then follow a long and detailed synopsis. More a potted version of the work under consideration rather than a mere outline of the plot, the Story would be sufficiently thorough to provide those reading it with a full working knowledge of the material, and obviate the need for them to read the book in full themselves. Finally, the reader would give their verdict on the work, and detailed reasons for their decision ('COMMENT'). In almost all cases the verdict would be 'Not Recommended'; occasionally the reader would call for a second opinion; and very occasionally the reader would recommend fast-tracking material to studio heads for their immediate consideration. The system was far-reaching, diligent and rigorous.

Reader Reg Groves' report on the book is appreciative of its literary qualities, but questions whether the book is suitable for film adaptation: 'In many ways fascinating, as period piece and story, and always readable, this novel tells a story, too -- and in these days this is rare. Visually attractive, too, the action falters for a number of reasons -- chiefly because the author digresses to include passages from Victorian writers [...] and also comments on his story, characters and the methods of Victorian novelists. [...] Worth attention -- has certain obviously attractive features, with possible audience appeal. But not until the story--line is strengthened, and the motivation made less mysterious.'

The was filmed eventually -- not by ABPC but twelve years later by United Artists, with a cast led by Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons, and directed by Karel Reisz from a screenplay by Harold Pinter. It was nominated for five Oscars, with Streep and Pinter among the nominees.

Film production companies have been basing themselves at Elstree since 1914, and in most cases their archives have been dispersed, lost or destroyed. This unique and hitherto unknown document from surviving ABPC reader reports has not been seen since its composition nearly sixty years ago, and has never before been offered for sale.