N.p. [Elstree]: N.p. [ABPC], 1967

4pp. typed report, rectos only, dated 25 May 1967 to front page. Perforations down left edges from office binding. Very well preserved.

ABPC READER'S REPORT ON BARRY HINES' THE KESTREL FOR THE KNAVE [sic], 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 Jack Common).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.

Barry Hines' book was submitted to ABPC by his publisher, Michael Joseph. Not published until January 1968 reader Jack Common read the book in typescript, some eight months ahead of publication. (It's possible that at that point the novel was called The Kestrel for the Knave, as the report's heading indicates; it's more likely that Common simply typed the title incorrectly.) His report is enthusiastic: 'A story of childhood which reveals a writer of unusual and quite distinctive talent. Perhaps this work does not rate translation into full-length feature but what he gives us next might well do; we should look out for it. Meanwhile the present story demands consideration for use in the field of children's films. I believe it's worth buying for that circuit, could be the most genuine children's film since RED BALLOON.'

ABPC did not act on Common's recommendation. But director Ken Loach and his producer Tony Garnett did acquire the pilm rights to the book: Kes (1969) remains one of British cinema's finest achievements.

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.