ROBERT DONAT SUED

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 July 1935, Page 11

ROBERT DONAT SUED

“STUBBORN YOUNG GUY” LONDON, May 30. Robert Donat, the English stage and film star, was defendant in an action which came before Mr. Justice Goddard in the King’s Bench Division yesterday. Plaintiffs, Warner Brothers Pictures Incorporated, claimed a declaration that a letter, dated Dec. 1, 1934, constituted a contract between Warner Brothers and Mr. Donat binding upon the actor. Warner Brothers also asked for an injunction restraining Mr. Donat from entering into any agreement or contract the performance of which would be inconsistent with their contract. Mr. Donat’s defence was that the letter did not constitute a binding agreement. Sir Patrick Hastings. K.C. (for Warner Brothers), said they were an American concern. Mr. Donat a comparatively short time ago appeared in the film "Monte Cristo,” and apparently made a great success. Many of the large film-producing companies were anxious to secure his services, and among them Warner Brothers. He (counsel) thought it was a fair summary of the documents to say that Mr. Donat was not only allowing them to bid against each other, but, to use his own word, “stalling” one or the other, which he understood was a colloqual term meaning keeping them off as long as possible with a view to seeing whether or not others would give larger sums for his services. 'rhere came a point, when the Loudon representative of Warner Brothers said. "This must slop.” and a document was entered into which counsel thought his lordship would have no doubt both parties intended to be a .

binding contract. Sir Patrick dealt, with correspondence between Warner Brothers London agent and the agents of Mr. Donat. One letter ran: •*l cannot understand why he < Donali is so screwy . . . He certainly seems to be in more demand than aiiy other I have had to deal with, and. in addition to which, he is a stubborn young guy. and takes his own time about deciding what to do." In December at a meeting between Mr. Asher (Warner Brothers’ London representative). Mr- Donat and Mi. O’Brien. Mr. Donat's agent, the agreement which it was sought to enforce was made, said Sir Patrick. ’ ll was in lhe form of u letter from Mr. Asher to Mr. O'Brien and stated ■ Pt tiding the draw in;', tip of a more complete agreement, ! led it | i . u< t < ssury thal some . of wi It-1

ten agreement embodying terms. Arc., should be entered into between us, and your signature, as acceptance to the provisions in this letter, shall cause it to be a binding contract between the parties until such time as it shall be replaced by our artist’s agreement." The agreement was to play in three pictures, two of which were to be "Anthony Adverse" and "Captain Blood." at a salary of 21.5" d dollars for the first six ‘‘shooting" weeks. The hearing was adjourned.