Alfie.

NAUGHTON, Bill.

$2,500.00

Item Number: 143918

London: Macgibbon & Kee, 1966.

First edition of the novelization of Naughton’s popular stage play. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, signed by the author on the title page, “Bill Naughton” and lengthily inscribed by his wife, Erna, “For Laurence Foster I.M. of Bill Naughton 12th June 1910 Ballyhaunis Co Mayo Ireland – 9th January 1992 Isle of Man with love & dearest wishes from Erna Naughton 23rd June 1999 Isle of Man Thank you for bringing ‘Alfie’ to Ireland. X.” The recipient, Laurence Foster was head of RTE Radio Drama Department from 1990 to 1998. His film and televisions appearances include The Mansions of America, The Clinic, and The Tudors. Accompanied by a two-page manuscript draft of Alfie on lined paper also inscribed by Erna, “These words were written by Bill Naughton (in 1966) I give them to you, Laurence Foster, with dearest wishes Erna Naughton 23, June 1999 Isle of Man.” Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Jacket photograph by Colin O’Brien.

Developed from BBC Third Programme entitled Alfie Elkins and His Little Life first broadcast on January 7th 1962, the original London stage production of Bill Naughton's Alfie starred John Neville, and the Broadway transfer starred Terence Stamp. The play recounts the life of a working-class London ladies man, Alfie Elkins, and the many women who pass through his life. It was adapted for the screen twice, in a 1966 version starring Michael Caine and a 2004 version starring Jude Law, with the location switched to Manhattan and the character being an ex-pat Cockney.