Deval Jacques

1937 · réf. 12974J — New York: Random House 1937. First Edition. Inscribed and signed by the author Jacques Deval to fellow writer Horace McCoy. Inscribed: “To Horace McCoy with friendly admiration for ‘They Shoot Horses Don’t They’ Jacques Deval.” McCoy is best remembered for his classic thirties novel They Shoot Horses Don’t They a hardboiled portrait of depression era dance marathons. This comedy play was an international success starting in Paris London the capitals of Europe including Berlin where after vetting to make sure the playwright was not Jewish Adolf Hitler saw the play becoming so entranced by it that he eventually saw it three times. The play was an equal smash hit in New York as adapted by Sherwood and was made into charming film starring Claudette Colbert Charles Boyer Basil Rathbone Anita Louise directed by Anatole Litvak. “Ousted from their homeland by the Bolshevik revolution a royal Russian couple find themselves impoverished and living in Paris. They take positions as butler and housemaid in a wealthy household and owing to their impeccable breeding and manners excel in their new jobs. But once they are recognized for the royal couple they are they must face new -- and formidable -- responsibilities.” IMDB. Fine tight copy in a bright gold-foil dust jacket with a few small tears and minute nicking. Rare in a presentation copy from the author and especially so in such an excellent 1930s association. Random House unknown