Ayn Rand (source), King Vidor (director) THE FOUNTAINHEAD (1949) Set of 11 photos

[Los Angeles]: Warner Brothers, 1949. Set of eleven (11) vintage original black-and-white print still photos: eight 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm.) photos with studio information printed at bottom margins as well as N.S.S. embossing on bottom right edge on most. One 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm.) image of Gary Cooper with original paper snipe on verso as well usage ink stamp, an ink date stamp of July 18, 1949, and pencil credit “Photo by Jack Woods”. Two 7 x 9″ (17 x 22 cm.) borderless prints with attached paper blurbs on verso numbered 1 and 2 as part of a story setup for magazine use. Wear to side edges of several photos, minor soiling to the blank white margins of others. Overall about fine.

Ayn Rand proved difficult and initially would only allow her book to be filmed if everything in the book was filmed! Warner Brothers wanted it for Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, but Rand would approve of Gary Cooper only. They cast newcomer Patricia Neal, hoping to make her a star. Warners was willing to have Frank Lloyd Wright (Rand’s inspiration for the main character) design the sets, but his price was too high.

The story of an unconventional architect who would not compromise his vision for conformity was a grand and timely theme and made for one of King Vidor’s most memorable films.

With Cooper and Neal are Raymond Massey, Henry Hull and Kent Smith.