'On My Way To Hollywood'
Sections from the 'deck' of imagined images for my Film about Dylan Thomas
And Igor Stravinsky, and the Opera on which they were collaborating.
Mike Young, my Producer in L.A. and I have been spending the last year
putting the 'deal' together to shoot the Movie, both in Wales and the USA.
Images designed to give a 'flavour; of the Film which is not intended as a literary biopic but as an examination of the last few frantic months in the life of a literary genius and flawed human being, as he struggled, one last time, to 'crack it' and achieve financial security
And failed.
The planned Opera with Igor Stravinsky, about the End of The World ultimately was 'a bridge too far' for Dylan Thomas
But he went down 'fighting' , albeit often fighting his own familiar 'demons' much of the time
Letter of Endorsement from the Chairman of The Dylan Thomas Society
I write as the Curator of the Dylan Thomas Birthplace in Swansea and Chair of the Dylan Thomas Society to add my support and endorsement to the proposed film “On My Way To Hollywood” written by Roger Stennett with Mike Young as Producer.
I have known Roger for some years, and know his commitment to sharing the 'story' of Dylan Thomas, especially to new audiences.
In 2022 I was happy to write The Introduction to his poetry collection ‘Forty Poems for Dylan Thomas’ which received Five Star reviews online and had its South Wales launch with a reading in the front parlour of the Birthplace.
Roger was friendly with Dylan’s daughter Aeronwy, with whom he used to give Poetry readings when their first books were published
Roger shared the Screenplay with me several months ago, and I was impressed by its themes and depth of understanding, especially when dealing with the previously under represented planned collaboration with Igor Stravinsky and their Opera project.
The 'build-up' in Wales before his fateful trip America in 1953 has never really been examined in detail, and in Roger's excellent Screenplay I sense a true ‘Poet to Poet’ understanding of a creative genius who remains an internationally iconic character, as well as a flawed Soul
I very much hope the film finds its full financing and wide outlets.
Geoff Haden
Chairman Dylan Thomas Society
Hon Birthplace Patron: late Pres Jimmy Carter
Geoff Haden, Dylan Thomas Birthplace, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0RA
Tel: 01792 472555/ 07506 064973 geoff@dylanthomasbirthplace.com
Web: www.dylanthomasbirthplace.com
