Addressed to "Col. Jason S. Joy / Director of Public Relations / Twentieth-Century-Fox Film Corp. / Beverly Hills, California."
Location of writing inferred from date of writing (see MA 3659.12 and MA 3659.15, which are addressed to Steinbeck in New York).
Part of a large collection of letters, documents, memoranda, telegrams, clippings, printed matter and maps related to the film Viva Zapata!, which was produced by Twentieth Century-Fox in 1952.
The letter is not signed; that Steinbeck is the author is inferred from the contents of the letter.
Discussing "Gadget" Kazan's excitement about the film Viva Zapata! and hoping he will be deeply involved in the research process as "this will be very valuable not only for his direction, but for his understanding and casting;" noting that he has "activated my little group of bandits in Mexico" and that the research process is underway; asking him to clarify with Darryl Zanuck the importance of working with a Mexican producer (if not with a Mexican production company) and recommending Oscar Danzigger (i.e., Danciger) for the job, noting that they have worked together in the past. Saying he is extremely pleased to hear that the studio is excited about the project, but suggesting that the less publicity the better until the project is "ready to go."