Unique ensemble de documents et manuscrits relatifs à la confidentielle adaptation théâtrale d'Au beau rivage par un admirateur manceau de René Fallet

Unique collection of documents (photographs, posters, etc.) and manuscripts relating to the confidential theatrical adaptation of Au beau rivage by an admirer from Le Mans of René Fallet.
In 1972, Claude-Denis Renard from Le Mans, a great admirer of René Fallet, contacted the latter so that he would accept a theatrical adaptation of his novel Au beau rivage published in 1970 and for which he received the Humor Prize. Animated by his usual kindness, the writer joyfully accepted, forgetting to inquire about the contingencies linked to the exploitation rights of the novel held by the production company Prothea, whose reaction was not long in coming. Indeed, Mme de Almeida, in charge of managing the Fallet file, expressed numerous reservations regarding the exploitation of the name "Au beau rivage." The play would finally be performed under certain conditions and its title would be transformed to "Bistro story" for only six exclusive performances in Le Mans.

The collection we offer consists of the following documents:
- An autograph letter (17x23.5cm) signed and dated 11/04/72, written on Hotel George V letterhead: "Moi aussi je suis content que toute cette vérole se soit arrangé (sic) au mieux. Je signe des trucs ou écris sans y prêter trop d'attention et puis cela me retombe sur la tête. Mais je suis aise que la gentillesse ne soit pas toujours punie [...] J'accompagnerai bien sûr madame d'Almeida au Mans. Trouvez moi donc un maillot de coureur taille 4 du club local, je fais collection de maillots, je viens de ramener de Bruxelles celui de champion de Belgique. Bonne chance pour "Bistrot story" (marrant) 13 à vous, R. Fallet" ["I too am happy that all this mess worked out for the best. I sign things or write without paying too much attention and then it comes back to bite me. But I'm glad that kindness is not always punished [...] I will of course accompany Madame d'Almeida to Le Mans. Find me a runner's jersey size 4 from the local club, I collect jerseys, I just brought back the Belgian champion's from Brussels. Good luck with 'Bistrot story' (funny) 13 to you, R. Fallet"]
- An autograph postcard (13.5x9cm) signed and dated 16/05/72, written on the verso of the reproduction of a photograph representing him with a doll, posted from his stronghold of Jaligny sur Bresbe in the Bourbonnais in which he thanks the director Claude-Denis Renard for his hospitality.
- Two typed letters (21x27cm) dated March 6 and 21, 1972 and signed by Mme d'Almeida typed on letterhead of the production company Prothea, managing the rights for "Au beau rivage" and authorizing the theatrical adaptation under certain conditions.
- An autograph letter (21x27cm) signed by the same and dated April 28, 1972, written on the same letterhead, ensuring the presence of René Fallet, difficult to reach in the middle of the resumption of the Belgian cycling season, at the first performance of "Bistro story" on May 7, 1972.
- A telegram (21x12cm) from Mme d'Almeida dated 28/05/1972 confirming her coming accompanied by Fallet to a performance
- The text of the play under the title "Au beau rivage" typed under cover bearing some annotations probably in Claude-Denis Renard's hand (21x29cm)
- The program of the theatrical adaptation under the title "Au beau rivage" and its cast (21x29cm)
- The small poster of the play "Au beau rivage" with three small marginal tears (29x42cm)
- The manuscript and illustrated mock-up with an original drawing representing the protagonists of "Bistrot story" on tracing paper (44.5x75.5cm)
- Two states of the large poster of "Bistrot story" on tracing paper (44.5x75.5cm)
- The small poster of the play under the title "Bistrot story" framed (26x42cm)
- Two black and white photographs of René Fallet, one original (18x13cm) in silver print and a reprint (18x12.5cm), taken during performances of "Bistrot story"