George Abbott; James Gleason — The Fall Guy

New York, Samuel French, 1928 . First edition. Paperback. Theatre critic Clive Hirschhorn's very scarce first edition of this comedy play, following a man who accepts a job as an errand boy, only to discover he is being used by the mob as an unwitting drug mule. The very scarce first edition, first printing of this hit Broadway play. Illustrated with five photographic plates offering stills from the production. Collated, complete. The broadway play - written by George Abbott and James Gleason - was adapted into the 1930 pre-Code crime drama film of the same title directed by Leslie Pearce  From the library of Clive Hirschhorn, theatre critic at the Sunday Express from 1966 to 1995, and a noted book collector of 20th century authors, with his collection including all the major works of Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Steinbeck and others. With Clive's characteristic inscription with his date of acquisition to the upper corner of the front pastedown.  In the publisher's original paper wraps. Front wrap detached to head, but firmly held, with small loss to front wrap head and at front joint. Minor loss to rear wrap head. Imprint to verso of front wrap and tail of final three leaves crossed out by the publisher. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .