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RepositoryUniversity Archives and Special Collections Centre
Reference NumberSK/11/8/1
Title'Fail Safe' plagiarism suit
DescriptionThe file contains information on the 'Fail Safe' plagiarism suit: typed information about the intended suit brought by Peter George, author of 'Red Alert', Polaris Productions, Hawk Films and Columbia International against Burdick-Wheeler's novels 'Fail Safe' [a film of which was released in Oct 1964] such as admittals of story similarity and dates written with the verdict 'Legal opinion is that we are a cinch to win'; and typed 'SAC Bomber Story' by Burdick-Wheeler with some handwritten notes, possibly used in the case. The case was settled out of court. Some of the papers were featured in a documentary on the Collector's Edition DVD [presumably those featured are Columbia's copies].

Also included are copies of scripts to prove similarities and one document entitled The Delicate Balance of Terror which appears to be a draft novel by Peter George on a similar theme to his book Red Alert but is a new storyline which relates to a false alarm which causes the Americans to launch bombers for a nuclear attack. The story is more character driven than Red Alert.

As well as legal papers there is Kubrick's press statement about the case, 12 Feb 1963.
Date1963
Extent2 boxes
LevelFile
Access ConditionsBox 1 and 2.
Persons
CodeView related Person's recordsDates
DS/UK/45Columbia International Pictures; 1919-; Film production and distribution1919-
DS/UK/1Kubrick; Stanley (1928-1999); Film-maker, director, producer, cinematographer, photographer1928-1999
DS/UK/236George; Peter (1924-1966); Author and screenwriter1924-1966
DS/UK/239Wheeler; Harvey (1918-2004); Author and professor1918-2004
DS/UK/240Burdick; Eugene (1918-1965); Political scientist and author1918-1965
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