First draft, n.d. (cont.)

Arranged in alphabetical order by title of the work, whether it is a novel, a screenplay, a teleplay, or an essay. Many works are featured both as novels and screenplays or teleplays, and are filed in order according to which was created first. Essays are often represented by an annotated draft of the piece, and in other cases only by the essay “as published”, meaning the published version is the only version in this collection. Novels are represented by handwritten notes, annotated typescripts, galleys, editorial correspondence, contract correspondence, publicity notes and correspondence, cover and dustjacket art.

Screenplays and teleplays are generally those originally written by McMurtry (in many cases along with Ossana) but in some cases are works based on McMurtry’s works but written by others. This material is generally represented by notes, character lists, “step sheets” or plot outlines, annotated typescripts, and depending on how developed the project became, it could also include editorial and contract correspondence, and extensive production material for the film or teleplay (tv miniseries). Production material would include notes and correspondence regarding casting, director selection, music, locations, editing; shooting schedules; call sheets; videotape of “dailies” (daily footage shot) and various edited versions; publicity plans and materials, and more.

Most heavily featured works include Dead Man’s Walk (pre-quel to Lonesome Dove), and Streets of Laredo (sequel to Lonesome Dove), both of which include drafts of the novels and screenplays, and all extensive production material for the teleplays.