[Zane Grey] Line A Day Five Year Diary 1934-1939 Romer Zane Grey

Very good/None. Romer Zane Grey 5-Year Diary.

Black pebbled leather flexi-boards with gilt title on front. All edges gilt. Wear to edges with mild soiling. Interior relatively clean. With a dozen laid in news clippings, typed notes and telegram. Very Good Condition. Partially filled five-year Diary of Romer Zane Grey, Altadena, California which begin to be used on Christmas 1934 and is primarily used in 1935, 1936, 1937 with a few scattered entries into 1938 and none for 1939. Inconsistently used with long gaps without entries.

Romer Grey (1909-1976) was the eldest son of the novelist Zane Grey and followed in his father's career as a writer, but never gained success as such, likely finding it difficult to work in Zane Grey's shadow. Romer worked briefly as a contract writer for Paramount Pictures and toiled as a producer in charge of making movies based on his father's novels. In 1955, Romer, along with his brother Loren, formed Zane Grey Productions, Inc. to produce television shows based on his father's books. Romer Grey's personal life was tumultuous with several failed marriages and bouts of drinking and gambling.

First entry--December 25, 1934, "What a Christmas. Things going bad! No Money...still up to my neck in debt." This kind of sets the tone for Romer Grey's Diary and is filled with references to drinking, gambling, women, marriage, fights and father Zane.

Romer Grey married Dorothy (Dot) Olson December 1930, separated November 1932. She filed for divorce which was granted September 1934. There are 7 news clippings documenting the divorce laid in the diary. January 1. 1935 he notes he is behind on alimony. May 20th, "first date with Maryil Townsend oh boy, what a gal." This must not have worked out as the next year in October 1935, Grey eloped with his father's secretary, Wilma (Billye) Morris. Romer notes on October 19th, 1935, "Married to Billye by Judge Harry Westfell of Phoenix." The next day, "Had first fight of second marriage." On December 24th, 1935, he writes, "Gave Billye new black Ford for Christmas." July 23rd, 1937, we find this note, "Billye out until 4 a.m. with her B.F.????" On Monday November 15, 1937, a short note reads, "Separated from Billye! Packed up and went to Hollywood."

Included with the diary is a one-page single spaced undated typed note addressed to "Dear Mr. Dokes: (Romer Grey)" with a reply addressed to "Dear Mrs. Richbich (Billye Grey)". This note is as caustic and hateful as any writer(s) could devise. Out of context, however, we really do not know the full story, but the letter is memorable. "Why don't you get a fish bone in your throat and not be able to get it out...or rather why don't you stand out in the rain until you get pneumonia? The idea is, in case you haven't gotten it by now, that I just don't like you." In reply, "You stink to me too. You are an arrogant, spoiled, garrulous, petulant child with ultra-demeaning ways.,,your tremendous vitality was mostly expressed in temper." "I can't make love to a woman that laughs at me and scorns me." (We will include a scan of this tempest).

Numerous references are made to negotiations to film deals and contracts, mostly for his father's works, although Romer does make note of selling several short stories. in 1935 Romer was active in representing his father, "Sold Outlaws of Palouse (Horse Thief) to Columbia for $13,500 we approve script & budget." On November 5th, 1935, Romer and his father Zane attend a preview of "Nevada". "Took Dad with me--very interesting to see respect shown him by para boys (Paramount Studio Executives.) Romer signed a contract with Paramount on May 27, 1935, as a writer, "I started work at Paramount." Romer and his father must have had a rocky relationship as noted on September 22, 1936, "Arrived home to meet Dad for the first time in ten months. He looks just a little greyer." A month later, "Tennis--Dad & I beat Loren and Gus."

Drinking and gambling were constants in Romer Grey's life. "Got to sleep pretty drunk", "Bet on horses at office all day", "made the first bet on races for three month", "Poker game which ended in a general fight." Finally on November 26, 1937, we read, "Quit drinking for good--saw Dr. Brower for complete examination." Romer's brother Loren, would later state, "Romer died an alcoholic from working as a writer in the shadow of his famous father." Romer Zane Grey passed away March 8, 1976, in Pasadena, California.

An honest yet incomplete look at Romer Grey during four turbulent years. A lot of Zane and Romer material has been sold over the years, but this is the first diary we have seen.