Spaghetti Western Trivia: Clint Eastwood’s contract for “A Fistful of Dollars”

 

Director Steve Carver (Lone Wolf McQuade) directed “Arena” (1973) which was filmed in Rome. While there several of the crew rented a large house or villa and one of their frequent guest would show up and cook dinner for the group on a regular basis. His name was Sergio Leone. He and Steve became friends and Steve was given a copy of the original contract of Clint Eastwood’s for “Fistful of Dollars”. Steve e-mailed me a copy last week. I translated the body of the contract which you will see the original Italian and then English translation. 

 

Original Italian

 

 La Societa in indirizzo ha chiesto l’approvazione del contratto stipulato in data 4 marzo c.a., tramite la William Morris Organisation di Roma, con il Sig. Clint Eastwood di nazionalita americana, in base al quale questi si e impegnato a prestare la sua attivata artistica nel film “Il Magnifico Straniero” per un periodo di dieci settimane consecutive.

 

In corrispettivo delle sue prestazioni professionali il predetto attore avra diritto a percepire i seguenti emolumenti:

 

-        compenso forfettario di $13.500 (dollari tredicimilacin-quecento) da pagarasi, nel controvalore in lire italiane, alla predetta William Morris Organisation, Via Nomentana n.60, Roma;

-        diaria settimanale di $400 (dollari quattrocento) da corrispondere nel controvolare in lire italiane, durante il periodo delle lavorazioni in Italia.

-        pro-rata temporis di $215 (dollari duecentoquindici) al giorno per prestazioni artistiche eccedenti il periodo suijodicato.

-        rimborso delle spese di viaggio per due persone in  I Classe Los Angeles-Roma e ritorno.

 

In relazione a quanto precede, si comunica il benestare di questo Ministero all’esecuzione de contraito in questione. 

 

Dated 14 / 7/ 1964

 

English translation

 

The Company in address requested the approval of the contract stipulated on 4 March ca, through the William Morris Organization of Rome, with Mr. Clint Eastwood of American nationality, on the basis of which he has undertaken to lend his artistic activity in the film “Il Magnifico Straniero” for a period of ten consecutive weeks.

In consideration of his professional services, the aforementioned plaintiff will be entitled to receive the following emoluments:

        - flat-rate compensation of $ 13,500 (thirteen thousand-five hundred dollars) to be  

          paid, in the equivalent in Italian lire, to the aforementioned William Morris

          Organization, Via Nomentana 60, Rome;
        - weekly allowance of $ 400 (four hundred dollars) to be paid in the counter-issue in

           Italian lire, during the period of work in Italy.
        - pro-rata temporis of $ 215 (two hundred and fifteen dollars) per day for artistic

          performances exceeding the indicated period.
        - reimbursement of travel expenses for two people in I Class Los Angeles-Rome and

          back.

In relation to the above, the approval of this Ministry for the execution of the contract in question is communicated.

Dated 7/14/1964