Ernest Lehman and “Sabrina”

Ernest Lehman co-wrote the screenplay for Sabrina (1954) with Billy Wilder. The story is based on the 1953 play “Sabrina Fair” by Samuel A. Taylor.

There’s an anecdote that says that Wilder’s version of the screenplay diverged so much from the play that Taylor was fired due to his objections. It was at this point that Lehman, who had just written the excellent Executive Suite (also starring William Holden) was brought on. I don’t know how true that is.

Another anecdote says that Humphey Bogart was only brought on because Cary Grant was either unavailable or turned it down. In my opinion, Humphey Bogart’s subdued approach to the role is what makes the film work. William Holden, while excellent and perfectly cast, has an acting style too similar to Cary Grant’s. Humphey Bogart provides the perfect contrast to the part.

While similar in some ways to Wilder’s Love in the Afternoon (1957), this film is (IMHO) much much better. Clever twists and turns keep this screenplay moving. I’ve retyped the entire screenplay (the October 7,1953 draft of “Sabrina Fair” called “Final White Script”) in fountain. It is copyrighted and property of Paramount Studios, but if you would like a copy for educational purposes only, feel free to email me at fablestofilm AT gmail DOT com. Hopefully the study of the screenplay will encourage you to rewatch this terrific film.

For more on Ernest Lehman, read the excellent book "Ernest Lehman: The Sweet Smell of Success" by Jon Krampner.