Letter from Anthony Frewin about "2001: A Space Odyssey" Interview (2003)

This letter refers to a 1966 filmed interview with Rabbi Lamm conducted for a planned prologue to "2001: A Space Odyssey." Although the prologue was never completed, the transcript was later recovered, and Frewin reached out in 2003 seeking Rabbi Lamm’s permission to include the interview in a forthcoming book and DVD release.

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Letter from Roger Caras Inviting R. Lamm to "2001: A Space Odyssey" Interview (1966)

Dear Rabbi, We have noted here with great interest your recent remarks in “Tradition” concerning theological thought and the possibility of eventual contact with extra-terrestrial life. Here at M.G.M. studios, Mr. Stanley Kubrick, the producer-director whose past credits include “Dr. Strangelove,” “Lolita,” “Paths of Glory,” is working on a film on the subject of extra-terrestrial intelligence and the impact it might have on society. The film, entitled “2001: A Space Odyssey,” was co-written by Mr. Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke, the world’s foremost science fiction writer. It isn't a horrific science fiction film but a logical extrapolation of what can and very well might happen in society in the next thirty-five years. It is being shot for release by M.G.M. worldwide in Cinerama and Technicolor. It is a film of unusual content and extraordinary quality and beauty. More than twenty-five of the world's leading scientific and technical organisations contributed guidance and specialised equipment so that Mr. Kubrick could film life as it will be in the first year of the twenty-first century. Two gentlemen from the National Aeronautics & Space Administration George C. Marshall Space Flight Center have been on the staff here for a year and a half as technical guides.As a Prologue to the film, we are filming conversations with many of the world's leading scientific figures discussing briefly, and informally, their attitudes towards the concept of extra-terrestrial intelligence. We are very anxious to include in the Prologue statements of theological points of view. Father F. J. Heyden of Georgetown University will be filmed in this context in Washington, the first week in May, discussing the Catholic point of view.I wonder, Rabbi, if you could possibly accommodate us in this regard. Specifically, would you be available some time during the afternoon of Tuesday, May 10th, for one hour of filming at a place convenient to you? There will be nothing to prepare, your remar…

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Letter from Benn Reyes about Invite to "2001: A Space Odyssey" Premiere (1968)

Dear Dr. Lamm: Stanley Kubrick has asked me to invite you to the Premiere of 2001 which will take place on April 3, 1968 at the Capitol Theatre in New York City. He is arranging that the Metro-Golden-Mayer Organization will forward you an invitation and two reserved seat tickets. If, for some reason, you do not receive these tickets within one week of the Premiere, please have your secretary contact the Publicity Director of the local MGM office and remind them to send them to you. I am very sorry to say that due to a technical fault which occurred during the filming of your interview, it has not been possible to use any portions of that interview in the film. If I can be of any help to you, I can be reached at Polaris Productions, 239 Central Park West, New York. Telephone TR 4-0413.Dr. Norman LammAssociate Professor of Jewish PhilosophyYeshiva University131 West 86th StreetTic' 4New York, New York

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Letter from Jerome Agel about Interview for "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1969)

Dear Dr. Lamm: With the full cooperation of Stanley Kubrick, M-G-M, and other involved parties, we are preparing for publication by The New American Library a book on the making of the motion picture 2001: A Space Odyssey. We should like to include in the book all or a part of the filmed interview that Mr. Kubrick's aide had with you prior to the start of filming. A transcript of the interview – provided by Mr. Kubrick's office – is enclosed for your review, for any editing and/ or updating you may wish to do, and for (we all earnestly hope) your publication approval. We would also welcome any comment about Space Odyssey that you may care to make for publication. May we also have a recent photograph of yourself and a list of present titles and duties for use with the published interview. Because the book is scheduled for publication very soon, may we hear from you in the coming week. Thank you very much.Sincerely, Jerome B. Agel

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