The index for the Dent papers at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection lists three different titles for the story “Dead at the Take-off.” Dent originally titled the story “Flight Plan.” The third title was “Flight Fourteen.”
July 11, 1945
Willis Kingsley Wing writes Lester Dent about the beginnings of his story “Flight Plan.” Wing details several items he likes and gives advice on developing the story. One of the characters is named Mallory. There appears to be a homosexual angle to the story. Wing advises that this is not worth including in the story as some readers make take offense.
Source: WHMC Folder C3071_14
December 4, 1945
The Crime Club writes Willis Kingsley Wing sending him the contract for Dent’s story, “Dead At The Take-Off.”
Source: WHMC Folder C3071_14
February 8 , 1946
Peter Bleakley writes Lester Dent. Bleakely is Story Editor for William Cagney Productions. Bleakley is writing Dent in care of Doubleday books. He would like some information on “Dead At The Take-Off.”
Source: WHMC Folder C3071_15
February 11 , 1946
Willis Kingsley Wing writes Lester Dent noting that “Dead At The Take-Off” has been made the rounds to The Saturday Evening Post, Good Housekeeping, and Colliers. All three magazines rejected the story. Good Housekeeping complained that there were too many coincidences in the story. The Crime Club, however, wishes to publish it on April 4. Wing has accepted this offer for Dent as the best option.
Source: WHMC Folder C3071_15
Thrilling Detective – June 1947
February 17 , 1946
Lester Dent writes to Peter Bleakley at William Cagney Productions. Dent acknowledges their letter and tells them that Willis King will make sure they get a copy of the Doubleday edition of “Dead At The Take-Off.”
Source: WHMC Folder C3071_15
Spring 1947
October 15, 1951
Willis Kingsley Wing writes Lester Dent informing him that his deal with Ljus in Sweden is a bust. The company has reorganized and severely reduced the number of books they are publishing. The story in question is “Dead at Takeoff.”
Source: WHMC C3071_f26
1946
January 8, 1953
Willis Kingsley Wing writes to Lester Dent concerning his sales in England. The publisher desired to lower the price of four titles: “Dead at the Takeoff,” “Lady Afraid,” “Lady So Silent,” and “Lady to Kill.” Wing has agreed to this discount as it was preferable to having the stock remaindered. Wing also includes copies of the agreements for “Lady So Silent” and “Lady to Kill.”
Source: WHMC C3071_f29
March 25, 1953
Patricia Kuhnel, assistant to Willis Kingsley Wing writes Lester Dent concerning a contact from Isabelle Taylor at Doubleday. Ms. Taylor has contracted with Ace Books for a paperback edition of “Dead At Takeoff.” The book will be published in the second half of 1953. The publisher is offering a contract signing payment of $1,000 and one cent on the first 150,000 book printed. The royalty goes up 50% for any books over the 150,000 mark.
Source: WHMC C3071_f29
1946 Detective Book Club
April 6, 1953
Patricia Kuhnel, assistant to Willis Kingsley Wing writes Lester Dent about his deal with Ace Books. The publisher wishes to change the title from “Dead at the Take-off” to “High Stakes” if this is acceptable to Dent. Ms. Kuhnel further notes that Ace is making some updates to the language in the book, particularly to outdated wartime references. She notes that Wing is going to Boston on April 15 and asks if Dent has any comments for Houghton Mifflin. She also asks about the story for Gold Medal Books and any comments for Inez Salinger.
Source: WHMC C3071_f29
April 7, 1953
Lester Dent writes to Patricia Kuhnel at King’s office telling her that the title change is acceptable. Dent requests a copy of the updated rewrite of his story from Ace. Dent notes he has finished the story for Gold Medal Books and has been holding it for review. He will mail it out soon. Dent notes he still has a block on writing the Houghton Mifflin story. Dent is anxious that the changes to “Dead at Take-off” might create problems for him with the bureaucrats in Washington, DC.
Source: WHMC C3071_f29
April 29, 1953
Willis Kingsley Wing writes Lester Dent noting that Ace Books has sent over a marked up copy of “Dead at the Take-off” showing the proposed changes. King notes that this is a rush job.
Source: WHMC C3071_f29
May 1, 1953
Lester Dent writes to Patricia Kuhnel at King’s office telling her that the proposed changes by Ace Books to “Dead at the Take-off” are acceptable.
Source: WHMC C3071_f30
September 22, 1953
Willis Kingsley Wing writes to Lester Dent sending him a royalty check for Danish sales of “Dead at the Take-off.” Wing notes that he has not heard from Dent recently. He encourages him to work on the Houghton Mifflin story.
Source: WHMC C3071_f30
January 3, 1956
Lester Dent writes to DeVallon Scott at Screen Gems, Inc. in Hollywood, California. Dent notes that Mystery Writers of America has notified him that Scott is seeking material for a television show, Mystery Writers Theater. Dent is enclosing a copy of “Lady to Kill” and “Dead at the Take-off” for review. [Note: the letter from DeVallon Scott is not in the collection.]
Source: WHMC C3071_f32