Blaustein v. Burton
California Court of Appeal
9 Cal. App. 3d 161, 88 Cal. Rptr. 319 (1970)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
Julian Blaustein (plaintiff) devised the concept of a motion-picture adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew to star Richard Burton (defendant) and Elizabeth Taylor Burton (defendant) and to be directed by Franco Zeffirelli (defendant). Blaustein communicated his ideas to various people in the industry with the expectation that he would serve as producer on the film, but there was no express contract. A film that included several elements of Blaustein’s concept was then made without Blaustein’s involvement. Blaustein brought suit for breach of contract, among other claims. The Burtons and Zeffirelli moved for summary judgment, which the trial court granted. Blaustein appealed. The California Court of Appeal granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Frampton, J.)
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