Nick Levin, son of Ira Levin, discusses the conception and writing of the novel “Rosemary’s Baby,” including a surprising possible inspiration for Minnie, and some alien origins.
Download the file here: Episode 10: BIRTH OF A BOOK
The cover of the first edition of “Rosemary’s Baby.”
The lamp near Rosemary’s bed which, as discussed, almost seems to reflect the Alwyn, a famous building in New York City that was part of the inspiration for the Bramford.
From my visit, a copy of the first edition of “Rosemary’s Baby” with a reader review, sent to Ira Levin.
From my visit, Ira Levin’s personal copy of “Dracula.” The Bramford is named after Bram Stoker.
A bio from the Playbill from Levin’s 1962 play “General Seeger.” It mentions that he is working on a novel called “In a Dark Tower.” This was the working title for “Rosemary’s Baby” at its inception.
From Nick Levin’s collection. The novel “Secret Ceremony” was deemed “More haunting than Rosemary’s Baby.” The film version starred Mia Farrow and was released the same year as “Rosemary’s Baby,” in a rush to capitalize on the former’s success.
Promotional photos from a filmed version of the Ira Levin 1954 short story “The Underground Gourmet,” which featured the devil as a character. The story was shot for the General Electric Theater on CBS television, and starred Ronald Reagan, Sid Caesar, and Patricia Barry.
