On March 31st of 1964, Stanley Kubrick initiated contact with author Arthur C. Clarke by way of the following letter, in which the filmmaker declared an interest in the two collaborating to produce, in his words, “the proverbial ‘really good’ science-fiction movie.” Clarke was immediately keen — so much so that just three weeks later, on April 22nd, the pair met at the Plaza Hotel in New York and, according to Clarke, “talked for eight solid hours about science fiction.”

Four years later, the groundbreaking result of their partnership — 2001: A Space Odyssey — was released to the public.

(Source: Amy Fletcher; Image: Clarke & Kubrick on the set of 2001: A Space Odyssey, via.)

SOLARIS PRODUCTIONS, INC March 31, 1964 Mr. Arthur C. Clarke

[Address redacted] Dear Mr Clarke: It’s a very interesting coincidence that our mutual friend Caras mentioned you in a conversation we were having about a Questar telescope. I had been a great admirer of your books for quite a time and had always wanted to discuss with you the possibility of doing the proverbial “really good” science-fiction movie. My main interest lies along these broad areas, naturally assuming great plot and character: The reasons for believing in the existence of intelligent extra-terrestrial life. The impact (and perhaps even lack of impact in some quarters) such discovery would have on Earth in the near future. A space probe with a landing and exploration of the Moon and Mars. Roger tells me you are planning to come to New York this summer. Do you have an inflexible schedule? If not, would you consider coming sooner with a view to a meeting, the purpose of which would be to determine whether an idea might exist or arise which could sufficiently interest both of us enough to want to collaborate on a screenplay? Incidentally, “Sky & Telescope” advertise a number of scopes. If one has the room for a medium size scope on a pedestal, say the size of a camera tripod, is there any particular model in a class by itself, as the Questar is for small portable scopes? Best regards, (Signed) Stanley Kubrick