Double Time for Pat Hobby

Published: Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:00 am

Unpublished Fitzgerald Story "Double Time for Pat Hobby" Surfaces

A previously unknown short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, titled "Double Time for Pat Hobby," has been brought to light. The story, written in the summer of 1940, was discovered in the Fitzgerald Papers at Princeton University and is published for the first time with the authorization of the Estate of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The narrative centers on Pat Hobby, a struggling screenwriter in Hollywood. Hobby navigates the precarious world of studio politics, attempting to maintain employment amidst the industry's fickle nature. He employs a strategy of appearing busy, visiting studio offices, and avoiding direct answers about his current projects. His routine includes visits to the racetrack, where his meager earnings are quickly lost.

Hobby's fortunes take a turn when he is offered a job by a fellow writer, now a producer. The job requires him to be a technical expert on shipyards, a role he secures despite his limited knowledge. This leads to a period of temporary prosperity, with Hobby juggling two "jobs" and enjoying the freedom of not having to work. However, his luck runs out when he is summoned by the producer, and the story takes a dark turn. The producer reveals a scheme involving a doctor, and Hobby's situation becomes increasingly precarious.

BNN's Perspective:

The discovery of this previously unpublished Fitzgerald story offers a fascinating glimpse into the author's creative process and his observations of the Hollywood scene. The story's themes of ambition, desperation, and the fleeting nature of success resonate even today. While the story is a snapshot of a specific time, the struggles of the protagonist are timeless.

Keywords: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pat Hobby, short story, Hollywood, unpublished, Princeton University, writer, producer, studio, employment, racetrack, Double Time for Pat Hobby

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