Dueling lawsuits over the future of late author John Steinbeck's estate may end high school productions of "Of Mice and Men."
The Monterey County Herald reports that the legendary California author's heirs are squabbling over the rights to Steinbeck's many works -- a legal battle that began in 1983 but that continues with a pair of federal lawsuits.
One, filed by Steinbeck's son Thomas and granddaughter Blake Smyle, wants the estate of Steinbeck's widow Elaine to stop optioning the rights of "some of the Salinas author's works," including school drama club productions of "Of Mice and Men," the newspaper reported.
The other suit is filed by the estate of Elaine Steinbeck and wants to maintain the status quo.
Thomas Steinbeck has filed several lawsuits seeking a piece of his father's estate, but all have failed.
Meanwhile, the estate counter sued, saying that Thomas Steinbeck's "interference" has upset several chances at business opportunities, including movies and a concert.
