A great writer of the "the don't make them like they used to" mold. Cool Hand Luke is his best work in my opinion.

Can I say basically anything from Dog Day Afternoon? That movie is so gripping it almost just feels like one whole moment. Not only is it a great movie, but it was a script that allowed Pacino, Cazale, and Lumet to all do some of their best work--which is saying a lot and is a great tribute to a writer. Also: If your script can turn into a movie that requires no music at all to be gripping, tense, and emotionally resonant, you're doing something special.

I have a great quote from Pierson for tomorrow's Screenwriting 101. I met him at a WGA strike meeting at the Hollywood Palladium many years ago. There are some people you meet and immediately think, "Writer." He was one of those. Everything about his demeanor suggested writer, from his curious eyes, to that sense he really would have preferred being at home, in his study, pounding away at his keyboard.

You're very lucky to have met him Scott...one of my favorites. The funeral scene for Jane Fonda's father in Cat Ballou, when Lee Marvin enters drunk....and starts singing Happy Birthday, then blows out the candleabra. Classic! (And thanks for the 4 scripts!)

Cool Hand Luke just oozes great scenes...but I love this ditty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG9tuuznL1Y&noredirect=1