9 Movies You Didn't Know Were Written By Famous Authors

Screenwriting, as a career, can be a mixed bag. On one hand, you’re the very pulse of the motion picture industry. On the other, you’re frequently overshadowed by big name directors, actors, and producers. We seldom remember the names of the writers behind even our most beloved movies—but there are exceptions, as when the screenwriters happen to be novelists or playwrights picking up an extra paycheck and imbuing the film with their own unique voice and style. Below are nine of the most surprising cases of writer-turned-screenwriter in the history of film.

The Big Sleep (1946), co-written by William Faulkner

The famously prolix southern novelist William Faulkner must have seemed an odd fit for Hollywood given his typically rural, nigh-Biblical subject matter. But he seemed to have enjoyed his time as a screenwriter a good deal more than his contemporary Scott F. Fitzgerald, and noir masterpiece The Big Sleep, adapted from the novel by Raymond Chandler, is filled with Faulkner’s signature wit and complexity.

You Only Live Twice (1967) by Roald Dahl

Spider-Man 2 (2004), co-written by Michael Chabon

Given the role comic books have played in his work, it’s no surprise that The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay scribe Michael Chabon has been involved with superhero films. In particular, he was one of many screenwriters who contributed elements to Spider-Man 2. And in Chabon’s version, omitted for better or worse, there would have been a love triangle between Spider-Man, Mary Jane, and villain Doctor Octopus.

Superman (1978), co-written by Mario Puzo

Godfather author Mario Puzo not only co-wrote the original Christopher Reeve-starring Superman movie, he also got a story credit after inheriting the position from science fiction author Alfred Bester. At first it might be difficult to find the connection between the Last Son of Krypton and the Corleones—until you remember that both movies begin with Marlon Brando giving his son a few choice words just before catastrophe strikes him.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) by William Goldman

Princess Bride novelist William Goldman won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for his take on train robbers Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and it was far from his only contribution to the movies, as Goldman would go on to write The Stepford Wives and All the President’s Men.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKryo4iafls

The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981) by Harold Pinter

Playwright Harold Pinter’s ominous, sparse style is instantly recognizable in the films he wrote (many of them adapted from novels), including The Go-Between, The Trial, and Meryl Streep’s breakthrough film, historical drama The French Lieutenant’s Woman. Both Pinter and Streep were nominated for Oscars for their work.

The Night of the Hunter (1955) by James Agee

The remarkable Night of the Hunter is perhaps the foremost example of country noir, so it makes sense that Tennessee-born James Agee was hired to write the screenplay, often considered one of the greatest in the history of film and tackling Agee’s pet themes like religion, the rural poor, and absent fathers.

Pride and Prejudice (1940), co-written by Aldous Huxley

Never in a million years would you think to associate the author of Brave New World with Jane Austen’s prim Pride and Prejudice, and yet Huxley worked on the script of the 1940s version, taking considerable liberties with the original novel. But audiences must have liked it, because Huxley came back to co-write Jane Eyre in 1944.

Westworld (1973) by Michael Crichton

Many have forgotten, what with HBO’s loose adaptation of the original Westworld and Michael Crichton’s reputation as novelist, that the Jurassic Park author both wrote and directed this charmingly dated tale of a futuristic amusement park on the fritz.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.