10 Greatest Films Written by William Goldman

William Goldman was born in Chicago in 1931. He obtained a master of arts degree in 1956 from Columbia. He decided while in college that he wanted to become a writer, but did not at that time contemplate becoming a screenwriter. In 1957, he published his first novel, The Temple of Gold. His 1960 novel Soldier in the Rain was adapted by another writer into the screenplay for the film by the same name starring Jackie Gleason and Steve McQueen. His first screenplay was an adaptation of Flowers for Algernon, it was not produced. He performed some rewrites for the 1965 film Masquerade and adapted the film Harper. His first original screenplay was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He has thirty-four screenplay credits

To learn more about William Goldman and his craft, I recommend his book Adventures in the Screen Trade. Here’s a quote from the book:

“Screenplays are structure, and that’s all they are. The quality of writing — which is crucial in almost every other form of literature — is not what makes a screenplay work. Structure isn’t anything else but telling the story, starting as late as possible, starting each scene as late as possible. You don’t want to begin with “Once upon a time,” because the audience gets antsy.”

William Goldman has won two Oscar for his screenplays. He won one for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1970 and one for All the President’s Men in 1977.

10. The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) — a fictionalized account of an incident involving maneating lion during the construction of a railroad. The film stars Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer.

“Darling… you know how God invented liquor so the Irish wouldn’t rule the world. Well, I think he may have invented being stubborn so we can be the best at something.” — John Patterson

9. Chaplin (1992) — Ironically, the critics disliked this film because of its screenplay. The film is saved by Robert Downey Jr.’s brilliant performance as Charlie Chaplin.

“The tramp can’t talk. The minute he talks, he’s dead.” — Charlie Chaplin

8. A Bridge Too Far (1977) — Based on the book by historian Cornelius Ryan, this all-star film tells the daring, but disastrous story of a British attack through Holland, intended to give the German’s a fatal blow. The soldiers find themselves overextended as the intelligence indicating thin German forces is proven wrong.

“Hancock. I’ve got lunatics laughing at me from the woods. My original plan has been scuppered now that the jeeps haven’t arrived. My communications are completely broken down. Do you really believe any of that can be helped by a cup of tea?” — Urquhart

7. The Great Waldo Pepper (1975) — A charming nostalgic look at the men that flew the flying machines. This film was made long before the age of CGI. Those are real airplanes and real pilots doing those stunts. That adds such a thrill to watching the film.

“Wait! Why would the wind blow her clothes off? When I’m wing-walking, the wind doesn’t blow MY clothes off.” — Waldo Pepper

6. Marathon Man (1976) — Goldman adapted this screenplay from his own novel about the brother of a spy who finds himself embroiled in one of his brother’s messes. Roy Scheider plays the spy brother and Dustin Hoffman plays the non-spy that finds himself being tortured by Laurence Olivier as a nazi dentist.

“Oh, please don’t worry. I’m not going into that cavity. That nerve’s already dying. A live, freshly-cut nerve is infinitely more sensitive. So I’ll just drill into a healthy tooth until I reach the pulp. Unless, of course, you can tell me that it’s safe.” — Christian Szell

5. Misery (1990) — Goldman adapted Stephen King’s novel about a writer kidnapped and tortured by his greatest fan. Kathy Bates and James Caan are great in this film.

“I’m your number one fan. There’s nothing to worry about. You’re going to be just fine. I will take good care of you. I’m your number one fan.” — Annie Wilkes

4. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) — The film is a little too silly for its own good (a western doesn’t need Paul Newman riding around on a bicycle while B.J. Thomas sings Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head) But, Redford and Paul Newman make such a good pairing that the film is irresistible.

“Shouldn’t take more than a couple of days. I’m not picky. As long as she’s smart, pretty, and sweet, and gentle, and tender, and refined, and lovely, and carefree…” — Sundance Kid

3. Harper (The Moving Target) (1966) — Paul Newman plays a private eye hired by Bacall to find her husband. A good supporting cast includes Shelley Winters, Janet Leigh, and Julie Harris.

“Not you, especially. *Everything* she does is extreme. Other women fall off horses without getting paralyzed. Not Elaine. I think it’s psychological, don’t you” — Miranda Sampson

2. All the President’s Men (1976) — William Goldman’s script and Alan Pakula’s direction converts Woodward & Bernstein’s book into a compelling, suspenseful drama. Redford and Dustin Hoffman play Woodward and Bernstein. They are well supported by Jason Robards and Hal Holbrook.

“If you’re gonna do it, do it right. If you’re gonna hype it, hype it with the facts. I don’t mind what you did. I mind the way you did it.” — Bob Woodward

1. The Princess Bride (1987) — It’s INCONCEIVABLE that this isn’t one of your favorite movies. Goldman adapted his own book to give us this wonderful film.

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” — Inigo Montoya

What would make your list?