Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by jamesgarvin (A) on December 08, 2021 at 11:04:08

In Reply to: RE: The "topic" is one of the greatest films of all time directed, written posted by tinear on November 28, 2021 at 13:40:46

Have you seen the film Mank starring Gary Oldman? From that film's point of view, Wells hired Herman Mankiewicz to write the screenplay, but Mankiewicz's condition was that his name not be attached to the film because of his relationship with Hearst's inner circle, particularly Marion Davies. When Mankiewicz's relationship with Hearst began to deteriorate, he then decided he wanted credit for the screenplay since there weren't any bridges left to burn.

He and Wells then fought over giving Mankwiewicz credit for the screenplay, but Wells refused to take his name off the screenplay, and instead reluctantly added Mankiewicz's name. According to Frank Mankiewicz (who was also Kennedy's press secretary), Wells' name was on the screenplay only because, per his contract with the studio, he would only be paid if his name was on the screenplay.

On the other hand, journalist/historian Harold Lebo claims that Wells extensively rewrote parts of the Mankiewicz' original screenplay. Who knows where the truth lies.