Known for Writing
Leigh Douglass Brackett (December 7, 1915 – March 18, 1978) was a Hollywood writer and a noted science fiction and fantasy author who was a regular contributor to various science fiction pulps in the 1940's. She was also a mentor and collaborator of Ray Bradbury. She was married to fellow science fiction pulp writer Edmond Hamilton for 31 years (until his death in 1977). In Hollywood, she wrote such films as The Long Goodbye, Hatari! and Rio Bravo. She also wrote the first draft of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. Shortly after she completed the draft, she died after a battle with cancer. After her death, George Lucas decided that he did not prefer the direction Brackett's draft was going in. Lucas discarded it and wrote two new drafts with Lawrence Kasdan finishing the script. Brackett's original draft was not mentioned or referenced in the new drafts. However, Lucas felt that her name should be in the credits as a reward for her effort. To ensure Writers Guild of America (which determines screenwriting credit for the film) would award her the credit, Lucas intentionally did not submit his drafts.
Born
December 7, 1915
Died
March 18, 1978 (age 62)
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California, USA
Filmography
13 films, 5 shows


The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · 2h 4m
country: United States
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.


The Long Goodbye
1973 · 1h 52m
country: United States
In 1970s Hollywood, Detective Philip Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murdering his wife.


Rio Lobo
1970 · 1h 56m
country: United States
After the Civil War, a former Union colonel searches for the two traitors whose perfidy led to the loss of a close friend.


El Dorado
1966 · 2h 6m
country: United States
Cole Thornton, a gunfighter for hire, joins forces with an old friend, Sheriff J.P. Harrah. Together with a fighter and a gambler, they help a rancher and his family fight a rival rancher that is trying to steal their water.


Hatari!
1962 · 2h 37m
country: United States
A female wildlife photographer arrives on an East African reservation where a group of men trap wild animals for zoos and circuses.


Rio Bravo
1959 · 2h 21m
country: United States
A small-town sheriff in the American West enlists the help of a disabled man, a drunk, and a young gunfighter in his efforts to hold in jail the brother of the local bad guy.


Crime Doctor's Man Hunt
1946 · 1h 1m
country: United States
A criminal psychologist investigates the murder of a veteran with amnesia.


The Big Sleep
1946 · 1h 54m
country: United States
Private Investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by wealthy General Sternwood regarding a matter involving his youngest daughter Carmen. Before the complex case is over, Marlowe sees murder, blackmail, deception, and what might be love.


The Vampire's Ghost
1945 · 59m
country: United States
In a small African port, a tawdry bar is run by a old man named Webb Fallon. Fallon is actually a vampire, but he is becoming weary of his "life" of the past few hundred years.