Harper (1966 Jack Smight)

William Goldman's first solo script is an adaptation of Ross Macdonald's 1949 novel 'The Moving Target' (which is also the film's UK title). Gum-chewing Paul Newman is very charismatic in California-set private eye story with unmistakable sixties trappings, using its locations well (mountain top retreat, shipyard, various shady bars, glamorous mansion).

Goldman had to write the credits sequence hurriedly ('the what sequence?') - was overjoyed that the audience found it funny (using coffee dregs from the bin was what many people remembered of the film). Missed the bit he writes about where Wagner spontaneously cries just before being killed - his true love's name is being sullied - so in the moment is he. (Newman was acting his part off-screen, which is rare that a star does that.... "Paul Newman is the least starlike superstar I've ever worked with. He's an educated man and a trained actor and he never wants more close-ups. What he wants is the best possible script and character he can have. And he loves to be surrounded by the finest actors available, because he believes the better they are, the better the picture's apt to be, the better he'll come out. Many stars, maybe even most, don't want that competition." William Goldman, 'Adventures in the Screen Trade'.)

Good cast: Lauren Bacall, Robert Wagner, Pamela Tiffin, Shelley Winters, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Robert Webber. Shot in Panavision by Conrad Hall, music by Johnny Mandel.

The car is a 1955 Porsche.