MASTERMIND William Peter Blatty script reproduction hardbound

Description

MASTERMIND hardbound reproduction of the revised first draft screenplay from February 1969. This was published by Lonely Road Books as part of a limited edition box set and includes the author's signature (reproduction only).
MASTERMIND was William Peter Blatty's attempt to create another Inspector Clouseau following his successful collaboration with producer/director Blake Edwards on A SHOT IN THE DARK (1964) starring Peter Sellers. MASTERMIND is centered around a bumbling Japanese detective, a comedic variation on Charlie Chan, Mr. Moto, and Mr. Wong. Blake Edwards pitched the concept in 1965 as a potential series for Mickey Rooney. Blatty took his concept and reworked it as a screenplay for producer Malcolm Stuart at Paramount as the second in a two-picture deal for comic actor Zero Mostel. Sadly, Blatty's very funny screenplay was drastically rewritten by Ian McLelland Hunter. Blatty removed his name from the script. The disastrous result sat on the shelf for seven years before a brief screening on The Late Show in the mid-1970s. The era of home entertainment has seen the film develop a cult following. This published screenplay is a rare chance to enjoy what might have been. Enjoy the many laugh out loud moments in the script.