The Escape Artist

San Francisco: American Zoetrope, 1979. First Draft script for the 1982 film. Based on the 1965 novel by David Wagoner.

A critical and cult favorite, and the laudable directorial debut of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel. Griffin O'Neal, the real-life son of Ryan O'Neal, plays Danny Masters, the offspring of a famed magician. Determined to match his dad's accomplishment, Danny runs into nothing but trouble. His biggest mistake is picking the pocket of the son of a corrupt town mayor. When not running from adults, the boy is being exploited by them. A critic's favorite, Escape Artist has slowly built up a cult following over the years, thanks largely to its eclectic supporting cast, including Raul Julia, Desi Arnaz Jr., Joan Hackett, Teri Garr, Jackie Coogan, Huntz Hall and M. Emmet Walsh.

Black wrappers. Title page present, dated September 11, 1979, noted as Copy No. 1 in red hologra[ph ink, noted as SECOND DRAFT, with credits for screenwriters Mathison and Zito, novelist Wagoner, director Deschanel, producer Coppola, and co-producers Roos and Claybourne. 126 leaves, mechanical duplication. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good plus bound with a velo binding.

[Book #130480]