28.04.06

US Guilds vote for best ever screenplays

The Writers Guild of America, west (WGAw) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) have announced the 101 Greatest Screenplays of all time - as voted for by their members.

“This list and the films on it are meant to be scrutinized and criticized, dissected and collected, viewed and reviewed,” said WGAw President Patric M. Verrone. “They are the literature of our industry and the legacy of our union.”

“It's difficult to think of American life without the films on this list. Just reading the titles reminds us of the fantastic journeys they have provided. Thanks to all of the writers involved for a wonderful ride,” said WGAE President Chris Albers.

The 101 finalists were compiled from over 1,400 screenplays selected by members of the Writers Guild of America, west and the Writers Guild of America, East as their favorite works; the joint-guild balloting process took place during 2005.

The top 10 were:

1. Casablanca - Screenplay by Julius J. & Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch. Based on the play Everybody Comes To Rick's by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison

2. The Godfather - Screenplay by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola. Based on the novel by Mario Puzo

3. Chinatown - Written by Robert Towne

4. Citizen Kane - Written by Herman Mankiewicz and Orson Welles

5. All About Eve - Screenplay by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Based on "The Wisdom of Eve," a short story and radio play by Mary Orr

6. Annie Hall - Written by Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman

7. Sunset Blvd - Written by Charles Brackett & Billy Wilder and D.M. Marshman Jr.

8. Network - Written by Paddy Chayefsky

9. Some Like It Hot - Screenplay by Billy Wilder & I.A.L. Diamond. Based on Fanfare Of Love, written by Robert Thoeren and M. Logan

10. The Godfather II - Screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo. Based on Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather 

You can download the full list from the WGAw website (pdf file).