This is a very good documentary on the making of the 1967 blockbuster film, "Cool Hand Luke." It diverts from the usual short video that mostly show snippets of the film, behind the scenes work, and tricks of trade. Rather, "A Natural Born World-Shaker" focuses on the cast and the plot, with much praise given to Paul Newman. Several of the cast said that Newman was one of the best actors they ever worked with. He was kind, good-natured and helpful. The film director, Stuart Rosenberg, said that when temperatures got very hot to work in, Newman would open the trunk of his Cadillac and hand out cold beers to everyone.
Among those interviewed besides Rosenberg, were author Donn Pearce and screenplay co-writer Frank Pierson. George Kennedy and other actors talked about the camaraderie among the players in the film. Such a point is made of that that it must be highly unusual. Actors Ralph Waite, Clifton James, Lou Antonio, Lalo Schifrin and others commented on the production.
Pierson said that when Newman found out he was to work on the screenplay, he talked to him. "I hope you're not going to write this for me," Newsman said, according to Pierson. That raised his estimation of Newman for wanting to have a character that he had to adapt to for the screen. That's more challenging and rewarding for an actor than having a part that focuses on the actor's particular nuances.
Donn Pearce, who wrote the book the movie was based on, incorporated many of his own experiences in the story. He spent two years working on a road chain gang in Florida. He had many scrapes with the law and roamed the world very young, before he settled into writing. His story is a most interesting one.
Among those interviewed besides Rosenberg, were author Donn Pearce and screenplay co-writer Frank Pierson. George Kennedy and other actors talked about the camaraderie among the players in the film. Such a point is made of that that it must be highly unusual. Actors Ralph Waite, Clifton James, Lou Antonio, Lalo Schifrin and others commented on the production.
Pierson said that when Newman found out he was to work on the screenplay, he talked to him. "I hope you're not going to write this for me," Newsman said, according to Pierson. That raised his estimation of Newman for wanting to have a character that he had to adapt to for the screen. That's more challenging and rewarding for an actor than having a part that focuses on the actor's particular nuances.
Donn Pearce, who wrote the book the movie was based on, incorporated many of his own experiences in the story. He spent two years working on a road chain gang in Florida. He had many scrapes with the law and roamed the world very young, before he settled into writing. His story is a most interesting one.
