Writing

John Paxton

Born May 21, 1911 · Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Died January 5, 1985 · aged 73

John Paxton (May 21, 1911 – January 5, 1985) was an American screenwriter. Some of his films include Murder, My Sweet in 1944, Cornered in 1945, Crossfire in 1947 (an adaptation of the controversial novel The Brick Foxhole that earned him his only Oscar nomination). He helped adapt the screenplay for the controversial film The Wild One in 1953, starring Marlon Brando.

Known For

On the BeachOn the Beach · 1959
On the Beach
6.71959
MovieScience FictionDrama
In 1964, atomic war wipes out humanity in the northern hemisphere; one American submarine finds temporary safe haven in Australia, where life-as-usual covers growing despair. In denial about the loss of his wife and children in the holocaust, American Captain Towers meets careworn but gorgeous Moira Davidson, who begins to fall for him. The sub returns after reconnaissance a month (or less) before the end; will Towers and Moira find comfort with each other?
The Wild OneThe Wild One · 1953
The Wild One
6.61953
MovieDramaCrime
The Black Rebels Motorcycle Club ride into the small California town of Wrightsville, eager to raise hell. Brooding gang leader Johnny Strabler takes a liking to Kathie, the daughter of the local lawman, as another club rolls into town.
CrossfireCrossfire · 1947
Crossfire
6.71947
MovieCrimeMystery
A man is murdered, apparently by one of a group of soldiers just out of the army. But which one? And why?
Fourteen HoursFourteen Hours · 1951
Fourteen Hours
7.31951
MovieDramaThriller
A young man, morally destroyed by his parents not loving him and by the fear of being not capable to make his girlfriend happy, rises on the ledge of a building with the intention of committing suicide. A policeman makes every effort to argue him out of it.
Murder, My SweetMurder, My Sweet · 1944
Murder, My Sweet
7.21944
MovieCrimeDrama
After being hired to find an ex-con's former girlfriend, Philip Marlowe is drawn into a deeply complex web of mystery and deceit.
The CobwebThe Cobweb · 1955
The Cobweb
5.71955
MovieDrama
Patients and staff at a posh psychiatric clinic clash over who chooses the clinic’s new drapes – but drapes are the least of their problems.
On the BeachOn the Beach · 2000
On the Beach
6.22000
MovieDramaScience Fiction
The world has finally managed to blow itself up and only Australia has been spared from nuclear destruction and a gigantic wave of radiation is floating in on the breezes. One American sub located in the Pacific has survived and is met with disdain by the Australians. The calculations of Australia's most renowned scientist says the country is doomed. However, one of his rivals says that he is wrong. He believes that 1000 people can be relocated to the northern hemisphere, where his assumptions indicate the radiation levels may be lower. The American Captain is asked to take a mission to the north to determine which scientist is right.
Rope of SandRope of Sand · 1949
Rope of Sand
5.81949
MovieAdventureDrama
Story of a South African diamond mine watched over by a sadistic policeman tasked with looking out for smugglers.

Filmography

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