While the name Rod Serling may be most closely associated with “The Twilight Zone,” his creative touch also extended into the realm of westerns. Serling played a role in the development of “One-Eyed Jacks,” a film now heralded as one of the genre’s greatest offerings. However, his draft was passed along when director/screenwriter Sam Peckinpah stepped in and inadvertently planted the seeds for his 1973 film “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.” The Criterion Collection reveals that following Peckinpah, writers Calder Willingham and Guy Trosper contributed to the screenplay, with Trosper ultimately completing the script at Marlon Brando’s behest as he assumed the directorial role.
Initially, Peckinpah’s adaptation was well-received. It paved the way for Brando’s company Pennebaker Productions to purchase the rights and for Stanley Kubrick to come aboard as the director, Paramount Pictures housing the entire project. However, disagreements over script changes and casting led to Kubrick’s departure and Brando’s take over as director.
Brando’s vision for “One-Eyed Jacks” diverged from that of Charles Neider’s original novel, synthesizing the creative inputs of all previous script versions. His initial eight-hour cut was whittled down to a 141-minute film that, despite the production tumult, does not betray its somewhat fragmented lineage. What remains is a testament to its chaotic creation, standing as a uniquely spellbinding piece of cinematography that has stood the test of time.
FAQs about “One-Eyed Jacks” and Rod Serling’s Involvement
- What role did Rod Serling play in the creation of “One-Eyed Jacks”?
Rod Serling contributed a draft of the screenplay during the film’s early stages, although it is not clear how much of his work remained in the final product. - Who directed “One-Eyed Jacks” ultimately?
Originally, Stanley Kubrick was set to direct, but after Kubrick left the project, Marlon Brando took over as director. - What were some issues faced during the making of “One-Eyed Jacks”?
The film experienced several challenges, including directorial changes, casting disputes, and script alterations. Marlon Brando’s directorial approach also led to a drastically overlong initial cut of the movie. - How was the final version of “One-Eyed Jacks” received?
Despite its troubled production, “One-Eyed Jacks” is now considered one of the best westerns of all time, offering a distinctive and memorable cinema experience.
Conclusion
“One-Eyed Jacks” stands as a remarkable display of storytelling that has captured the admiration of western aficionados, due in part to the hidden scripting genius of Rod Serling and the complex contributions of other notable screenwriters and directors. It is a film that, much like the myths of the Wild West itself, has grown more storied and appreciated over time. Though its path to the silver screen was anything but smooth, the finished product is a testament to the creative spirit that persevered through a storm of Hollywood egos and artistic challenges. “One-Eyed Jacks” represents a blend of vision and collaboration that ultimately resulted in a masterpiece of its genre.