Author Archives: wbrantley

Ocean’s 11 and Warner Bros. Studios

As of December 24th, 2021, we are happy to report that negotiations regarding author rights to Oceans 11 were successful. Thank you to all involved. As mentioned elsewhere on this website, George created the story (crediting co-author Jack Golden Russell for his contributions) and the screenplay on which the 1960 and 2001 films “Ocean’s Eleven” were based. This was the first story and screenplay he ever attempted to write and which has now become a billion dollar Hollywood franchise. We looked forward to further interest and development from the studio in the future.

The Fictioneer

The legendary writer, George Clayton Johnson, allows us into his inner circle, sharing special memories and moments from his friendships, business relationships, and collaborations with such notable writers as Rod Serling, Ray Bradbury, Charles Beaumont, and William F. Nolan, among others.

George Clayton Johnson: Fictioneer discusses the intricacies of writing for the classic television series, The Twilight Zone, and reveals the twists and turns of imagination that led him to pen his iconic Twilight Zone episodes.

He wrote four stories-with-teleplays for The Twilight Zone (Nothing in the Dark, A Penny for Your Thoughts, A Game of Pool, and Kick the Can).

George also wrote four stories adapted by others into teleplays for The Twilight Zone (All Of Us are Dying story retitled The Four of Us are Dying and Execution story, both adapted by Rod Serling; The Prime Mover story adapted by Charles Beaumont; and Ninety Years Without Slumbering adapted by Richard DeRoy.)

George discusses the creative process behind Logan’s Run and Ocean’s Eleven, and reveals how his teleplay for Star Trek entitled The Man Trap, came to premiere even before the pilot aired.

This giant from the Golden Age of Television shares invaluable wisdom, insights, and tricks of the trade in this enlightening, instructive, and delightful account of his life as a Fictioneer.

Johnson shares an Academy Award nomination with Ray Bradbury for the screenplay of Icarus Montgolfier Wright and a WGA nomination with Jack Golden Russell for the story upon which Ocean’s Eleven was based.

Just as he does when he lectures at such stellar institutions of higher learning as UCLA, USC, or CalArts, George Clayton Johnson gives the reader a birds-eye view into the writing life and the early days of television and film, painting a picture filled with richness, texture, heart, and imagination.

Logan’s Run

The bestselling dystopian novel that inspired the 1970s science-fiction classic starring Michael York, Jenny Agutter, and Richard Jordan. In 2116, it is against the law to live beyond the age of twenty-one years. When the crystal flower in the palm of your hand turns from red to black, you have reached your Lastday and you must report to a Sleepshop for processing. But the human will to survive is strong—stronger than any mere law.

Logan 3 is a Sandman, an enforcer who hunts down those Runners who refuse to accept Deep Sleep. The day before Logan’s palm flower shifts to black, a Runner accidentally reveals that he was racing toward a goal: Sanctuary. With this information driving him forward, Logan 3 assumes the role of the hunted and becomes a Runner.

George Clayton Johnson

July 10, 1929 – December 25, 2015
George Clayton Johnson passed away today at 12:46 PM PST. December 25, 2015. Christmas Day. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support, George lived a good life and an interesting life! Condolences to his son Paul, daughter Judy – and his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Lola. It was a great honor to represent George and his work. It was a higher honor to be called his friend.

Photo: file770.com