Forty Lashes Less One
Forty Lashes Less One is a 1972 Western novel by Elmore Leonard.
| Author | Elmore Leonard |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Western |
| Publisher | Bantam |
Publication date | 1972 |
Forty Lashes Less One is a 1972 Western novel by Elmore Leonard.
Background
[edit]Leonard originally wrote it as a twenty-page treatment and the film rights were bought by National General Pictures then he wrote the book.[1] In 1969 it was reported that Leonard was writing a screenplay for National General.[2] The novel was set in Yuma Prison but National General were worried about the cost of building this so Leonard changed the script to be set in a workcamp. Director Richard Brooks became attached.[1] However National General stopped producing movies in 1971. Executive Dan Polier attempted to set up the film as an independent production but was unsuccessful.[3] Leonard estimated he was paid $150,000 for the rights.[4]
In the late 1990s film rights were bought by Quentin Tarantino. However, as of 2026 no film has resulted.[5]
Premise
[edit]In 1904, two inmates of a prison in Yuma, a Mexican-Apache and a black ex-soldier, plan to escape.
Reception
[edit]The Kentucky New Era called the novel "both entertaining and informative."[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b McGilligan, Patrick (2006). Backstory 4 : interviews with screenwriters of the 1970s and 1980s. pp. 208–209.
- ^ "Movie call sheet". The Los Angeles Times. 5 August 1969. p. 9 Part 4.
- ^ "Stateside". Arizona Republic. 20 April 1972. p. 16.
- ^ Rose, Peter (20 June 1982). "Forgettable films mark career of writer who's never made it". Arizona Republic. p. F3.
- ^ "An interview with Quentin Tarantino". The Quentin Tarantino Archives. 1 April 2007.
- ^ "Book reviews". Kentucky New Era. 20 April 1972. p. 21.