Donn Pearce

Donn Pearce, a former member of a chain gang, wrote the prison novel "Cool Hand Luke," as well as the Oscar-nominated screenplay for its acclaimed 1967 film adaptation, which starred Paul Newman. As a young man in the Merchant Marine, Pearce became involved in counterfeiting schemes in post-World War II Europe, escaped from a French prison back to the United States, and then made his living as a safecracker until he was arrested in Florida in 1949. His experiences in prison, including the chain gang and two stints in "the box" (i.e., solitary confinement in an outhouse), became his source material for "Cool Hand Luke." After his '51 release, Pearce rejoined the Merchant Marine, and also began to write, completing five unpublished novels before "Cool Hand Luke" became his first published work in '65. Despite good reviews, "Luke" sold poorly, but a stroke of good fortune arrived when actor Jack Lemmon's production company purchased its movie rights. Pearce penned the film's initial script, served as technical advisor, and had a bit part as an inmate. However, he felt like he was treated as a second-class citizen on the set and got into a brawl with an actor on the last day of filming. "Luke"'s award nominations and box-office success did not translate into wealth for Pearce, who continued to hold down day jobs to support himself and his family. However, his 2004 novel, "Nobody Comes Back," garnered his first positive reviews since "Cool Hand Luke."