An interview in an almost surreal and eccentric setting and filled with humor. A fascinating exploration of life and writing and philosophy from the mind of George Clayton Johnson. Stanley Dyrector, a well-known and respected Los Angeles interviewer had him on the show, most likely, from the mid to late 1990’s.
George Clayton Johnson (1929–2015) was an influential American writer best known for his contributions to the realms of science fiction and fantasy, particularly through his work in television, film, and literature. Johnson’s legacy is deeply intertwined with iconic projects such as The Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and Logan’s Run, each reflecting his imaginative storytelling and philosophical depth. He gained fame for his innovative storytelling and imaginative ideas, particularly in works that pushed the boundaries of speculative fiction.
Johnson began his career with a flair for speculative fiction, with his first work being the story for Ocean’s 11, which became the basis for the classic 1960 film. He later co-wrote the novel Logan’s Run with William F. Nolan, which inspired the 1976 film and a television series. The narrative explores a dystopian future where life is terminated at age 21 to maintain societal balance, delving into themes of mortality, freedom, and the human spirit’s resilience against authoritarian control.
His work on The Twilight Zone is particularly noteworthy, having penned classic episodes like “A Game of Pool,” “Kick the Can,” and “Nothing in the Dark.” These stories often grapple with existential questions, the nature of reality, and the human condition, encapsulating Johnson’s philosophical leanings toward the value of life, the fear of death, and the eternal search for meaning.
Johnson also made a significant mark on Star Trek, writing “The Man Trap,” the first episode aired of the original series. This episode highlighted his talent for blending speculative concepts with profound moral questions, as it examined themes of love, loss, and the ethical dilemmas posed by survival.
Throughout his body of work, Johnson’s philosophy of life shines through—an embrace of curiosity, a challenge to societal norms, and a celebration of individuality and human connection. His stories often reflect a belief in the power of imagination to confront existential fears and inspire change. Johnson viewed storytelling as a means to explore the vast complexities of existence, encouraging audiences to ponder their own lives and the broader universe.
George Clayton Johnson’s impact on popular culture is enduring, his narratives continuing to resonate with audiences through their timeless exploration of humanity’s hopes, fears, and boundless potential.
Key Contributions:
George Clayton Johnson’s legacy endures as a pioneer of thought-provoking storytelling that continues to resonate with audiences in literature and film.
Hollywood Reporter article details new project to star Margot Robbie is now in development. The setting will be 1960’s Europe.
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.
ERIC BROOKS WAS THERE!
As roadie extraordinaire to such English musical luminaries as Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, and Julie Driscoll, Eric witnessed firsthand the growth and development of British rock and roll, along the way rubbing elbows with the elite of 60’s London’s burgeoning music scene. Eric was THERE when the Animal’s Chas Chandler first introduced Jimi Hendrix to the scene at the Speakeasy; Eric was THERE when Paul McCartney led the Chris Barber Band through a session to record his song “Cat Call;” Eric was THERE, towing the Who’s van back to London after a breakdown following a gig in Uxbridge…Eric Brooks was EVERYWHERE!
However, Eric Brooks truly came into his own as tour manager for an up-and-coming band known as Jethro Tull, during their rise to fame which culminated in the blockbuster albums “Aqualung” and “Thick as a Brick”. As tour manager, sound man, lighting director, driver, musician-herder, and all around “get it done” person for some of the most famous names in British rock… ERIC BROOKS WAS THERE!
“It’s a Roadie’s Life” is his story!
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 re-titled 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 did when lecturing at such stellar institutions of higher learning as UCLA, USC, or Cal Arts, 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.
https://a.co/d/jcPwRn0 – Buy on Amazon.
Shadowridge Press is proud to present the definitive edition of ALL OF US ARE DYING AND OTHER STORIES, the massive retrospective from the legendary fictioneer George Clayton Johnson, the author who created “Ocean’s 11”, scripted the first-aired episode of “Star Trek”, imagineered classic Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone” episodes, and co-authored the science-fiction classic “Logan’s Run”.
Newly expanded with selections not included in the hardcover edition. Over 500 pages of masterful storytelling.
