Book notes: Screenwriter recalls dynamics of ‘Easy Rider’

The role of screenwriter is never an easy one.

Take Terry Southern, writer of such controversial novels as “Candy,” “The Magic Christian” and “Red Dirt Marijuana and Other Tastes.”

Southern worked on the movie adaptations of both “Candy” and “The Magic Christian,” and he worked with such noted directors as Stanley Kubrick (on 1964’s “Dr. Strangelove”) and Tony Richardson (on 1965’s “The Loved One”).

One of his most memorable projects was “Easy Rider,” the 1969 film directed by Dennis Hopper that will be screened at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the downtown branch of the Spokane Public Library, 906 W. Main Ave.

The official credits of “Easy Rider” say that the film was co-written by Southern, Hopper and Peter Fonda, the latter two of which starred in the film with Jack Nicholson.

But Southern says what Hopper and Fonda contributed was minimal.

According to www.terrysouthern.com, Hopper and Fonda wanted a completely different film.

“(A)t first they were going to be in cars, so they could do stunts in cars,” Southern said in an interview.

“It was going to be called ‘Barnstormers’ or something. This is what they came to me with.

“So we changed it to motorbikes, but the idea then was that they would score some drugs and – this is when people are just beginning to realize you can make big money in drugs – so they buy some coke in Mexico, sell it, ride their bikes to Florida, buy a boat and leave the American rat race. Sail off into the sunset.

“The entertainment aspect of the film, presumably, was to be their pilgrimage from Mexico to Key West.”

Hopper in particular, Southern said, “didn’t have a clue as to what the film was about.

“The thrust of the film, from my point of view, the philosophical position is that it’s supposed to be an indictment of the blue-collar thing, the truck-driver people of America, for their intolerance and their support of the Vietnam War.

“It’s supposed to be an indictment of the worst part of mainstream Middle America.”

A Texas native and an Army officer during World War II, Southern was well familiar with such attitudes.

As the 1960s came around, he said, “I was wearing a peace symbol and had long hair and did drugs and was subject to that kind of thing, that kind of intolerance and bigotry.

“But even if I hadn’t been subject to it, I still would have seen it and recognized it for what it is.

“The story was a distillation of many experiences that I had witnessed and heard of and read about.

“But it wouldn’t have occurred to me to write it if it hadn’t reflected my personal experience.”

The screening is part of the library’s ongoing Nicholson film series, which concludes Aug. 8 with “Five Easy Pieces.”

Call (509) 444-5300.

Hot for Harry

The Valley Hastings is holding a special Harry Potter book discussion at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The store’s books manager, Larry O’Neal, is encouraging anyone who wishes to attend to buy advance tickets to that night’s midnight screening of the new film “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” at the Spokane Valley Mall Cinemas. That way, O’Neal said, “the group can go together after the discussion.”

He was quick to add, “Not that the discussion will be that long.”

For further information, call O’Neal at the store at (509) 924-0667.

Book talk

“Auntie’s Morning Book Group (“Miss Julie Speaks Her Mind,” by Ann B. Ross), 11 a.m. Tuesday, Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington. Call (509) 838-0206

“Auntie’s Evening Book Group (“Suite Francaise,” by Irene Nemirovsky), 7 p.m. Tuesday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

“A Book and a Beer Book Group (“Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action,” by J. Matthew Sleeth), 7 p.m. Wednesday, Empyrean Coffee House, 154 S. Madison Ave. Call (509) 838-9819.

“Harry Potter Book Discussion, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Valley Hastings, 15312 E. Sprague Ave. Call (509) 924-0667.

The reader board

“Marty Essen (“Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents”), signing, 1-4 p.m. today, NorthTown Barnes & Noble. Call (509) 482-4235.

“Pennie Morehead (“Green River Serial Killer: Biography of an Unsuspecting Wife”), reading, 7:30 p.m. Monday.