‘Detour’ Author

Concerning Kenneth Turan’s article “Riches From a Fast, Cheap Master” (Aug. 1): Acknowledging that Edgar Ulmer was indeed a facile and prolific director, it well might be worth repeating that the writer in Hollywood is continually being shortchanged as the creative source for many a movie. Specifically I refer to the movie “Detour,” described as “Ulmer’s masterpiece.”

My late husband, Martin Goldsmith, sold the rights to his 1939 novel of the same name to Producers Releasing Corp. on condition that he would write the script. That script was written in detail complete with lighting, camera angles, types of shots and basically with all that the film needed to be completed. A comparison between novel, script and finished film gives credence to Goldsmith’s rightful claim as the creator of this “masterpiece.”

It is interesting to note that Ulmer was chosen as director only after the script was completed. During the filming, Goldsmith was often consulted by Ulmer about shooting and lighting angles. More details and commentary can be found in Scenario magazine, Vol. 3, No. 2 from summer 1997, where the entire script is published.

ESTELA GOLDSMITH

Sherman Oaks