Double Solitaire: The Films of Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder

Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder were not the "happiest couple in Hollywood" but they collaborated on some of the most iconic films of Hollywood's Golden Age, including Sunset Boulevard, Double Indemnity, The Lost Weekend, and A Foreign Affair. Donald Brackett's book Double Solitaire explores the strange magic of their creative partnership, showing how their creative tensions yielded one classic film after another and how their entrepreneurial drive pushed against the constraints of the studio system.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Globe Pequot Press

Before the iconic duo of Herzog and Kinski, before Simon and Garfunkel, there stood Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder. Despite their shared nickname, "the happiest couple in Hollywood," the truth was far from it. In fact, these two renowned writer-producers had a deep-seated dislike for each other, even as they collaborated on some of the most iconic films of Hollywood's Golden Age. These films included Sunset Boulevard, Double Indemnity, The Lost Weekend, and A Foreign Affair.

How two men who found each other so irritating could together create such enduring contributions to cinematic history is the subject of Donald Brackett's Double Solitaire. This joint biography delves into the fascinating and explosive creative collaboration between Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder. Brackett and Wilder achieved an almost inexplicable alchemy that highlights the paradoxical nature of shared genius.

Author Donald Brackett, whose grandfather was Charles Brackett's cousin, has uncovered family lore, correspondence, contemporary media reports, and various historical records to reconstruct the strange magic of Brackett & Wilder's combustible partnership. He demonstrates how their creative tensions yielded one classic film after another, and how their entrepreneurial drive pushed against the constraints of the studio system, anticipating the independent-producer models of today.

Through his meticulous research, Brackett sheds light on the personal dynamics and professional challenges that shaped their collaboration. He reveals the behind-the-scenes struggles, rivalries, and creative disagreements that fueled their work but also contributed to its unique brilliance. The book offers a captivating glimpse into the creative process, showcasing the collaborative spirit and individual brilliance of Brackett and Wilder.

Double Solitaire is not just a biography of two filmmakers; it is a tribute to the power of collaboration and the enduring impact of their films on the world of cinema. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, great art can be created when talented individuals come together and push the boundaries of what is possible. Whether you are a film enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone interested in the creative process, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the magic behind some of Hollywood's greatest films.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 235 x 159 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493076062