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Redford Launches Watergate Thriller, Goldman's Ousted, Pakula Warns

5/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Robert Redford hired two indie writers to draft a new Watergate-style thriller without William Goldman's involvement, prompting Director Alan Pakula to warn he would “fall on his face this time” before filming began.
The 1976 All the President’s Men was a hit fifty years ago, sparking remake calls.
Tensions erupted between Redford and Goldman on set, where the script lacked action, hid Deep Throat, and faced casting woes.

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Story summary

Robert Redford hired two indie writers to draft a new Watergate-style thriller without William Goldman's involvement, prompting Director Alan Pakula to warn he would “fall on his face this time” before filming began.
The 1976 All the President’s Men was a hit fifty years ago, sparking remake calls.
Tensions erupted between Redford and Goldman on set, where the script lacked action, hid Deep Throat, and faced casting woes.