Mad as Hell:: The Life and Work of Paddy Chayefsky

by Shaun Considine

An anecdotal biography of Paddy Chayefsky follows the life, film career, and personal relationships of the legendary screenwriter, from his humble beginnings in the Bronx through his three Academy Awards for Marty, Network, and Hospital.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

426 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 1984

Reviews

[Michael Norwitz]

Paddy Chayefsky was a unique voice in American public culture, strident and witty and loathe to compromise. This book goes through his career and tumultuous escapades in some detail. I could have done without the psychoanalysis at the end, but it certainly made me want to watch (or rewatch) more of his films.

[Thor Ramsey]

Touching

I cried when Paddy died in the book. If you can get past all the Freudian duel personality bunk, it’s an excellent biography. And extremely sad at times.