This is an incredibly useful set of lessons from one of the finest writers Hollywood has ever employed. In fact, I think this is the only way one should read this book, as a set of lessons. The individual plays are a little dated (though not their internal dramatic mechanisms), and some of the commentary Paddy gives at the end of each script may not apply today, but that doesn't prevent this book from being a masterclass in writing technique. ( )

This is an incredibly useful set of lessons from one of the finest writers Hollywood has ever employed. In fact, I think this is the only way one should read this book, as a set of lessons. The individual plays are a little dated (though not their internal dramatic mechanisms), and some of the commentary Paddy gives at the end of each script may not apply today, but that doesn't prevent this book from being a masterclass in writing technique. ( )

http://home.comcast.net/~tonydal/wiseguy_reviews.htm ( )