Sam Peckinpah

Sam Peckinpah

1925-02-21 – 1984-12-28 (age 59) Fresno, California, United States
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Biography

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

David Samuel "Sam" Peckinpah (February 21, 1925 – December 28, 1984) was an American filmmaker and screenwriter who achieved prominence following the release of the Western epic The Wild Bunch (1969). He was known for the innovative and explicit depiction of action and violence, as well as his revisionist approach to the Western genre.

Peckinpah's films generally deal with the conflict between values and ideals, and the corruption of violence in human society. He was given the nickname "Bloody Sam" owing to the violence in his films. His characters are often loners or losers who desire to be honorable, but are forced to compromise in order to survive in a world of nihilism and brutality.

Peckinpah's combative personality, marked by years of alcohol and drug abuse, has often overshadowed his professional legacy. Many of his films were noted for behind-the-scenes battles with producers and crew members, damaging his reputation and career during his lifetime. Many of his films, such as Straw Dogs (1971), Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973) and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974), remain controversial.

Description above from the Wikipedia article Sam Peckinpah, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Photos

Known For

Convoy
Convoy

1978

as News Crew Director (uncredited)

Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Invasion of the Body Snatchers

1956

as Charlie the Meter Reader

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid
Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid

1973

as Will (uncredited)

Wichita
Wichita

1955

as Bank Teller (uncredited)

Sam Peckinpah's West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade
The Osterman Weekend
The Osterman Weekend

1983

as Maxwell Danforth's Aide (uncredited)

The Visitor
The Visitor

1979

as Dr. Sam Collins

Junior Bonner
Junior Bonner

1972

as Man in Palace Bar (uncredited)

Filmmakers in Action
Filmmakers in Action

2006

as Self (archive footage)

Dial Red O
Dial Red O

1955

as Cook in Diner (uncredited)

China 9, Liberty 37
China 9, Liberty 37

1978

as Wilbur Olsen

An Annapolis Story
An Annapolis Story

1955

as Pilot (uncredited)

On Location: Dustin Hoffman
A Tied Blasé
A Tied Blasé

1981

as Self

Passion & Poetry: Getaway in Texas
Passion & Poetry: Getaway in Texas

2025

as Self (archive footage)