Author hopes to put Alan Sharp's work back in spotlight

David Manderson recently released The Anti-Hero: The Work and Life of Alan Sharp.

The book is the culmination of four years of delving into Alan’s background, as well as his novels and screenplays.

Born in 1934 and raised in Greenock, Alan worked a range of jobs and completed his National Service before setting off for Hollywood where he would make a host of high profile films.

Alan Sharp was raised in Greenock before making a name for himself in Hollywood (Image: David Manderson)

He worked as a writer on movies starring the likes of Burt Lancaster, Gene Hackman, Gregory Peck, Melanie Griffith and Peter Fonda in the 1970s.

Alan also produced the screenplay for the 1995 historical drama Rob Roy, which starred Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange and John Hurt.

David hopes his book will trigger a return to the classroom for Alan’s works.

The 68-year-old told the Tele: “It’s been a long, long time since anybody mentioned his name. He fell out of fashion a long time ago and I think that’s a travesty.

“We owe it to him for what we have today. This book is about getting him back to being taught.

“It give lecturers and teachers and students the opportunity to look right across his range of work and for them to get access to it.

Alan wrote films starring top Hollywood names like Gene Hackman (Image: David Manderson)

“I also want people to be able to understand the connections between his life and his work, because these were very strong.”

David previously lectured creative writing and screenwriting at the University of the West of Scotland and Reid Kerr College in Paisley – now West College Scotland.

His passion for Alan’s work was sparked 40 years ago when some friends recommended that he read his first novel, A Green Tree in Gedde.

David hopes his exploration of the acclaimed writer will enlighten others and give them the same opportunity to enjoy Alan’s screenplays.

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He added: “I’d like them to know that a person from relatively humble origins decided to go all the way and did.

“He was a very confident individual – unusually confident – but he was also sensitive, alert to other people, and determined to have a good time and travel.

“We have here the story of an amazing astonishing life.

“Alan didn’t have any shyness in going out and saying, ‘I’m as good as anybody else here and I want you to give me a chance’.

“This book has beena lot of fun to write – I hope its fun to read. I think its illuminating and I hope that people feel, like me, an enthusiasm for the work of Alan Sharp.”

David has been liaising with the Glasgow Film Theatre regarding the organisation of an Alan Sharp season later this year.

It is hoped four of his films will be screened over several weeks, with introductions to be given by David and his friend Matthew Gear – who has also written a book on Alan.