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Colin Higgins

Colin Higgins (July 28, 1941 – August 5, 1988) was an -American screenwriter, director, and producer best known for writing the for the cult classic (1971) and directing the commercially successful comedies Foul Play (1978) and 9 to 5 (1980). Born in , , to an mother and American father, Higgins grew up partly in before his family relocated to , where he attended and later obtained a in from UCLA. His for , initially developed as a UCLA project and directed by , achieved cult status despite modest initial performance, praised for its and unconventional romance between a death-obsessed young man and an elderly free spirit. Higgins transitioned to directing with Foul Play, a thriller-comedy starring and that grossed over $60 million, followed by 9 to 5, which featured , , and and became one of the highest-grossing films of 1980 with earnings exceeding $100 million. He also penned the hit screenplay for Silver Streak (1976), teaming and in a buddy comedy that marked a commercial breakthrough. Openly homosexual during an era when such visibility was rare in , Higgins was diagnosed with in 1985 and established the Colin Higgins Foundation in 1986 to aid underserved LGBTQ youth through grants and awards promoting resilience against societal pressures. He succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses at age 47.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Colin Higgins was born on July 28, 1941, in , , a territory in the South Pacific. His father was an American employed as a on the Matson Steamship Lines, which facilitated travel across the Pacific and likely contributed to the family's early mobility, while his mother was . The Higgins family included six sons, among them a set of twins, and Higgins spent his childhood in a suburb of , . There, his mother exposed the boys to musicals and American films, fostering an early interest in and . In the late 1950s, the family relocated to , marking a transition from his Australian upbringing to life in the United States.

Academic Pursuits and Influences

Higgins initially enrolled at after his family relocated to in the mid-1950s, but he dropped out to pursue acting opportunities, including hitchhiking to . He later returned to Stanford, earning a degree in English in 1967, during which time his interests shifted toward writing and theater, reflecting a self-described eagerness to learn for its own sake. Prior to completing his undergraduate studies, Higgins attended the at the in 1965, an experience that exposed him to European cultural influences amid his post-military travels. Following graduation, Higgins briefly worked as a merchant seaman on a six-month voyage to the , an adventure that honed his observational skills potentially relevant to narrative development, before transitioning to graduate studies. He enrolled at the (UCLA) for a in , completing the degree in 1970; his thesis consisted of an early 20-minute draft of what became the screenplay for . At UCLA, classmates included and his brother Barry Higgins, fostering a collaborative environment amid the era's burgeoning movement. During his UCLA tenure, Higgins directed two short films: (1968), a critiquing pretentious student , and , an anti-war piece, which demonstrated his early experimentation with thematic contrasts of humor and . These pursuits were influenced by his undergraduate theater involvement at Stanford, where he balanced writing aspirations with performance interests, ultimately channeling them into as a medium for exploring existential and rebellious motifs. His academic trajectory, marked by interdisciplinary exposure from to practical , laid the groundwork for his thematic focus on unlikely pairings and critiques of in subsequent works.

Breakthrough in Screenwriting

Development of Harold and Maude

Colin Higgins conceived the for while attending the , where he enrolled in the fall of 1968. Initially envisioned as a 20-minute short film exploring a troubled teenager's romance with a free-spirited elderly through dark , Higgins developed the core premise during this period. His thesis advisor deemed the draft too expansive for a short, prompting Higgins to revise it into a full-length feature , which became his master's project. The idea originated partly from Higgins' interactions while working odd jobs, including driving the daughter of film producers Edward and Mildred Lewis to school, which inspired elements of the story's unconventional dynamics. Mildred Lewis, impressed by an early version shared with her, encouraged Higgins to pursue the feature format and facilitated its presentation to her husband, Edward Lewis, a known for . Edward Lewis optioned the script and leveraged connections at , contacting executive Bob Evans and vice president to secure studio interest. Paramount acquired the screenplay around 1970, marking Higgins' breakthrough despite his lack of prior professional credits. Higgins incorporated feedback, such as ensuring the character Maude survives, aligning with his advisor's suggestions to balance the narrative's morbid humor with resolution. This development phase transformed a student exercise into a producible , blending Higgins' personal insights on societal —drawn from his experiences as a gay man—with subversive themes of mortality and vitality. The completed 110-page draft, dated 1970, featured innovative staging like low-angle shots to emphasize Harold's detachment.

Initial Hollywood Reception and Challenges

Higgins completed the screenplay for as his master's thesis at UCLA in the late , drawing from personal observations of generational contrasts and dark humor. While employed in odd jobs such as cleaning the pool and chauffeuring for producer Edward Lewis, Higgins shared the script with Lewis and his wife Mildred, who advocated for its acquisition by in the early 1970s counterculture era. Paramount initially planned for Higgins to direct the $1.03 million production, but his lack of professional experience led the studio to replace him with , relegating Higgins to co-producer. Production encountered significant hurdles, including schedule delays from a cast member's and Ashby's distrust of , which nearly halted filming altogether. These issues compounded the unconventional script's risks, featuring a death-obsessed youth's romance with an octogenarian, which executives viewed skeptically amid New Hollywood's experimental but commercially volatile landscape. Released on December 20, 1971, debuted to harsh critical dismissal and audience bewilderment, earning just $8,500 in its initial Village run. critiqued it as offering "as much fun as a burning orphanage," highlighting its polarizing and narrative defiance of norms. Audiences largely rejected the film's bizarre premise, contributing to its status as a box-office that failed to recoup costs for over a decade. For Higgins, an aspiring filmmaker in his early 20s with prior setbacks like abandoning pursuits and service, the project's initial failure intensified financial and professional strains, forcing reliance on theater and gigs amid Hollywood's resistance to unproven talents. The flop underscored broader challenges for writers navigating studio interference and market unpredictability for boundary-pushing material.

Screenwriting Career

Major Commercial Successes

Higgins achieved significant commercial breakthroughs with his screenplays for Foul Play (1978) and 9 to 5 (1980), both of which he also directed and which grossed tens of millions at the domestic . Foul Play, a starring and , earned $44.9 million in against a modest production budget, ranking it among the top-grossing films of 1978 and marking Higgins' entry into mainstream profitability as a screenwriter-director. The screenplay for 9 to 5, a workplace comedy featuring , , and , proved even more lucrative, generating $103.3 million domestically on a $10 million budget and becoming one of the highest-earning films of . This success stemmed from the script's sharp of corporate and ensemble dynamics, which resonated widely despite mixed , underscoring Higgins' ability to craft commercially viable narratives blending humor and . Earlier, Higgins' Harold and Maude (1971) screenplay, while a critical darling and eventual cult phenomenon, initially underperformed commercially with an estimated $1.2 million gross, only achieving profitability years later through re-releases and home video. These later hits contrasted with that modest debut, highlighting Higgins' evolution toward audience-pleasing formulas without sacrificing thematic edge.

Thematic Elements and Critical Evaluations

Higgins' screenplays frequently examined nonconformity, , and challenges to traditional gender roles, blending with critiques of institutional rigidity. In (1971), these elements manifest through the protagonist Harold's morbid fascination with death and , contrasted with Maude's exuberant embrace of life, culminating in a romance that defies age and societal expectations. The narrative satirizes bourgeois conformity and existential despair, portraying individuality as a against mechanized existence, with Maude instructing Harold that "the problem with human beings is that they ignore the spark of divinity within them." Subsequent works like Foul Play (1978) shifted toward romantic comedy-thrillers, integrating suspense with whimsical romance to explore chance encounters and personal agency amid , though critics observed a formulaic reliance on happenstance over deeper . 9 to 5 (1980), co-written with , satirized corporate sexism through three women's vengeful overthrow of a misogynistic boss, highlighting themes of and to hierarchical , framed as a wish-fulfillment fantasy against male . These scripts often juxtaposed levity with underlying tensions of , reflecting Higgins' interest in human resilience against systemic constraints. Critically, received divided responses upon release, with critiquing its equation of life and death as overly nihilistic and visually monotonous, rating it 1.5 out of 4 stars. Despite initial box-office struggles and perceptions as a outlier, it later gained acclaim for its optimistic undercurrent and satirical bite, influencing views on nonconformist romance. Commercial hits like and 9 to 5 faced similar early disparagement for prioritizing over profundity— seen as a "cumbersome" genre hybrid by some—but achieved enduring popularity for their accessible wit and thematic relevance to evolving . Overall, Higgins' oeuvre evolved from cult to mainstream , with retrospective evaluations crediting its timeless handling of and critique despite contemporaneous dismissals.

Directorial Ventures

Foul Play and Genre Experimentation

Foul Play (1978) marked Colin Higgins' directorial debut, transitioning from screenwriting to helm a film that fused , thriller elements, and . Written by Higgins himself, the film follows librarian Gloria Mundy (), who becomes entangled in an assassination conspiracy after picking up a hitchhiker, teaming with Tony Carlson () amid chases, murders, and romantic tension. Higgins explicitly modeled the project on Alfred Hitchcock's suspense formulas, incorporating shadowy intrigue and plot twists while layering in broad humor and sexual to subvert conventions. This experimentation aimed to replicate the tonal hybrid of comedy and darker themes from his screenplay for (1971), but shifted toward lighter, more accessible blended with set pieces like a dwarf assassin's pursuits and a climactic showdown. Higgins' directing style emphasized visual rhythm in sequences, such as smooth opening murders and escalating chases, contrasted with exaggerated comedic beats to heighten , though some sequences strained the genre fusion with abrupt shifts from to violence. The film's genre play extended to romantic interplay, using Hawn's manic energy and Chase's deadpan timing to Hitchcockian damsels and heroes, while incorporating elements like voodoo dolls and cultish villains for satirical edge. Critics observed inconsistencies in tone, with heavy-handed occasionally clashing against shocking scares, yet praised the overall charm and Higgins' ability to deliver an entertaining riff on masters. Commercially, Foul Play proved Higgins' genre experimentation viable, grossing over $60 million against a modest and ranking among 1978's top hits, validating his pivot to directing mainstream hybrids. The 's success stemmed from its crowd-pleasing balance of gags atop scaffolding, influencing subsequent comedy-s, though Higgins later refined tonal control in projects like 9 to 5 (1980).

9 to 5 and Workplace Satire

9 to 5 (1980), directed and co-written by Colin Higgins with , centers on three female workers—Judy Bernly (), Violet Newstead (), and Doralee Rhodes ()—who confront their tyrannical, sexist boss Franklin Hart () at Consolidated Companies. The originated from Resnick's concept, inspired by the real-life 9to5 organization advocating for working women, and Higgins shaped it into a blending fantasy sequences with drudgery. Released on December 19, 1980, after production from January 14 to April 25, the film grossed $103.3 million worldwide on a $10 million budget, ranking among 1980's top earners. Higgins' direction employs animated daydreams to depict the women's vengeful fantasies—such as chaining Hart to a roasting spit or transforming him into a jackass—satirizing the extreme frustrations of workplace sexism, , and glass ceilings. These sequences exaggerate Hart's lechery and incompetence, critiquing how male authority figures prioritize personal agendas over merit, while the women's subsequent takeover reveals streamlined operations through practical reforms like daycare and flexible hours. The satire targets corporate inefficiencies, unequal pay, and promotional favoritism, portraying the protagonists' as a corrective to patriarchal mismanagement without endorsing systemic overhaul. Contemporary reviews highlighted the film's initial satirical bite devolving into , yet commended its exposure of inequities in professional settings. Higgins, drawing from his prior comedic work, maintained broad appeal by universalizing setting, allowing audiences to project their own experiences onto the generic corporate environment. Analyses attribute the enduring resonance to its unvarnished depiction of female solidarity against exploitative dynamics, though some critiques view the resolution as an optimistic fantasy of reformed capitalism rather than deeper structural change.

Additional Contributions

Theatre and Acting Roles

Higgins developed an interest in theatre during his undergraduate years at , where he performed in a student-written musical in the fall of 1959, earning immediate recognition as a campus star. To support his studies, he took on professional acting roles in local productions around Stanford and in -area theatres, including a part in the British sex Once Over Nightly, which enjoyed a year-and-a-half run at a San Francisco venue. After dropping out in his sophomore year, Higgins hitchhiked to New York City to study acting at the Actors Studio, though he found limited success and soon returned to California. His acting career remained confined to these early, supporting efforts before transitioning to writing and filmmaking.

Unproduced and Abandoned Projects

Higgins developed several screenplays that remained unproduced, reflecting his interest in blending comedy, thriller elements, and social satire. One notable project was The Man Who Lost Tuesday, a comedy-thriller set in Paris that Higgins intended to direct himself following the success of Foul Play. He was actively writing it in the late 1970s when an opportunity arose to rewrite and direct 9 to 5, leading him to shelve the script. A final draft of the screenplay exists, confirming its completion at an advanced stage, though it never advanced to production due to shifting priorities and studio decisions. Another unproduced effort was Wizard's Fool, envisioned as a vehicle for comedian , aligning with Higgins' pattern of genre experimentation and star-driven comedies. Reports also indicate development of , a potentially starring , though details remain sparse and it may overlap with other concepts Higgins explored for comedic female leads. These projects highlight Higgins' versatility but were ultimately abandoned amid his commitments to realized films and later health challenges, with no evidence of revival after his death in 1988.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Identity and Relationships

Colin Higgins identified as homosexual and was open about his . During the 1970s, while engaging with the consciousness movement, Higgins came to terms with his sexuality, recognizing himself as . He participated in the Advocate Experience workshop, a program aimed at personal growth and , after which he disclosed his orientation to his family, friends, lawyer, and agent, receiving supportive responses from them. Public records do not detail specific romantic partners or long-term relationships for Higgins, with biographical accounts focusing primarily on his achievements and philanthropic efforts rather than personal couplings. His openness about being aligned with his later establishment of initiatives supporting LGBTQ individuals, though such aspects of his identity informed his worldview amid a career in during an era when was often stigmatized in the industry.

Establishment of the Colin Higgins Foundation

Colin Higgins established the Colin Higgins Foundation in 1986, motivated by his recent diagnosis in 1985 and a desire to advance humanitarian causes. The organization was founded in as a private entity to provide financial and programmatic support, initially focusing on aiding , gay, bisexual, and (LGBT) youth in underserved communities through grants and initiatives promoting visibility and resilience. From its inception, the reflected Higgins' personal commitment to fostering opportunities for marginalized , drawing on his success in the film industry to seed initial resources. By prioritizing direct support for community-based programs, it aimed to address barriers faced by individuals, including access to , arts, and , without reliance on . Over time, this foundational mission has enabled the distribution of more than $5.8 million in grants, though the core emphasis on originated directly from Higgins' vision during his lifetime.

Death and Posthumous Legacy

Final Years and AIDS Diagnosis

In 1985, Colin Higgins was diagnosed with , at a time when effective treatments such as the first antiretroviral "cocktail" therapies were still three years away from availability. Despite the limited medical options and the disease's rapid progression in many cases during the early , Higgins expressed determination to combat the illness personally and through broader support efforts. Following his diagnosis, Higgins maintained professional involvement in the entertainment industry, co-writing, adapting, and co-producing the 1987 television Out on a Limb, based on Shirley MacLaine's autobiographical book exploring and encounters. He had initially planned to direct the project but withdrew from that role, with Robert Butler ultimately handling direction. This marked one of his final credited contributions before his health deteriorated significantly. Higgins died on August 5, 1988, at his home in , from complications related to AIDS, at the age of 47. A spokeswoman for his confirmed he had been suffering from , which had become a leading among in the United States by the late due to high transmission rates within that demographic prior to widespread awareness and prevention campaigns.

Cultural Impact and Enduring Critiques

Higgins' screenplay for (1971), directed by , initially flopped at the box office upon release on December 20, 1971, but evolved into a that reshaped cinematic explorations of mortality, rebellion, and intergenerational romance. The film's taboo-breaking depiction of a 79-year-old woman's relationship with a 20-year-old suicidal man challenged conventions, fostering a legacy of dark comedy that emphasized existential vitality over societal norms. Its influence persists in inspiring filmmakers to blend morbidity with whimsy, as evidenced by its sustained popularity in repertory theaters and academic discussions of narrative disruption. The 1980 comedy 9 to 5, which Higgins directed and co-wrote, grossed $103 million domestically against a $10 million budget, amplifying cultural conversations on workplace sexism through its satirical portrayal of female office workers overthrowing a misogynistic boss. The film's fantasy of via —featuring poisonings, hog-tying, and role reversals—popularized feminist tropes in mainstream , influencing subsequent media like the series adaptation (1982–1983) and Dolly Parton's title song, which reached No. 1 on the for one week in February 1981. Higgins' blend of elements in Foul Play (1978), a $116 million-grossing romantic chase , further entrenched his reputation for genre hybridization, paving the way for revivals in 1980s cinema. Critiques of Higgins' oeuvre often center on its dated gender dynamics and comedic dilutions of systemic issues. In 9 to 5, some analysts argue the film's cartoonish exaggeration sanitizes real , portraying the boss as a buffoon rather than a structural oppressor, thus offering fantasy over substantive reform. Others decry the casting of Parton as veering into sexploitation, prioritizing spectacle over nuanced advocacy despite the film's commercial success in galvanizing second-wave feminist sentiments. For , early detractors in 1971 lambasted its "morbid" tone and narrative aimlessness, with divided reviews reflecting discomfort over its defiance of ; enduring analyses, however, praise this as intentional , though modern viewers occasionally question the power imbalances in its central pairing. A 2022 documentary, Celebrating Laughter: The Life and Films of Colin Higgins, underscores these tensions, portraying his work as entertaining yet tethered to 1970s–1980s cultural constraints, limiting deeper interrogations of power.

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