Earl W. Wallace is a prominent American screenwriter and television producer best known for his work in television and film, particularly as the co-creator of the high-concept series Supertrain. While Supertrain is widely remembered for its ambitious yet short-lived run in the late 1970s, Wallace’s career encompasses much more, including critically acclaimed works such as Witness (1985), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Wallace’s ability to craft engaging narratives and his contributions to both television and film have left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.
Although Supertrain may be one of his most infamous creations due to its high production costs and subsequent failure, it is only a small part of Wallace’s impressive career. His journey from television to film, marked by his collaboration with some of Hollywood’s best-known producers and directors, showcases his talent for both high-concept storytelling and grounded, human drama.
Early Career and Rise in Television
Earl W. Wallace was born in the mid-20th century, though specific details of his early life are not widely documented. His career in television writing began during a time when the medium was undergoing rapid evolution, with networks expanding their programming to include more action-adventure and high-concept series. Wallace was one of the many screenwriters who contributed to the development of network television during the 1970s, a period when the television landscape was ripe for experimentation.
Before achieving widespread recognition, Wallace worked on various television projects, often in the action and adventure genres. His early work included episodes for popular TV shows that helped him establish himself as a versatile writer capable of creating exciting, fast-paced narratives. His ability to blend action with character-driven stories made him an appealing choice for producers looking to develop new and innovative series.
One of Wallace’s early notable contributions to television came when he was tapped to help create Supertrain, an ambitious and groundbreaking show that would go on to become a cult classic, albeit for reasons other than its initial success.
Creation of Supertrain: Ambition Meets Setbacks
In 1979, Earl W. Wallace co-created Supertrain alongside Fred Silverman, then an executive at NBC, and producer Dan Curtis. The show was conceived as a high-concept adventure series that took place aboard a futuristic, nuclear-powered luxury train that could travel across the United States at incredible speeds. Dubbed “The Love Boat on a train,” Supertrain was meant to capitalize on the success of The Love Boat, which had become a hit with audiences by featuring a variety of guest stars in self-contained stories that took place aboard a luxury cruise ship.
Supertrain followed a similar anthology format, with each episode featuring different passengers aboard the train as they embarked on adventures, encountered mysteries, or experienced romance. The train itself was designed to be an awe-inspiring, state-of-the-art technological marvel, complete with swimming pools, nightclubs, and luxurious suites. With a setting that offered endless possibilities for adventure and intrigue, Supertrain was envisioned as NBC’s next big hit.
However, despite its promising concept and significant financial backing—Supertrain was one of the most expensive TV shows ever produced at the time—it struggled to find its footing. The show’s enormous budget, fueled by elaborate set designs and special effects, proved to be one of its downfalls. Production issues, combined with lukewarm reception from both audiences and critics, led to the show’s premature cancellation after only nine episodes. Supertrain became infamous in television history for its failure, often cited as one of the most expensive flops in the medium’s history.
Though Supertrain did not achieve the success Wallace and his collaborators had hoped for, it remains a fascinating example of high-concept television. The show’s ambition, particularly in its attempt to blend action, adventure, and a variety of storylines within a single, visually striking setting, highlighted Wallace’s willingness to push the boundaries of traditional television formats. In retrospect, Supertrain has gained a cult following, with fans appreciating its bold premise and the novelty of its futuristic train setting.
Transition to Film and the Success of Witness
Despite the setback of Supertrain, Earl W. Wallace’s career continued to thrive, particularly with his transition from television to film. In 1985, Wallace co-wrote the screenplay for Witness, a crime thriller directed by Peter Weir. The film starred Harrison Ford as a Philadelphia police detective who goes undercover in an Amish community to protect a young boy who witnesses a murder.
Witness was a critical and commercial success, praised for its blending of a crime thriller plot with a deeply emotional exploration of two vastly different cultures—the urban detective and the rural, isolated Amish community. The film’s tight screenplay, combined with Weir’s direction and Ford’s performance, earned it eight Academy Award nominations. Wallace, along with co-writers William Kelley and Pamela Wallace, won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Witness also garnered nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (for Ford), cementing Wallace’s place as a respected figure in Hollywood.
The success of Witness showcased Wallace’s versatility as a writer. While his earlier work had primarily focused on action-adventure narratives, Witness demonstrated his ability to create stories with emotional depth, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. The film’s exploration of cultural conflict, personal transformation, and the intersection of violence and peace resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Continued Work in Film and Television
Following the success of Witness, Earl W. Wallace continued to work in both film and television. His ability to shift between these two mediums allowed him to contribute to a wide range of projects, from high-concept television series to more grounded, character-driven films. Though none of his subsequent projects reached the same level of critical acclaim as Witness, Wallace remained an active and respected writer in Hollywood.
In addition to his work in film, Wallace continued to develop television scripts and work as a producer. His experience in both high-concept storytelling and more intimate narratives gave him a unique perspective on the evolving television landscape, allowing him to contribute to various genres and formats.
Legacy and Influence
Earl W. Wallace’s career is a testament to his adaptability and creativity as a screenwriter. While Supertrain may have been a financial and critical misstep, it was also an example of his willingness to take risks and explore new frontiers in television storytelling. The show’s ambitious scope and futuristic premise showcased Wallace’s desire to push the boundaries of what television could achieve, even if the execution fell short.
On the other hand, Witness remains a highlight of Wallace’s career and stands as one of the most respected films of the 1980s. Its success brought Wallace widespread recognition and highlighted his skill in crafting stories that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The film’s critical acclaim and multiple award nominations cemented Wallace’s place in Hollywood history, and it continues to be regarded as a landmark achievement in film writing.
Wallace’s work, particularly his collaboration on Witness, has influenced generations of writers and filmmakers, proving that even after a high-profile setback like Supertrain, a writer’s career can thrive with dedication, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ideas.