Ernest Tidyman (January 1 1928 - July 14 1984) was a Cleveland-born American author and screenwriter, best known for his novels featuring the African-American detective John Shaft. He also co-wrote the film version of "Shaft" with John D.F. Black in 1971. His screenplay for "The French Connection" garnered him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as a Golden Globe Award, a Writers Guild of America Award, and an Edgar Award. Wikipedia
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