Jay Presson Allen
In the 1960s and 70s, this highly skilled scenarist (excelling in adaptations) turned out a number of superior scripts with strong, female protagonists, roles which often won awards for the actresses portraying them (e.g., "Cabaret" 1972). A successful playwright ("The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," "40 Carats," "Tru"), Allen created and was executive producer on the highly respected television series "Family" (ABC, 1976-80) and since 1980 has also produced or served as executive producer on several interesting features (i.e., "Prince of the City" 1981; "Deathtrap" 1982).