From The Page to The Screen: How Skip Hollandsworth’s Journalism Inspires Films

In film, inspiration often comes from the most unexpected places. For Netflix’s Hit Man, the inspiration originated not from a novel or a script written in Hollywood, but from an article published in Texas Monthly. The author behind this incredible article is Skip Hollandsworth, a journalist whose skillful storytelling has inspired several films, including Hit Man and the films Swearing Allegiance and For My Daughter's Honor, streaming on TheArchive. 

Hollandsworth’s October 2001 article about the real Gary Johnson, a man known as the “most sought-after professional killer” in Houston, Texas, who was secretly working for the police. Johnson carried the persona of a dangerous assassin for hire while feeding crucial information to the police to help them bring down the criminals who hired him. Glen Powell co-wrote and starred in the Netflix film, which was directed by Richard Linklater. 

Another film inspired by Hollandsworth’s journalism is Swearing Allegiance. Based on the article “Killer Cadets” from December 1996, the film explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the inner workings of a small-town police department. This film recounts the true story of Diane Zamora and David Graham, two high school sweethearts who swear always to be together, even as they enter separate military academies. But when David confesses he had an affair with a classmate, Diane has an ultimatum, leading the two into a murderous pact with severe repercussions.

Lastly, For My Daughter’s Honor was based on the article The Seduction of Jane Doe by Skip Hollandsworth written in November 1994. The movie and his article tackle the sensitive and impactful story of a high school teacher's inappropriate relationship with a student and the subsequent battle for justice. The film adaptation stars Gary Cole as Pete Nash and was directed by Alan Metzger. It’s about Amy Dustin, a fourteen-year-old high school student who becomes an object of romantic affection to the school's biology teacher and football coach, Pete Nash. Although Pete has a family, they take a sudden interest in each other and begin a secret relationship. People then begin to suspect that Pete and Amy are having an affair.

Skip Hollandsworth’s articles have proven to be a goldmine of inspiration for filmmakers, providing rich, detailed narratives that translate beautifully to the screen. Netflix’s Hit Man is the latest addition to films inspired by his investigative skills and intriguing writing style, joining Swearing Allegiance and For My Daughter's Honor on a growing list of adaptations. These adaptations not only entertain but also provoke thought and remind us of the complexities of real-life events. 

Looking for even more ways to watch and enjoy excellent movies & TV series?!? Head on over to YouTube and subscribe to Grapevine Documentaries, Multicom Entertainment, and TheArchive.These channels are dedicated to aficionados and lovers of cinema. You’ll find rare, retro, and restored films and TV, ranging from indies and series to Oscar-winning docs, unearthed MOWs, a killer horror library, and MORE!  

TheArchive channel is dedicated to aficionados and lovers of story, craft, and silver screen fun – streaming rare, retro, and restored films and classic TV. From indies and series, to Oscar winning documentaries, unearthed MOWs, and a killer horror library, TheArchive delivers forgotten, never-before-seen gems for free and many in 4K. Marilyn, Karloff, and Orson Welles stream alongside Reese, Keanu, and Samuel L. Jackson. Find true stories of Queen, Hendrix, and Sinatra, an LGBTQ library, MLK bios, and world history docs. TheArchive has the movies and shows you either saw, should’ve seen, or should be watching now!