Tom Mankiewicz, the screenwriter of such James Bond films as “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Live and Let Die” and the first two “Superman” movies, has died in Los Angeles at 68. Tom died Saturday at his home after a major battle with cancer. He underwent the Whipple operation, which is used to treat pancreatic cancer, three months ago but sadly the procedure was unsuccessful in extending his life.
He was a member of Hollywood’s legendary Mankiewicz family: His father was Joseph L. Mankiewicz, director of classics including “All About Eve,” “A Letter to Three Wives” and “The Barefoot Contessa.” He was also the nephew of “Citizen Kane” co-writer Herman J. Mankiewicz. Tom Mankiewicz directed the 1987 movie “Dragnet,” starring Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks, and several episodes of the TV series “Hart to Hart.”