Scriptwriter Robert Klane died last week (August 29) at the age of 81. Probably best known for writing the screenplay for the 1989 movie Weekend at Bernie’s, Klane also worked on M*A*S*H during its first three seasons, including four episodes during Season 1.
Klane wrote the scripts for “Requiem for a Lightweight” and “Cowboy”; contributed the story to “Ceasefire”; and co-wrote “Showtime” with Larry Gelbart based on a story by Gelbart. He also co-wrote “Dr. Pierce and Mr. Hyde” with Alan Alda during Season 2 and wrote the teleplay for “The Consultant” during Season 3, based on a story by Larry Gelbart.
Klane got his start in Hollywood when he wrote the screenplay for the 1970 movie Where’s Poppa? based on his novel of the same name. He later penned the screenplay for National Lampoon’s European Vacation in 1985. In 1993, he wrote and directed Weekend at Bernie’s II. He wrote 11 episodes of the TV series Tracey Takes On… in 1997 which, according to the Internet Movie Database, marked the end of his career in show business.
Obituaries can be found at Deadline Hollywood, Variety, and The Los Angeles Times.