Home » Scripts » Film » Chinatown (1974) Screenplay
Chinatown screenplay image featuring Jack Nicholson.

Chinatown (1974) Screenplay

"Chinatown": Read The Screenplay By Robert Towne

Read. Study. Download. All of the screenplays at 8FLiX are free.

Have you read the "Chinatown" screenplay by Robert Towne? See it right here, right now! This isn't a product of fan labor, and it's not a transcript. Get ready, because you're about to immerse yourself in something fantastic.

One of the WGA's "Greatest Screenplays" ever written (ranked third), "Chinatown" is the quintessential film-noir mystery, and winner of the 1975 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. And, for your consideration, we offer this undated, and genuine scanned draft of the original script. Free, of course, from 8FLiX and Paramount Pictures.

Also, you can learn a little more about the writer, Robert Towne. Just click or tap his name to get started.

Okay, now let's get to the goods!

Discover More About the "Chinatown" Screenplay

Just the facts, and everything else you should know.

Okay, so in addition to the film's logline and poster are some of the most important details about the script. You'll notice that we've attached a "classification" label inside of a color-coded border. For a better understanding of the screenplay's source, have a look at the "Glossary" a little further down.

Also, when you click on the screenwriter's name, you'll be directed to the "Writer Archives." If we have other works from the author, they'll be in there.

Now, let's go through what we have for you today.

Take a look at the "Chinatown" synopsis.

Image showcasing Chinatown 1974 movie poster representing the screenplay.

Private eye Jake Gittes, living off the murky moral climate of sunbaked pre-war Southern California, is hired by a beautiful socialite to investigate her husband's extra-marital affair. Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits, uncovering a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together for one, unforgettable night in...Chinatown. Paramount Pictures

"Chinatown" Screenplay Details.

Whether you're a fan or an aspiring screenwriter, here are key insights to know.

To get the "Chinatown" script now, keep scrolling until you see the READ/DOWNLOAD button. And, just a reminder, for a better understanding of our color-coded classifications, scroll a little further down until you find the "Glossary."

Okay, here are the facts:

Type ...
SCANNED
Version ... Final
Date ... [undated]
Pages ... 145
Genres ... DramaMysteryThriller
Screenplay ... Robert Towne
IMDb ID ... 0071315

How to read and download the screenplay.

Click or tap the READ/DOWNLOAD button. You may need to create a free account, or log in.

It's free! Enjoy the read, and thanks for visiting 8FLiX! Also, if you're going to publish this script on your site, no problem! If there's a watermark, please leave it intact. We're a registered non-profit; ads and traffic are the only source of our funding.

You’ll need to create a free account to access our scripts and screenplays database. If you’re already registered, simply log in and start your journey of discovery!

Read and Watch

Compare the script and movie together with 8FLiX and JustWatch.

Now that you have the screenplay, stream "Chinatown" and compare. We've partnered with JustWatch so you can make that happen.

Looking For Something?

If you can't find what you're looking for here, send us an email.

If you're searching for a specific movie or TV show/series, please let us know. 8FLiX has more than 10,000 scripts and screenplays. Not all are currently listed here. Eventually, they'll all be available to download (but certainly not in your lifetime). To avoid waiting decades for 8FLiX to add the script that you're looking for, send us an email. You still may have to wait, but it'll be days rather than generations. You can SEARCH our site when you're ready!