John Steinbeck’s stepdaughter wins US$13 million in suit over squandered film rights
She sued the author’s son and daughter-in-law, claiming they impeded film remakes of ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ and ‘East of Eden’
A federal jury in Los Angeles has awarded John Steinbeck’s stepdaughter more than US$13 million in a lawsuit claiming the author’s son and daughter-in-law impeded film adaptations of his classic works.
Jurors on Tuesday found in favour of Waverly Scott Kaffaga, who had alleged that long-running litigation over Steinbeck’s estate prevented her from making the most of his copyrights at a time when marquee names such as director Steven Spielberg and actress Jennifer Lawrence were interested in bringing the novelist’s masterpieces back to the screen. She claimed remakes of The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden fell apart over the years.
Kaffaga, daughter of the late author’s third wife, Elaine, sued the estate of stepbrother Thomas Steinbeck, who died last year, his widow, Gail, and their company.
After the verdict, Kaffaga issued a statement in her capacity as executor for the estate of Elaine Steinbeck.“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict that recognises the Estate’s full control of the rights to John Steinbeck’s works,” she said. “The outcome upholds the Estate’s mission of sharing his legacy with the world. We are thankful to the members of the jury for their time and service.”
Defence lawyer Matthew Berger did not immediately respond on Wednesday to messages seeking comment on the jury decision.