Tom Filer, a renowned actor, screenwriter, and novelist, was born in 1925 and passed away in 2013. He made his home in the picturesque Santa Monica Canyon, a community of writers, actors, artists, and architects that he would later become the greatest chronicler of.
Throughout his illustrious career, Filer authored numerous works, including the novel "The Man on Watch", published in 1961 by Harper and Brothers, and "Finding Mahmoud", released in 2001 by iUniverse. His impressive collection of Pushcart Prize-winning short stories is a testament to his remarkable talent.
Unpublished works include "Harushima", a novel based on his experiences as a Naval lieutenant in Micronesia during World War II, as well as "Civilization", "Goat Alley Tales", and "The Last Stand", a sweeping account of the 500-year history of Santa Monica Canyon. This ambitious project is anchored by the story of his landlady, the mestizo owner of a rustic remnant of a Mexican land grant that once encompassed tens of thousands of acres.
Filer's versatility extended beyond writing, as he worked as a screenwriter and actor alongside notable industry professionals such as Jack Nicholson, Monte Hellman, and Roger Corman. To supplement his income, he also engaged in lobster diving and albacore fishing.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Filer was a dedicated teacher and mentor. He taught writing at UCLA Extension and held workshops in his home, where he guided aspiring writers. His influence can be seen in the work of author Mary Yukari Waters, who credits Filer and his Goat Alley writer's workshop for guiding her writing in her first collection of short stories.
