Frequently recognized as one of the greatest movies of all time, 1974's Chinatown is particularly remembered for its dour and heartbreaking ending.

Chinatown, released 50 years ago today, shone a bleak light on the machinations of money and power—a theme that still animates U.S. politics.

No one could rescue a troubled movie like Robert Towne The most celebrated screenwriter of the 1970s was a shadowy, mercurial figure who gave us “Chinatown” and many more hits.