InAn Interview with Katherine Haber
(Assistant to Director Sam Peckinpah)
October 31, 2005

 
This is a privilege to make contact with you, thank you for repling.


Question. When do you meet Sam Peckinpah?
Answer. In London when I started working for him on STRAW DOGS July 1970.
 
Question. You worked with Sam on his films, what was your role? 
Answer. I was his assistant on all the films, I worked with him on STRAW DOGS, JUNIOR BONNER, THE GETAWAY, PAT GARRETT AND BILLY THE KID  KILLER ELITE, BRING ME THE HEAD OF ALFREDO GARCIA, CROSS OF IRON, CONVOY.  However, I acted as second unit director on certain films, did continuity etc. etc.  So I was a jack of all trades, at his side at all times.

 Question. Apparently by the time "Convoy" began filming Sam's mental (and physical?) status was showing or past ware due to drug and alcohol abuse (this is according to several sources). If and when did you see/know this began with Sam before Convoy?
Answer. I never like to discuss his failings as per above... if you have that information already, then I dont need to comment on it.

Question. What did Sam have control of during filming of Convoy? (If was an established fact that the producers needed to take control of the movie from him). 
Answer. He did have control,until the editing.
 
Question. How long do you stay with the filming of Convoy? 
Answer. I did not come back after the Kris Kristoferson hiatus.
 
Question. Did you maintain a relationship with Sam (working) following the film? 
Answer. I never spoke to him again.
 
Question. If you know what did Sam think of the movie during and after filming? 
Answer. He was happy with it.
 
Question. What did you think of the movie during and after filming? 
Answer. It was hard work, and complex but I personally liked the liberty he gave me on the film... to do second unit etc. etc.
 
Question. It is stated in many sources that "Convoy" was Peckinpah's worst film though ironically most made in the box office among all his films. Did you or Sam believe this?
Answer. My personal feeling was that Killer Elite was his least spectacular film.  Both Sam and I felt Convoy was his Truck/Western.

Question. It is also stated in sources Sam was constantly re-writing the script. Was this typical of him as a director, due to substance abuse or another reason? 
Answer. He did a lot of re-writing of the script together with his cast.  Didn't always happen.
 
Question. Were you still in contact with Sam at the time of his 1984 passing? 
Answer. NO
 
Question. What are you doing now in your career? 
Answer. I am running a homeless shelter called Dome Village in downtown LA, but also have been on the board of BAFTA/LA for fifteen years... So I live a double life.