of Contracts professor Clark Byse and Property Law professor A.J. Casner, legendary intimidating users of the Socratic method. Osborn has stated that Contracts was his favorite law school course. Actor John Houseman, who played the role in the film and television series, said that he based his performance, in part, on stories he was told by former students of Edward Henry Warren, a professor at the law school from 1904 to 1945. Warren, who taught a first-year property law course, was famous at the school for his sarcastic comments during lectures and intimidating manner. Houseman's performance was also based on his experience as a professor and director of the drama department at the Juilliard School. 40th-anniversary edition In 2010, a 40th-anniversary edition of The Paper Chase was released by Peninsula Road Press, which contains a new preface. This edition is the only one prepared by the author. Adaptations Film According to Osborn, the 1973 film is based "almost word for word" on the novel. It starred John Houseman as Kingsfield and Timothy Bottoms as Hart. Television series CBS aired a one-hour drama series in the 1978–1979 season based on the movie. John Houseman reprised his movie role, and James Stephens played Hart. In 1983, pay-cable network Showtime brought back the show with both Houseman and Stephens. At the end of three seasons on Showtime, Hart finally graduated. References 1971 American novels American novels adapted into films American novels adapted into television shows Harvard Law School Houghton Mifflin books Universities and colleges in art