Locke
Locke v. Warner Bros., Inc.
Opinion
Opinion
Klein, J.
Plaintiffs and appellants Sondra Locke (Locke) and Caritas Films, a California corporation (Caritas) (sometimes collectively referred to as Locke) appeal a judgment following a grant of summary judgment in favor of defendant and respondent Warner Bros., Inc. (Warner).
The essential issue presented is whether triable issues of material fact are present which would preclude summary judgment.
We conclude triable issues are present with respect to whether Warner breached its development deal with Locke by categorically refusing to work with her, and whether Warner fraudulently entered into said agreement without the intention to work with Locke. The judgment therefore is reversed as to the second and fourth causes of action and otherwise is affirmed.
Factual and Procedural Background
1. Locke’s dispute with Eastwood.
In 1975, Locke came to Warner to appear with Clint Eastwood in The Outlaw Josey Wales (Warner Bros. 1976). During the filming of the movie, Locke and Eastwood began a personal and romantic relationship. For the next dozen years, they lived in Eastwood’s Los Angeles and Northern California homes. Locke also appeared in a number of Eastwood’s films. In 1986,…