American playwright Jay Presson Allen, who adapted The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie for both stage and screen, has died at the age of 84.
Allen's adaptation of Muriel Spark's novel about a romantic Scottish schoolteacher earned actress Zoe Caldwell a Tony Award, a prize bestowed by the American Theater Wing for the best shows and performances on New York's Broadway stage, in 1968 and actress Maggie Smith a Best Actress Oscar in 1969 for the film version.
Allen's screenplay for the film version of the Broadway musical Cabaret earned Liza Minnelli an Oscar in 1973 for her portrayal of Sally Bowles.
She also wrote the screenplays for such films as Funny Lady and the 1989 play Tru based on the writings of novelist Truman Capote.
Allen was born in 1922 in the southwestern U.S. state of Texas and moved to California at the age of 18 to become an actress, but soon turned to writing.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.