Leigh Brackett was an American science-fiction and crime writer celebrated for her vivid planetary adventures, hard-edged characters, and fast-moving storytelling. Often called the "Queen of Space Opera," she helped define the romantic planetary-adventure tradition through fiction combining exotic worlds, ancient civilizations, political intrigue, and human conflict. Brackett also had a distinguished career as a screenwriter. Her credits include The Big Sleep, Rio Bravo, El Dorado, and the original screenplay draft for The Empire Strikes Back. Her fiction remains admired for its cinematic energy, atmospheric settings, and morally complex heroes.