 Robert Towne, the Oscar-winning screenplay writer of Shampoo, The Last Detail, and other acclaimed films, has died. He was 89. His 1974 movie Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson, was a classic. Small Ray, I think you're hiding something. His publicist, Carrie McClure, says Towne died Monday surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles. You're listening to NCN News. You wouldn't ask your mechanic to help stage your property for an open house.