David Samuel "Sam" Peckinpah (February 21, 1925 – December 28, 1984) was an American movie director and screenwriter. He is known for his work in the 1969 movie "The Wild Bunch". He also directed "Straw Dogs" (1971), "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" (1973) and "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" (1974). He also appeared as an actor in the 1979 movie "The Visitor".