Robert Redford said he was inspired by Pennell's work to create the
Sundance Institute.
At the time he made his best films the distribution system for
independent movies did not exist, leaving most of his films unseen
except by festival audiences.
Reportedly changed the spelling of his last name (from Pinnell to
Pennell) as both a tribute to director Arthur Penn and an homage to
Lieutenant Ross Pennell, a character in John Ford's western "She Wore A
Yellow Ribbon."
Had a grant from ITS (Independent Television Service) to develop a
script from his treatment "My Dog Bit Elvis" at the time of his death.
It would have been his first film since 1994.
He best films were affectionate character studies about hapless
blue-collar Texans.
Buried in College Station Cemetery, College Station, Texas.
Changed name as a tribute to Arthur Penn, and Lt. Ross Pennel, from
"She Wore A Yellow Ribbon". Battled alcoholism for much of his life,
and at one time lived on the streets of Houston. Worked on the
production crew of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre".
Attended the University of Texas.
Graduated A&M Consolidated High School, then attended the University of
Texas, but dropped out to do film work around Austin.