Ben Hecht Quotes
Ben Hecht
Ben Hecht (1894-1964) was an American playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. He was one of the most successful and prolific writers of the 20th century, with over 70 plays, screenplays, and novels to his name. Hecht is best known for his Academy Award-winning screenplay for the classic film, “The Front Page” (1931), as well as his Academy Award-nominated screenplay for “Notorious” (1946). He also wrote the novel “A Child of the Century” (1954), which was adapted into a film in 1955. Hecht was a major influence on the development of American film and literature, and his works remain popular to this day.
11 Interesting Ben Hecht Quotes
There’s one thing that keeps surprising you about stormy old friends after they die – their silence.
Ben Hecht Career Highlights
- Ben Hecht was a prolific American screenwriter, playwright, and novelist, known for his sharp wit and social commentary.
- He began his career as a journalist, writing for newspapers in Chicago and New York.
- Hecht wrote over 70 films, including classics such as “Scarface,” “Gone with the Wind,” and “Notorious.”
- He also wrote several successful plays, including “The Front Page” and “Twentieth Century.”
- He was nominated for six Academy Awards and won two, for “Underworld” and “The Scoundrel.”
Key Contributions by Ben Hecht
- Hecht’s writing style was known for its fast-paced dialogue, dark humor, and social commentary.
- He was one of the first screenwriters to receive credit on films, paving the way for recognition and respect for screenwriters in Hollywood.
- He was a pioneer in the film noir genre, with his films often exploring themes of crime, corruption, and the darker side of human nature.
- He was also a vocal advocate for Jewish causes and used his platform to raise awareness and funds for Jewish refugees during World War II.
What Sets Ben Hecht Apart
- Hecht’s writing was ahead of its time, often tackling controversial and taboo subjects that were not commonly seen in mainstream media.
- He was a master of adapting novels and plays into successful films, with his adaptations often surpassing the original source material.
- He was known for his ability to write in a variety of genres, from comedy to drama to suspense, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
- He was also a successful novelist, with his book “A Child of the Century” becoming a bestseller.
Takeaways
- Ben Hecht was a groundbreaking writer who left a lasting impact on the film industry.
- His sharp wit, social commentary, and versatility as a writer set him apart from his peers.
- He was a pioneer in the film industry, paving the way for recognition and respect for screenwriters.
- Hecht’s work continues to be celebrated and studied, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest writers in Hollywood history.
Other People
Screenwriter
1961
Screenwriter
1951
Screenwriter
1971
Screenwriter
· USA
1968
