Log in

Writing

Irving Brecher

Born January 17, 1914 · New York City, New York, USA

Died November 17, 2008 · aged 94

Irving Brecher was an American screenwriter, producer, and director celebrated for his work in comedy. He began his career writing jokes for radio personalities before transitioning to film. Brecher was the only writer to receive sole credit on Marx Brothers films, penning At the Circus (1939) and Go West (1940). He also contributed to the screenplay of The Wizard of Oz (1939). Brecher created the…

Known For

Bye Bye BirdieBye Bye Birdie · 1963
Bye Bye Birdie
★ 5.91963
MovieComedyMusic
A singer goes to a small town for a performance before he is drafted.
Meet Me in St. LouisMeet Me in St. Louis · 1944
Meet Me in St. Louis
★ 7.01944
MovieComedyDrama
A year in the life of a turn-of-the-century middle class family, leading up to the opening of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
Go WestGo West · 1940
Go West
★ 6.61940
MovieComedyWestern
A con man heading west to search for gold teams up with a pair of scheming brothers along the way. The trio soon find themselves in the middle of a feud between two rival families and two underhanded land developers.
At the CircusAt the Circus · 1939
At the Circus
★ 6.41939
MovieComedyMusic
Jeff Wilson, the owner of a small circus, owes his partner Carter $10,000. Before Jeff can pay, Carter's accomplices steal the money so he can take over the circus. Antonio Pirelli and Punchy, who work at the circus, together with lawyer Loophole try to find the thief and get the money back.
Shadow of the Thin ManShadow of the Thin Man · 1941
Shadow of the Thin Man
★ 7.01941
MovieComedyCrime
Nick and Nora Charles are back at the racetrack—and murder is running a close second! While attending a major horse race with their young son, Nick Jr., the sophisticated couple witnesses a shocking murder from the crowded grandstand. What first appears to be an isolated killing soon leads to a maze of corruption, blackmail, gambling scandals, and criminal intrigue. As Nick investigates, he encounters suspicious bookmakers, dishonest officials, rival gangsters, and a mysterious killer determined to stay ahead of the law. Nora, as always, is never far from the action, bringing her quick wit and fearless curiosity to the case. William Powell and Myrna Loy return in top form as Hollywood’s favorite married detectives, with Asta adding his usual comic charm. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, Shadow of the Thin Man is a stylish 1941 mystery-comedy packed with suspense, romance, sparkling dialogue, and the irresistible Nick-and-Nora chemistry that made the series a classic.
Du Barry Was a LadyDu Barry Was a Lady · 1943
Du Barry Was a Lady
★ 6.51943
MovieComedyFantasy
Hat check man Louis Blore is in love with nightclub star May Daly. May, however, is in love with a poor dancer but wants to marry for money. When Louis wins the Irish Sweepstakes, he asks May to marry him and she accepts even though she doesn't love him. Soon after, Louis has an accident and gets knocked on the head, where he dreams that he's King Louis XV pursuing the infamous Madame Du Barry.
Somebody Loves MeSomebody Loves Me · 1952
Somebody Loves Me
★ 8.81952
MovieRomanceMusic
Backstage musical biography of nightclub star Blossom Seeley that charts her rocky relationship with vaudeville singer Benny Fields.
Cry for HappyCry for Happy · 1961
Cry for Happy
★ 5.41961
MovieRomanceComedy
Army photographers on leave in Japan take over a geisha house.

Filmography

Sort
Shadow of the Thin ManShadow of the Thin Man · 1941
Shadow of the Thin Man
★ 7.01941
MovieComedyCrime
Nick and Nora Charles are back at the racetrack—and murder is running a close second! While attending a major horse race with their young son, Nick Jr., the sophisticated couple witnesses a shocking murder from the crowded grandstand. What first appears to be an isolated killing soon leads to a maze of corruption, blackmail, gambling scandals, and criminal intrigue. As Nick investigates, he encounters suspicious bookmakers, dishonest officials, rival gangsters, and a mysterious killer determined to stay ahead of the law. Nora, as always, is never far from the action, bringing her quick wit and fearless curiosity to the case. William Powell and Myrna Loy return in top form as Hollywood’s favorite married detectives, with Asta adding his usual comic charm. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, Shadow of the Thin Man is a stylish 1941 mystery-comedy packed with suspense, romance, sparkling dialogue, and the irresistible Nick-and-Nora chemistry that made the series a classic.

Screenplay

The Many Loves of Dobie GillisThe Many Loves of Dobie Gillis · 1959
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
★ 6.31959
SeriesComedy
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1959 to 1963. The series and several episode scripts were adapted from a 1951 collection of short stories of the same name, written by Max Shulman, who had also written a feature film adaptation of his short stories for MGM in 1953, The Affairs of Dobie Gillis. The series revolved around the life of teenager/young adult Dobie Gillis, who, along with his best friend, beatnik Maynard G. Krebs, struggles against the forces of his life - high school, the military, college, and his parents - as he aspires to attain both wealth and dates with girls. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis was produced by Martin Manulis Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Creator Shulman also wrote the theme song in collaboration with Lionel Newman.

Writer

The People's ChoiceThe People's Choice · 1955
The People's Choice
★ 7.01955
SeriesComedy
The People's Choice is an American television sitcom that aired on NBC from 1955 to 1958, primarily sponsored by The Borden Company. It stars Jackie Cooper as Socrates "Sock" Miller, an ex-Marine and a young politician in fictitious New City, California. Sock has a basset hound named "Cleo", whose thoughts, as she balefully observes Sock's dilemmas, are recorded on the soundtrack for the viewers' amusement. Cleo's real name was Bernadette. Much of Cleo's dialog consists of wisecracks. The popularity of the basset hound breed increased markedly with the run of the show. During the last season of The People's Choice, Croft began her eight-year role as Clara Randolph on ABC's The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. The versatile Croft had also been a semi-regular on Our Miss Brooks and I Love Lucy and a regular on The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy.

Creator