AP

Abraham Polonsky

35quotes

Abraham Polonsky: A Life of Writing and Activism


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Abraham Polonsky was born on December 29, 1910, in New York City to Jewish immigrant parents. His full name is often cited as Abraham Ilyaevich Polonsky.

Birth and Death Dates


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Polonsky was born on December 29, 1910, and passed away on April 26, 1999.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Polonsky held American nationality and worked as a screenwriter, novelist, essayist, and film director. He was a prominent figure in the Hollywood Blacklist era of the 1940s and 1950s.

Early Life and Background


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Growing up on Manhattan's Lower East Side, Polonsky developed an early interest in literature and politics. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia and Ukraine, and he was exposed to radical left-wing ideologies through his family. This exposure influenced his future work and activism. Polonsky attended the City College of New York (CCNY) before transferring to Columbia University.

Major Accomplishments


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Polonsky's writing career spanned over six decades and included numerous notable works:

Film scripts: He wrote for classic films like _Ivanhoe_ (1952), _Hoodlum Empire_ (1950), and the Academy Award-nominated _Force of Evil_ (1948).
 Novels: Polonsky's novels, such as _The Hanged Man_ (1975) and _Tell Me You Love Me, Julie_ (1969), explored themes of American society, politics, and human relationships.
Essays and journalism: He contributed to publications like the _Nation_, the _New York Post_, and the _Village Voice_. His essays often addressed social justice issues.

Notable Works or Actions


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Polonsky was an active participant in the Hollywood Blacklist era. He refused to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) during their investigations into communist affiliations within the film industry. In 1951, Polonsky testified before HUAC, but he also made it clear that he would not name names.

Impact and Legacy


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Polonsky's impact on American literature and cinema is undeniable:

Influence on filmmakers: His writing style and thematic focus have inspired many notable directors, including Martin Scorsese.
Social commentary: Through his work, Polonsky offered insightful critiques of American society, addressing issues like racism, poverty, and government corruption.
 Enduring themes: His exploration of human relationships and the complexities of American identity continues to resonate with audiences today.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Abraham Polonsky is remembered for his:

Commitment to social justice: His writing often served as a critique of societal ills, inspiring readers to take action.
 Unwavering activism: Polonsky's refusal to cooperate with HUAC and his continued advocacy for left-wing causes during the McCarthy era have cemented his legacy as a champion of free speech and intellectual freedom.
* Timeless themes: His exploration of human relationships, politics, and social commentary continues to captivate audiences today.

Quotes by Abraham Polonsky

Indians don’t last in prison. They weren’t born for it like the whites.
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Indians don’t last in prison. They weren’t born for it like the whites.
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Today in Germany, everyone is being watched – even the watchers.
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Today in Germany, everyone is being watched – even the watchers.
AP
This is Wall Street, and today is important. Because tomorrow, July 4th, I intended to make my first million dollars – an excitingday in a man’s life. The enterprise was slightly illegal.
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This is Wall Street, and today is important. Because tomorrow, July 4th, I intended to make my first million dollars – an excitingday in a man’s life. The enterprise was slightly illegal.
AP
Do you know what it’s like to love and be alone?
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Do you know what it’s like to love and be alone?
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Kids win this’n’that every day. Thousands of them. One out of a hundred fights professionally. One out of a thousand’s worth watchin’, one out of a million’s worth coffee and doughnuts.
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Kids win this’n’that every day. Thousands of them. One out of a hundred fights professionally. One out of a thousand’s worth watchin’, one out of a million’s worth coffee and doughnuts.
AP
If you don’t get killed, it’s a lucky day for anybody.
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If you don’t get killed, it’s a lucky day for anybody.
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Twenty years ago I wanted to move to a nice place so our Charley would grow up a nice boy and learn a profession. But instead we live in a jungle, so he can only be a wild animal. D’you think I picked the East Side like Columbus picked America?
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Twenty years ago I wanted to move to a nice place so our Charley would grow up a nice boy and learn a profession. But instead we live in a jungle, so he can only be a wild animal. D’you think I picked the East Side like Columbus picked America?
AP
A holiday is when you celebrate something that’s all finished up, that happened a long time ago and now there’s nothing left to celebrate but the dead.
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A holiday is when you celebrate something that’s all finished up, that happened a long time ago and now there’s nothing left to celebrate but the dead.
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I don’t take no dive for nobody. Whaddya think I am, a tanker!
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I don’t take no dive for nobody. Whaddya think I am, a tanker!
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A man could spend the rest of his life trying to remember what he shouldn’t have said.
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A man could spend the rest of his life trying to remember what he shouldn’t have said.
AP
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