Ben Hecht
Ben Hecht: A Life of Journalism, Activism, and Literature
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ben Hecht was born Benjamin Isaacson on February 2, 1894, in New York City. He is also known as B. B. (Bert Berenson) or Ben Hecht.
Birth and Death Dates
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He was born on February 2, 1894, and passed away on April 18, 1964.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Ben Hecht was an American journalist, screenwriter, playwright, novelist, and newspaper editor. He was a prominent figure in the early days of Hollywood and is often credited with coining the term "Hollywood Blacklist."
Early Life and Background
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Hecht was born into a family of Jewish immigrants from Hungary. His parents encouraged his love for literature and language from an early age. As a young man, Hecht worked as a journalist in Chicago before moving to New York City to become involved in the city's vibrant literary scene.
Major Accomplishments
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Hecht made significant contributions to American journalism, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Co-founding the New Front (1915-1916): He was part of a collective that published this radical newspaper in Chicago.
Founding editor of the Daily News (1929-1931): He led the transformation of the paper from a conservative to a more progressive publication.
Work on 'The Front Page' (1928): He co-wrote the classic play with Charles MacArthur, which is considered one of the greatest American plays.Notable Works or Actions
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Hecht's writing career spanned various genres and mediums. Some notable works include:
Novels: "Erik Dorn" (1921), "Fantasya" (1936), and "A Child of the Revolution" (1943)
Plays: "The Front Page," "Twentieth Century," and "Rope"
Screenplays: He wrote or co-wrote over 100 films, including "Scarface," "Gunga Din," and "Notorious"
Impact and Legacy
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Ben Hecht left an indelible mark on American literature and journalism. His innovative style and willingness to tackle difficult subjects paved the way for future generations of writers. Despite facing challenges throughout his career, he remained committed to social justice and human rights.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Hecht's life and work embody the spirit of innovation and activism that has captivated audiences for decades. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of staying true to one's values in the face of adversity. Through his writing, Hecht continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.
Quotes by Ben Hecht
A wise man will always allow a fool to rob him of ideas without yelling 'Thief.' If he is wise he has not been impoverished. Nor has the fool been enriched. The thief flatters us by stealing. We flatter him by complaining.
I see a lot of fog and a few lights. I like when life's hidden. Gives you a chance to imagine nice things. Nicer than they are.
There’s a thing that keeps surprising you about stormy old friends after they die—their silence. For a while an echo stays in your ear. You hear a laugh, a knowing phrase or two, a certain quality of enunciation. Then, nothing. Another death takes place—voices.
There is hardly one in three of us who live in the cities who is not sick with unused self.
Out of the thousand writers huffing and puffing through movieland, there are scarcely fifty men and women of wit and talent... Yet, in a curious way, there is not much difference between the product of a good writer and a bad one. They both have to toe the same mark.
In pre-movie days, the business of peddling lies about life was spotty and unorganized. It was carried on by the cheaper magazines, dime novels, the hinterland preachers and whooping politicians.
Producers are men who will keep their heads in the noisy presence of writers and directors and not be carried away by art in any of its subversive guises. Their task is to guard against the unusual. They are the trusted loyalists of cliche.