Bob Mitchell, a distinguished and accomplished individual, was born in the enchanting city of Casper, Wyoming, in the year 1918. His academic odyssey led him to the esteemed University of Wyoming, where he showcased his remarkable versatility by conceiving, co-authoring, and directing not one, but two ASCAP award-winning musicals.
Mitchell's remarkable journey began with his prestigious appointment as a lieutenant within the renowned 7th Infantry Division of the United States Army, a distinguished unit that played a pivotal role in the global conflict of World War II. As he ventured into the midst of the war, Mitchell's military career took him to the distant and unforgiving Attu Island, situated off the rugged coast of Alaska, as well as other strategic locations in the Pacific theater.
After the war came to a close, Mitchell was reunited with his spouse, Esther Mitchell, in the glamorous and vibrant city of Hollywood, where he embarked on a remarkably successful career in radio. During this period, he collaborated with his collegiate companion, Gene Levitt, to write an astonishing 200 episodes of the extremely popular radio show "Phillip Marlowe".
This creative partnership proved to be a fruitful one, as the duo's families subsequently relocated to the bustling metropolis of New York to contribute their writing talents to the esteemed television program of the charismatic entertainer, Steve Allen. Notably, this professional relationship endured for many years, with Allen ultimately becoming a lifelong friend and confidant to Mitchell.
Mitchell's partnership with Levitt and his work on "Phillip Marlowe" demonstrated his remarkable ability to craft compelling stories and characters, which would serve him well in his future endeavors.
As Mitchell settled back into his native City of Angels, he dedicated himself to honing his artistic talents, pouring his creative energies into crafting engaging scripts for a variety of influential television programs.
Among his notable credits, Mitchell worked on the pioneering "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show", a groundbreaking series that made its debut in 1956, and the highly successful "Highway Patrol" series, which premiered in 1955, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action and suspense.
Furthermore, Mitchell's remarkable writing skills also led him to contribute to the esteemed "Perry Mason" show, a beloved and enduring series that first aired in 1957, introducing viewers to the iconic lawyer and his fascinating cases.
Esther, his wife, joined forces with him as a writing partner, marking the beginning of a long-standing and fruitful collaboration that would span over two decades. This pivotal moment in his professional journey paved the way for a remarkable partnership that would soon become a dominant and respected force within the entertainment industry. As they worked together, they would leave an indelible mark on the world of television and beyond, their creative synergy and shared vision forging a lasting legacy that would be felt for years to come.
