Brooklyn-born writer/producer Harry Tugend embarked on a remarkable journey, commencing his career as a vaudevillian performer. He soon transitioned to crafting sketches, music, and gags for both radio and the Broadway stage, including the 1934 production of "Ziegfeld Follies". Tugend's work caught the attention of Fred Allen, and he subsequently joined Allen in Hollywood in 1935.
Under contract with 20th Century Fox as a screenwriter, Tugend primarily focused on musicals and light comedies, often featuring Alice Faye or Shirley Temple. His expertise in this genre led to his involvement in several successful films, including "Birth of the Blues" (1941),"Star Spangled Rhythm" (1942),and "Road to Bali" (1952).
In 1941, Tugend took on an executive role at Paramount, contributing to notable box office successes as both writer and producer. According to director Richard L. Bare, Tugend would invariably begin each project with the title, as this would set the tone for the story that would be written.
After leaving Paramount in 1952, Tugend continued to work as a freelance writer and producer until his retirement in 1965. Additionally, he played a significant role in the establishment of the Screen Writer's Guild, which later reorganized as the Writer's Guild of America in 1954.
Person Biography:
Harry Tugend was born in Brooklyn and began his career as a vaudevillian performer. He transitioned to writing for radio and the Broadway stage, and eventually joined Fred Allen in Hollywood. Tugend worked as a screenwriter for 20th Century Fox, primarily focusing on musicals and light comedies. He later took on an executive role at Paramount, contributing to several successful films. After leaving Paramount, Tugend continued to work as a freelance writer and producer until his retirement in 1965.
