Born in the bustling metropolis of New York City, a hub of creativity and innovation, to Bertha and Samuel Strumwasser, a non-professional couple who instilled in him a love for the arts from a young age. He spent his formative years in the city that never sleeps, attending DeWitt Clinton High School, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Following his high school education, Strumwasser pursued higher learning at the College of New York and New Work University, where he honed his skills and expanded his knowledge in various fields. Although he had no formal stage training, his natural talent and dedication to his craft soon propelled him to the forefront of the entertainment industry.
In the early years of his career, Strumwasser wrote scripts for some of the most renowned stars of the Fox studio, including William Farnum, Dustin Farnum, William Russell, Shirley Mason, and Buck Jones. He also penned screenplays for two Zane Grey films, "Nevada" (1927) and "Drums of the Desert" (1927),both produced by Paramount Pictures.
Strumwasser's impressive portfolio continued to grow as he collaborated with Tom Mix, writing films such as "No Man's Gold" (1926),"The Great K & A Train Robbery" (1926),"Hard Boiled" (1926),"Daredevil's Reward" (1928),and "The Arizona Wildcat" (1927). His work with Mix spanned two years, cementing his reputation as a skilled and versatile screenwriter.
In 1930-31, Strumwasser took on the role of director of foreign productions for Fox, overseeing the production of films for international audiences. The following year, he was appointed assistant to Winfield R. Sheehan, the vice-president of Fox. This position provided him with invaluable experience and insight into the inner workings of the studio.
In 1933, Strumwasser produced his first film, "Smoky," in collaboration with Sol M. Wurtzel. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in film production, during which he went on to produce many successful "Charlie Chan" films, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the world of Hollywood cinema.
