Lebovics Menyhért, a Hungarian journalist, was born in the charming town of Balmazújváros, a place that would later shape his formative years and instill in him a passion for storytelling. As a young man, he embarked on a career as a journalist, initially working in the bustling city of Kassa, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in the field. His talent and dedication eventually led him to relocate to the capital city of Budapest, where he continued to make a name for himself as a respected and accomplished journalist.
The esteemed individual's inaugural theatrical endeavour, "A nagy fejedelem" (The Great Prince),made its captivating debut in 1907, courtesy of the renowned Thalia Company.
As his creative trajectory continued to unfold, his subsequent dramatic masterpiece, "A hálás utókor" (The Grateful Posterity),took centre stage at the prestigious Hungarian National Theatre in 1908, garnering widespread acclaim and, more notably, the esteemed Vojnits Award from the illustrious Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Péter Lengyel's theatrical masterpiece, "Taifun", initially penned in 1909, has transcended the boundaries of time and geography, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide with its enduring appeal, with numerous performances still being staged to this very day.
In addition, this remarkable play was later adapted into a cinematic production in the United States, specifically in 1914, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of Lengyel's creative vision.
The individual in question was an extremely productive writer, and his written works were frequently published in Nyugat, a renowned and influential Hungarian literary magazine that played a significant role in the country's literary scene.
László Lengyel's thought-provoking articles and literary works, which espoused a strong pacifist ideology, were meticulously compiled and published in prominent German and French newspapers, thereby disseminating his message of peace and harmony to a broader audience.
These influential writings, which showcased Lengyel's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex ideas in a simple yet effective manner, were later collected and compiled into a comprehensive book titled "Egyszerű gondolatok", or "Simple Thoughts", a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of pacifism and his dedication to sharing his vision with the world.
In the year 1916, a notable literary event took place, as a renowned author penned a captivating tale, specifically a "pantomime grotesque" entitled "The Miraculous Mandarin", which would later serve as the inspiration for a renowned composer's esteemed ballet, "The Miraculous Mandarin", crafted in the year 1924 by the illustrious Béla Bartók.
As the tumultuous era of World War I drew to a close, Lengyel embarked on a new chapter in his life, relocating to the United States in the aftermath of the devastating conflict.
In 1922, he published his personal account of his experiences, titled "Amerikai napló" or "American Journal", a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Beyond his literary pursuits, Lengyel's creative energies were also channeled into the world of cinema, where he held the position of story editor at May-Film in Berlin, utilizing his keen storytelling abilities to shape the narrative of numerous films.
Furthermore, his artistic talents were not limited to the screen, as he also collaborated as co-director of a prestigious theatre in Budapest, bringing his unique vision to the world of live performance.
Throughout his career, Lengyel's multifaceted talents and boundless creativity left an indelible mark on the world of film and theatre, cementing his status as a visionary artist of his time.
During the 1930s, Emmet Lengyel was dispatched to London, serving as a correspondent for the prestigious Hungarian newspaper, Pesti Napló. Concurrently, he authored the imaginative and visionary novel "A boldog város" (The Happy City) in 1931, which transported readers to an extraordinary American metropolis nestled in the depths of a colossal chasm, created by the cataclysmic Californian earthquake that had reshaped the region.
Lengyel made a significant career transition in the year 1937, relocating to the vibrant city of Hollywood, California, where he embarked on a new chapter as a screenwriter. His remarkable talent and creative flair soon began to yield impressive results, with several of his stories achieving widespread acclaim and becoming global phenomena. Two notable examples of his notable works include the critically acclaimed films "Ninotchka" (1939) and "To Be or Not to Be" (1942),which continue to be celebrated for their wit, humor, and timeless appeal.
Noted Hungarian author, Lengyel, made a significant career shift in the year 1960, when he decided to relocate to Italy, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
In recognition of his outstanding literary achievements, Lengyel was bestowed the prestigious Great Award of Rome in the year 1963, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
As he continued to hone his skills and build upon his reputation, Lengyel's work continued to captivate audiences and critics alike, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the literary world.
His remarkable journey, marked by both personal and professional triumphs, serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of his work on the literary landscape.
Following the tumultuous Hungarian Revolution of 1956, Lengyel frequently made the journey to Hungary, his homeland, and harbored a deep desire to return to his native soil and re-establish roots within its borders.
The municipal library situated in the heart of Balmazújváros, the hometown of the esteemed individual, was formally designated and renamed in the year 2004, in recognition of his profound impact and lasting legacy.
