S. J. Perelman, the acclaimed Oscar-winning screenwriter, was a towering figure in the realm of American humor, celebrated for his unparalleled expertise in crafting concise yet impactful short fiction, as well as his ingenious manipulation of language through word play and satire.
His profound impact on the landscape of American humor is undeniable, with his innovative approach to storytelling and linguistic acrobatics leaving an indelible mark on a diverse array of humorists, including the legendary Woody Allen, who drew inspiration from Perelman's groundbreaking work.
Throughout his illustrious career, Perelman consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the world of comedy, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence and inspire generations of writers, comedians, and humorists to this day.
Born,
Simeon Joseph Perleman, an individual of significance, entered the world on February 1, 1904, in the bustling metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. As a young lad, he was relocated to the charming city of Providence, Rhode Island, where he would spend his formative years, shaping his character and laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
Perleman's formative years in the 1920s commenced with a promising start as a cartoonist and humorist, immersed in a vibrant social circle that boasted some of the most illustrious minds of the era, including the renowned Robert Benchley and the incomparable Dorothy Parker, both of whom were integral components of the legendary Algonquin Round Table, a gathering of the city's most erudite and witty individuals, although Perleman himself never officially held membership within this exclusive group.
Noted author, Perleman, initially gained recognition for his impressive literary output, comprising a diverse array of short stories, satirical writings, and humorous pieces, which were frequently published in esteemed magazines, including "The New Yorker". In fact, he was instrumental in popularizing the term "feuilletons", a term he borrowed from French literary tradition, to describe his unique brand of short, humorous pieces. Moreover, Perleman's work often took the form of clever parodies, where he would lovingly lampoon popular cultural phenomena, such as the hard-boiled detective fiction of the renowned author, Raymond Chandler. Additionally, he would regale readers with tales of his misadventures on his farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, offering a glimpse into his personal life and the humorous missteps that often befell him.
The comprehensive compilation of Perleman's esteemed feuilletons, a collection of his insightful and thought-provoking writings, was first published in book form in the 1940s.
He initiated his illustrious Broadway career by penning the book for the esteemed revue "Walk a Little Faster", which premiered during the 1932-33 theatrical season, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey in the world of musical theatre.
The initial trajectory of Perleman's plays was marked by a relatively short-lived success, with only 40 and 22 performances, respectively, failing to garner the same level of acclaim as his later works. It wasn't until the pivotal year of 1943 that Perleman's fortunes took a significant turn, as he co-wrote the musical "One Touch of Venus" alongside the renowned Ogden Nash, which ultimately ran for an impressive 567 performances, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the world of musical theatre.
Notable thespian Perleman's final foray onto the Great White Way, the 1963 comedy production "The Beauty Part", unfortunately, did not buck the trend of his previous Broadway endeavors, closing its curtains after a relatively brief run of only 85 performances.
Perleman's cinematic pursuits yielded a more pronounced level of success, as he authored screenplays for the iconic Marx Brothers' films, "Monkey Business" and "Horse Feathers", exemplifying his versatility and range as a writer. Throughout the early 1930s to the early 1940s, he continued to hone his craft as a screenwriter within the Hollywood studio system, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Noted screenwriter and filmmaker, David Perleman, garnered widespread recognition and acclaim when he took home the prestigious Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his remarkable work on the cinematic masterpiece, "Around the World in 80 Days", a film that ultimately went on to claim the esteemed title of Academy Award for Best Picture at the 1956 ceremony, a testament to its enduring appeal and excellence.
Noted American author and writer, Perleman, garnered a plethora of prestigious accolades throughout the course of his illustrious career, with a particularly notable honor being the special National Book Award bestowed upon him in 1978.
He departed this mortal coil on October 17, 1979, at the ripe old age of 75, in the bustling metropolis of New York City.
