Ted Allan, a celebrated Canadian screenwriter, author, and poet, was born Alan Herman on January 26, 1916, in the vibrant city of Montreal. With a distinctive professional identity as Ted Allan, he left an indelible mark on the world of literature and cinema.
Ted Allan's professional trajectory was distinguished by a plethora of prestigious recognitions, with a notable nod in 1975 for the Academy Award for Best Writing (Original Screenplay) for his work on the film Lies My Father Told Me. This remarkable achievement was merely the beginning of his list of accomplishments, as he also garnered a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film for the same film.
Ted Allan's formative years were profoundly shaped by his enduring and meaningful friendship with the renowned Canadian physician and humanitarian Norman Bethune, a connection that was first forged in 1934.
In February 1937, Ted Allan took the courageous decision to join the Lincoln Battalion of the International Brigades, a prestigious and storied organization dedicated to combating the scourge of fascism in the Spanish Civil War.
Throughout his time on the front lines, Ted Allan demonstrated his versatility and resourcefulness by taking on a variety of roles, including that of a reporter, where he skillfully broadcasted to America from the war-torn city of Madrid, providing a firsthand account of the conflict to a global audience.
Moreover, Ted Allan had the privilege of collaborating with his close friend and mentor, Norman Bethune, a partnership that undoubtedly deepened their bond and allowed them to pool their skills and expertise in the pursuit of their shared goals.
Ted Allan, a renowned author, made his literary debut in 1939 with the publication of his inaugural novel, This Time a Better Earth, which was deeply influenced by his personal experiences during the tumultuous Spanish Civil War.
In the early 1950s, Allan collaborated with Sydney Gordon to co-author a highly acclaimed biography, The Scalpel, The Sword, which centered around the remarkable life of Dr. Norman Bethune, a Canadian physician and humanitarian.
Ted Allan's creative output continued to flourish, as he drew upon his rich reservoir of experiences and insights to craft compelling narratives that captivated readers and left a lasting impact on the literary world.
Ted Allan's most renowned and remarkable contribution to the world of cinema is undoubtedly his work on the 1990 film Bethune: The Making of a Hero, for which he penned the screenplay. This film, which marked a significant milestone in the history of international co-productions, was the first official collaboration between Chinese and foreign filmmakers. The movie boasts an impressive cast, featuring the renowned talents of Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren. The film's production was a truly global effort, with scenes shot in three different countries: China, Montreal, and Spain.
Ted Allan's creative endeavors extended far beyond the realm of film, as he was also a prolific playwright. One of his most notable literary achievements was co-authoring the screenplay for John Cassavetes's critically acclaimed movie, Love Streams, which garnered the prestigious Golden Bear Award at the esteemed Berlin International Film Festival in 1984. This cinematic masterpiece was actually adapted from one of Allan's original plays, I've Seen You Cut Lemons, which made its theatrical debut under the direction of Sean Connery at the renowned Fortune Theatre in London back in 1969.
Ted Allan, a renowned literary figure, was bestowed the prestigious Stephen Leacock Award in the year 1985, in recognition of his captivating novel, "Love Is a Long Shot". This esteemed honor was a testament to his remarkable writing skills and his ability to craft compelling stories that resonated with readers.
Sadly, Ted Allan's life came to a close on June 29, 1995, when he passed away at the age of 79, due to respiratory failure. His passing left a void in the literary world, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through his body of work, which remains a beloved part of Canadian literary history.
