Wolf Mankowitz was a renowned playwright, screenwriter, and novelist, hailed as one of Britain's most prolific and successful writers. Dubbed "the rising hope of British musical theatre," he led an extravagant lifestyle, boasting three luxury homes, despite frequently finding himself in trouble with the taxman.
Born in London's East End, Mankowitz was the son of a Russian émigré, Solomon, who ran a second-hand book stall. Educated at East Ham Grammar School, he won a scholarship to Downing College, Cambridge, where he edited an undergraduate magazine and worked part-time in a bookshop.
After leaving Cambridge, Mankowitz wrote several books about pottery and porcelain, his first love, before penning the successful novel "Make Me An Offer" in 1952. Adapted for television, film, and stage, it became one of his most notable works. This was followed by the film "A Kid for Two Farthings" in 1955.
Mankowitz wrote screenplays for his own novels as well as for films such as "The Millionairess" (1960),"The Waltz of the Toreadors", "Casino Royale" (1967),"Black Beauty" (1971),and "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" (1961).
His success on stage and screen led him to become a theatrical impresario, and he wrote several other musicals, including "Pickwick" (1963) and "Stand and Deliver" (1972). In 1971, he purchased a home in Cork, Ireland, to take advantage of the country's lenient taxation policies for writers. However, in 1981, he was declared bankrupt, owing £53,000 in tax debts.
Patrick Galvin, an Irish playwright and screenwriter, praised Mankowitz, saying: "He had this enormous energy as a writer, coupled with a terrific knack for dialogue. He was a born playwright and a very professional man."
Mankowitz married Ann Margaret Seligman in 1944, and they had a son, Gered, who became a renowned photographer, specializing in capturing images of pop stars such as The Rolling Stones, Marianne Faithfull, Elton John, and John Barry.
