Definition
Harry Kurnitz (October 30, 1912 – September 20, 1998) was an American journalist, novelist, playwright, and screenwriter best known for his work on Broadway comedies and Hollywood film adaptations during the mid‑20th century.
Overview
Born in New York City, Kurnitz began his professional life as a reporter for the Boston Herald before turning to fiction writing. He authored a series of mystery novels, many published under the pseudonym “Sidney L. Reed.” In the 1950s he transitioned to screenwriting in Hollywood, where his scripts were noted for their witty dialogue and brisk pacing. Notable film credits include the screenplay for The Moon Is Blue (1953) and the adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution (1957). On Broadway, Kurnitz achieved success with the comedy The Gazebo (1959), which was later adapted for the screen starring Glenn Ford and Debbie Reynolds. He continued to write for stage and screen throughout the 1960s and retired from active work in the early 1970s. Kurnitz died in Los Angeles at the age of 85.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Kurnitz” is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, derived from the Germanic personal name “Korn‑” (meaning “grain”) combined with the diminutive suffix “‑itz.” The given name “Harry” is the English diminutive of “Harold,” from Old English here “army” and weald “ruler.”
Characteristics
- Genre and Style: Kurnitz specialized in comedy and mystery, favoring sharp, rapid‑fire dialogue and plot structures that balanced humor with suspense.
- Adaptation Skill: His screenplays often involved translating stage or literary works to film, preserving the original’s tone while making adjustments for cinematic storytelling.
- Collaborations: Frequently worked with directors such as Otto Preminger (The Moon Is Blue) and Billy Wilder (adaptation of Witness for the Prosecution).
- Theatrical Success: Demonstrated a strong command of theatrical timing, evident in the sustained popularity of The Gazebo and its successful film version.
Related Topics
- The Moon Is Blue (1953 film)
- Witness for the Prosecution (1957 film adaptation)
- Broadway comedy The Gazebo (1959)
- Mid‑20th‑century American screenwriting
- Adaptation of stage plays to cinema
- Other contemporary playwright‑screenwriters such as George Axelrod and Neil Simon.