Person
Irving Brecher
Writing · 1914–2008 · New York City, New York, USA
Biography
Irving Brecher was an American screenwriter, producer, and director celebrated for his work in comedy. He began his career writing jokes for radio personalities before transitioning to film. Brecher was the only writer to receive sole credit on Marx Brothers films, penning At the Circus (1939) and Go West (1940). He also contributed to the screenplay of The Wizard of Oz (1939). Brecher created the radio and television sitcom The Life of Riley, which aired from 1944 to 1951, and directed the film Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). His sharp wit and comedic timing earned him a reputation as one of America's leading humorists.
Known for

The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
Writer

Go West
Screenplay

The People's Choice
Creator

Meet Me in St. Louis
Screenplay

The Life of Riley
Producer

Bye Bye Birdie
Screenplay

Du Barry Was a Lady
Screenplay

Somebody Loves Me
Director

The Unknown Marx Brothers
Self

Shadow of the Thin Man
Screenplay
Filmography
- 1993The Unknown Marx BrothersSelf
- 1982The Marx Brothers in a NutshellSelf
- 1963Bye Bye BirdieScreenplay
- 1961Sail a Crooked ShipDirector
- 1961Cry for HappyScreenplay
- 1959The Many Loves of Dobie GillisWriter
- 1959Meet Me in St. LouisOriginal Film Writer
- 1955The People's ChoiceCreator
- 1952Somebody Loves MeDirector
- 1949The Life of RileyProducer
- 1949The Life of RileyDirector
- 1945Yolanda and the ThiefScreenplay
- 1944Meet Me in St. LouisScreenplay
- 1943Best Foot ForwardScreenplay
- 1943Du Barry Was a LadyScreenplay
- 1941Shadow of the Thin ManScreenplay
- 1940Go WestScreenplay
- 1939At the CircusScreenplay
- 1937New Faces of 1937Screenplay
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