Irving Brecher

Irving Brecher

Actor · Director · Producer · Writer

New York City, New York, USA
January 17, 1914

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.

Photo

Irving Brecher 1

Representative Works

At the Circus
At the Circus
6.4
/ English
Go West
Go West
6.6
/ English
Bye Bye Birdie
Bye Bye Birdie
5.9
/ English
Du Barry Was a Lady
Du Barry Was a Lady
6.5
/ English
Cry for Happy
Cry for Happy
5.4
/ English
Best Foot Forward
Best Foot Forward
6.8
/ English
Somebody Loves Me
Somebody Loves Me
8.8
/ English
New Faces of 1937
New Faces of 1937
5.3
/ English

Awards and Honors

Critical Favorites

Meet Me in St. Louis
1944Nominee

Best Writing

Meet Me in St. Louis

At the Circus
1939Nominee

Best Writing

At the Circus

Go West
1940Nominee

Best Writing

Go West

Career Highlights

Bye Bye Birdie
1963Highlight

Best Writing

Bye Bye Birdie

Shadow of the Thin Man
1941Highlight

Best Writing

Shadow of the Thin Man

Video