Norman Panama

Norman Panama (* April 21, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois, † January 13, 2003 in Los Angeles, California ) was an American screenwriter, film producer, film director and writer.

Life and work

Panama had the fellow Melvin Frank met while studying at the University of Chicago and wrote his first play ( Keep Off the Grass, 1940 on Broadway ) with him. 1938 went two friends to Los Angeles, wrote manuscripts for numerous radio comedy shows and established in 1941 with the story of Bob Hope comedy "Beloved spy " ( My Favorite Blonde ) their first contact with the film. The following year, both men began their work as writers.

1950 were Panama and Frank first opportunity to be directing. They began making films to own screenplays, most successful in turbulent fabrics with star comedian Danny Kaye ( The Laughing bomb, White Christmas, The Court Jester ). In addition, especially Bob Hope the preferred star of the duo was ( I'm marrying my wife, so an affair and under the sole direction of Norman Panama: The Road to Hong Kong). Occasional trip to the dramatic subject ( The case of Tula ) were far less successful. Norman Panama / Melvin Frank's best-known play was Li'l Abner, the successful aufführten both men in the fall of 1956 on Broadway and directed the Panama also for television.

After 1961 both filmmakers went their separate ways. While Frank transposed amusing, boulevard -like comedies with witty and extensive dialogues, Norman Panama remained largely inactive in cinema. Instead, he led tv Director: Barnaby and Me, The Stewardesses, Mrs. Katz and Katz, How Come You Never See Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Together, Coffee, Tea or Me? . Norman Panama also wrote the novel The Glass Bed and pieces A Talent for Murder and The Bats of Portobello.

Panama has a total of three times nominated for the Oscar 1947 for The Road to Utopia, 1955 for The Laughing bomb and 1961, for example, an affair.

Filmography

As a screenwriter, co- author unless otherwise indicated: