Frederick Hugh Herbert (May 29, 1897 - May 17, 1958) was a playwright, screenwriter,

novelist A novelist is an author or writer of novels, though often novelists also write in other genres of both fiction and non-fiction. Some novelists are professional novelists, thus make a living writing novels and other fiction, while others aspire to ...

short story A short story is a piece of prose fiction that typically can be read in one sitting and focuses on a self-contained incident or series of linked incidents, with the intent of evoking a single effect or mood. The short story is one of the oldest ...

writer, and infrequent

film director A film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the film crew and actors in the fulfilment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, p ...

Biography

Born in

Vienna, Austria en, Viennese , iso_code = AT-9 , registration_plate = W , postal_code_type = Postal code , postal_code = , timezone = CET , utc_offset = +1 , timezone_DST ...

, Herbert was educated at the

University of London The University of London (UoL; abbreviated as Lond or more rarely Londin in post-nominals) is a federal public research university located in London, England, United Kingdom. The university was established by royal charter in 1836 as a degree ...

. He emigrated in the United States from England on the S/S ''Kroonland'', which docked at the port of New York on September 11, 1920. He joined

Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film and television production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the main namesake division of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It is the fifth-oldes ...

as a film writer, beginning his career in 1926 with two projects starring

Conrad Nagel John Conrad Nagel (March 16, 1897 – February 24, 1970) was an American film, stage, television and radio actor. He was considered a famous matinée idol and leading man of the 1920s and 1930s. He was given an Academy Honorary Award in 1940 and ...

, ''The Waning Sex'' and ''There You Are!'', the latter adapted from his play of the same title. His screenwriting credits included '' Vanity Fair'', '' Fashions of 1934''; '' Smarty'' in 1934, adapted from his own play; '' Sitting Pretty''; ''

Dark Command ''Dark Command'' is a 1940 Western film starring Claire Trevor, John Wayne and Walter Pidgeon loosely based on Quantrill's Raiders during the American Civil War. Directed by Raoul Walsh from the novel by W. R. Burnett, ''Dark Command'' is the on ...

''; '' Our Very Own''; '' The Little Hut''; ''

Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! ''Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!'' is a 1948 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by F. Hugh Herbert, based on the novel of the same name by George Agnew Chamberlain. Released by 20th Century Fox, the film stars June Haver, Lon McCal ...

'' and '' The Girls of Pleasure Island'', the last two of which he also directed. He co-wrote a few films in which the similarly named, but unrelated actor Hugh Herbert appeared: '' Fashions of 1934'' (1934), ''

We're in the Money "The Gold Diggers' Song (We're in the Money)" is a song from the 1933 Warner Bros. film ''Gold Diggers of 1933'', sung in the opening sequence by Ginger Rogers and chorus. The entire song is never performed in the 1933 movie, though it introduce ...

'' (1935) and ''

Colleen Colleen is an Irish language name and is of Irish origin and a generic term for women or girls, from the Irish '' cailín'' 'girl/woman', the diminutive of '' caile'' 'woman, countrywoman'. Although it originates in the Irish language, Colleen ...

'' (1936). One of Herbert's most enduring creations was the character of American teenager Corliss Archer, who was introduced in 1943 in a series of ''Good Housekeeping'' short stories. The story cycle was quickly adapted to radio, as ''Meet Corliss Archer,'' and to theatre, as '' Kiss and Tell''.

Shirley Temple Shirley Temple Black (born Shirley Jane Temple;While Temple occasionally used "Jane" as a middle name, her birth certificate reads "Shirley Temple". Her birth certificate was altered to prolong her babyhood shortly after she signed with Fox in ...

performed Corliss on screen in the 1945 film version of '' Kiss and Tell'' and in the 1949 sequel, '' A Kiss for Corliss''. Herbert's property was later adapted as a comic book series also titled ''

Meet Corliss Archer ''Meet Corliss Archer'' is an American radio program from radio's Golden Age that ran from January 7, 1943, to September 30, 1956. Although it was CBS's answer to NBC's ''A Date with Judy'', it was also broadcast by NBC in 1948 as a summer repla ...

'', as well as a television series. Herbert's play ''

The Moon Is Blue ''The Moon Is Blue'' is a play by F. Hugh Herbert. A comedy in three acts, the play consists of one female and three male characters. Performance history ''The Moon Is Blue'' premiered at The Playhouse in Wilmington, Delaware on February 16, 19 ...

'' (1951) had a run of 924 performances on Broadway, which was adapted for the screen version produced and directed by Otto Preminger, who had been responsible for the stage production. The film adaptation, released in 1953, was controversial at the time owing to its frank language and sexual themes. When the

Breen office The Motion Picture Production Code was a set of industry guidelines for the self-censorship of content that was applied to most motion pictures released by major studios in the United States from 1934 to 1968. It is also popularly known as the ...

refused to give it a

Motion Picture Production Code The Motion Picture Production Code was a set of industry guidelines for the self-censorship of content that was applied to most motion pictures released by major studios in the United States from 1934 to 1968. It is also popularly known as the ...

seal of approval,

United Artists United Artists Corporation (UA), currently doing business as United Artists Digital Studios, is an American digital production company. Founded in 1919 by D. W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks, the studi ...

opted to release the film without one, and the success of the film was instrumental in weakening the long-standing influence of the Code.Fujiwara, Chris, ''The World and Its Double: The Life and Work of Otto Preminger''. New York: Macmillan Publishers 2009. , pp. 140-147 His 1947 play ''For Love or Money'' was filmed in 1959 as ''

This Happy Feeling ''This Happy Feeling'' is a 1959 (or 1958) American comedy film directed by Blake Edwards adapted from the F. Hugh Herbert play ''For Love or Money''. Edwards regretted Universal-International's eleventh hour decision of a name change, but the ...

''. He adapted the Italian play '' The Best House in Naples'' for Broadway in 1956. He wrote several novels including ''I'd Rather Be Kissed'' (1954). He also wrote a book of poems. Herbert won the

Writers Guild of America Award The Writers Guild of America Awards is an award for film, television, and radio writing including both fiction and non-fiction categories given by the Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America West since 1949. Eligibility Th ...

for ''Sitting Pretty'' and was nominated for ''The Moon is Blue''. He was president of the

Screen Writers Guild The Screen Writers Guild was an organization of Hollywood screenplay authors, formed as a union in 1933. In 1954, it became two different organizations: Writers Guild of America, West and the Writers Guild of America, East. Founding Screenwriter ...

from 1953 to 1954 and was chairman until 1957. The uncle of actress

Kathleen Hughes Kathleen Hughes (born Elizabeth Margaret von Gerkan; November 14, 1928) is an American actress. Early life Hughes' uncle, F. Hugh Herbert, was a playwright who authored ''Kiss and Tell'' and ''The Moon Is Blue''. Her desire to act was inspired ...

, he died in

Beverly Hills Beverly Hills is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. A notable and historic suburb of Greater Los Angeles, it is in a wealthy area immediately southwest of the Hollywood Hills, approximately northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Bev ...

Bibliography

Plays

*''Quiet, Please!'' (1940) *'' Kiss and Tell'' (1943) *''For Keeps'' (1944) *''For Love or Money'' (1947) *''

'' (1951) *''A Girl Can Tell'' (1953) *'' The Best House in Naples'' (1956)

Short fiction

;Stories

Filmography

:''As screenwriter unless otherwise indicated.'' * ''

The Waning Sex ''The Waning Sex'' is a 1926 American silent romantic comedy film directed by Robert Z. Leonard. Based on the 1923 play of the same name by Fanny and Frederic Hatton, the film starred Norma Shearer and Conrad Nagel. Synopsis Nina Duane (Norma ...

'' (1926) * ''

There You Are! ''There You Are!'' is a 1926 American silent comedy film directed by Edward Sedgwick. Based on the play of the same name by F. Hugh Herbert, the film starred Conrad Nagel and Edith Roberts. ''There You Are!'' is now considered lost. Plot Georg ...

'' (1926; also based on his play) * ''

The Demi-Bride ''The Demi-Bride'' is a 1927 American comedy film directed by Robert Z. Leonard, depicting the naughtiness synonymous with Paris at the time. The film is considered lost. A one minute fragment was shared by the Eye Filmmuseum. Synopsis Criquet ...

'' (1927) * ''

On Ze Boulevard ''On Ze Boulevard'' is a 1927 American comedy silent film directed by Harry F. Millarde and written by Earl Baldwin, William Scott Darling, Joseph Farnham and Richard Schayer. The film stars Lew Cody, Renée Adorée, Anton Vaverka, Dorothy Sebas ...

'' (1927; story) * '' Adam and Evil'' (1927) * ''

Tea for Three "Tea for Three" is an episode of the BBC sitcom, ''Only Fools and Horses''. It was the fourth episode of series 5, and was first broadcast on 21 September 1986. In the episode, Del and Rodney find themselves battling for the affections of Trigger ...

'' (1927) * '' Baby Mine'' (1928; scenario) * '' The Baby Cyclone'' (1928) * ''

Beau Broadway ''Beau Broadway'' is a lost 1928 American drama silent film directed by Malcolm St. Clair and written by F. Hugh Herbert, George O'Hara and Ralph Spence. The film stars Lew Cody, Aileen Pringle, Sue Carol, Hugh Trevor and Heinie Conklin. The ...

'' (1928) * '' The Baby Cyclone'' (1928) * ''

The Cardboard Lover ''The Cardboard Lover'' is a 1928 American silent romantic comedy film directed by Robert Z. Leonard and starring Marion Davies, Nils Asther and Jetta Goudal. It was produced by Cosmopolitan Productions and distributed by Metro Goldwyn Mayer. ...

'' (1928) * '' Lights of New York'' (1928) * '' A Single Man'' (1929) * '' Noisy Neighbors'' (1929) * ''

Murder on the Roof ''Murder on the Roof'' is a 1930 American Pre-Code mystery film directed by George B. Seitz. Cast * Dorothy Revier as Molly * Raymond Hatton as Drinkwater * Margaret Livingston as Marcia * David Newell as Ted Palmer * Paul Porcasi as Joe Caro ...

'' (1930) * '' Road to Yesterday'' (1930) * '' Road to Paradise'' (1930) * '' Vanity Fair'' (1932) * ''

The Stoker "The Stoker" (original German language, German: "Der Heizer") is a short story by Franz Kafka. Kafka wrote it as the first chapter of a novel he called ''Amerika (novel), Amerika'', but he abandoned the novel in 1913 and published the one complet ...

'' (1932) * '' The Penal Code'' (1932) * ''

The Constant Woman ''The Constant Woman'' (1933), also known as ''Auction in Souls'' and ''Hell in a Circus'', is an American Pre-Code film directed by Victor Schertzinger. It is based on the 1913 Eugene O'Neill play ''Recklessness''. Plot Marlene Underwood is a ...

'' (1933; adaptation and dialogue) * '' One Year Later'' (1933; also story) * ''

The Women in His Life ''The Women in His Life'' is a 1933 American pre-Code crime film directed by George B. Seitz and starring Otto Kruger. Cast * Otto Kruger as Kent 'Barry' Barringer * Una Merkel as Miss 'Simmy' Simmons * Ben Lyon as Roger McKane * Isabel Jew ...

'' (1933) * ''

By Candlelight ''By Candlelight'' is a 1933 American pre-Code comedy film directed by James Whale. The film is based on the Austrian play ''Candle Light'' by and Karl Farkas, which was adapted to the English-speaking stage by P. G. Wodehouse. The film stars ...

'' (1933) * '' Daring Daughters'' (1933) * '' Smarty'' (1934; also based on his play) * '' Fashions of 1934'' (1934) * '' The Journal of a Crime'' (1934) * '' The Dragon Murder Case'' (1934) * '' The Secret Bride'' (1934) * '' The Traveling Saleslady'' (1935) * '' The Widow from Monte Carlo'' (1935) * ''

Personal Maid's Secret ''Personal Maid's Secret'' is a 1935 American comedy film directed by Arthur Greville Collins and written by Lillie Hayward and F. Hugh Herbert. The film stars Margaret Lindsay, Warren Hull, Anita Louise, Ruth Donnelly, Arthur Treacher and Fran ...

'' (1935) * ''

If You Could Only Cook ''If You Could Only Cook'' (1935) is a screwball comedy of mistaken identity starring Herbert Marshall as a frustrated automobile executive and Jean Arthur as a young woman who talks him into posing as her husband so they can land jobs as a butle ...

'' (1935; story) * ''

'' (1936) * ''

Snowed Under ''Snowed Under'' is a 1936 American romantic comedy film directed by Ray Enright and starring George Brent as a playwright who is working under a tight deadline. He becomes snowed-in in his remote cabin with two ex-wives and a girlfriend, played ...

'' (1936) * ''

The Case of the Black Cat ''The Case of the Black Cat'' is a 1936 American mystery film directed by William C. McGann and an uncredited Alan Crosland, based on the 1935 Perry Mason novel '' The Case of the Caretaker's Cat'' by Erle Stanley Gardner. The film stars Ricardo ...

'' (1936) * '' As Good as Married'' (1937) * ''

The Road to Reno ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in En ...

'' (1938) * ''

That Certain Age ''That Certain Age'' is a 1938 American musical film directed by Edward Ludwig and starring Deanna Durbin and Melvyn Douglas. Based on a story by Aleen Leslie (Wetstein) that was adapted by F. Hugh Herbert, the film is about a dashing reporter who ...

'' (1938; story) * ''

'' (1940) * ''

Hit Parade of 1941 ''Hit Parade of 1941'' is a 1940 American film written by Bradford Ropes, F. Hugh Herbert and Maurice Leo and directed by John H. Auer. It was nominated for the Oscar for Best Song at the 13th Academy Awards with the song "Who Am I?", with mu ...

'' (1940) * '' Women in War'' (1940; also story) * ''

Three Faces West ''Three Faces West'' is a 1940 American drama film directed by Bernard Vorhaus and starring John Wayne, Sigrid Gurie and Charles Coburn. The film, mainly set in North Dakota was one of a handful of overtly anti-Nazi films produced by Hollywood ...

'' (1940) * '' Melody Ranch'' (1940) * ''

West Point Widow ''West Point Widow'' is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Robert Siodmak and starring Anne Shirley (actress), Anne Shirley, Richard Carlson (actor), Richard Carlson and Richard Denning.Greco, Joseph. ''The File on Robert Siodmak in Hollywood ...

'' (1941) * ''

My Heart Belongs to Daddy "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" is a song written by Cole Porter, for the 1938 musical ''Leave It to Me!'' which premiered on November 9, 1938. It was originally performed by Mary Martin, who played Dolly Winslow, the young "protégée" of a rich ne ...

'' (1942) * ''

Fly-by-Night Fly by Night or Fly-by-Night may refer to: Film and television * ''Fly-by-Night'' (film), a 1942 American thriller * ''Fly by Night'' (TV play), a 1962 Australian TV play * ''Fly by Night'', a 1992 film directed by Steve Gomer * ''Fly by Nig ...

'' (1942) * '' Together Again'' (1944) * '' Kiss and Tell'' (1945; also based on his play) * '' A Guy Could Change'' (1946; story) * '' Home Sweet Homicide'' (1946) * '' Margie'' (1946) * '' Sitting Pretty'' (1948) * ''

'' (1948; also directed) * '' Our Very Own'' (1950) * ''

Let's Make It Legal ''Let's Make It Legal'' is a 1951 American comedy film made by Twentieth Century-Fox, directed by Richard Sale and produced by Robert Bassler from a screenplay by I.A.L. Diamond and F. Hugh Herbert, based on a story by Mortimer Braus entitled ...

'' (1951) * '' The Girls of Pleasure Island'' (1953; also directed) * '' The Moon Is Blue'' (1953; also based on his play) * ''

Die Jungfrau auf dem Dach ''Die Jungfrau auf dem Dach'' (English translation: "The Virgin on the Roof") is a 1953 American comedy film produced and directed by Otto Preminger. The screenplay by Carl Zuckmayer is a German language translation of the script for ''The Moon Is ...

'' (1953; based on a translation of his play) * '' The Little Hut'' (1957; also produced) * ''

'' (1958); also adapted from his play)

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Herbert, F. Hugh Writers from Vienna 1897 births 1958 deaths 20th-century Austrian dramatists and playwrights 20th-century Austrian male writers 20th-century Austrian screenwriters Austrian emigrants to the United States Austrian film directors Austrian male dramatists and playwrights Austrian male screenwriters Esquire (magazine) people