Born in New York City. He wrote plays, TV scripts, and opera librettos as well as screenplays. He also served as president of the Screen Writers Guild from 1939-41 and 1947-48. Notable non-nominated credits include I AM A FUGITIVE FROM A CHAIN GANG (1932, uncredited), THE HOUSE ON 56TH STREET (1933), MASSACRE (1934), THE GREEN PASTURES (uncredited) and ANTHONY ADVERSE (both 1936), CHEERS FOR MISS BISHOP (1941), ONCE UPON A HONEYMOON (1942), OUR HEARTS WERE YOUNG AND GAY (1944, also producer), THE LOCKET (1946), EVERYTHING BUT THE TRUTH (1956) and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." (1964, TV series).  Writing (Screenplay) 1936: THE STORY OF LOUIS PASTEUR (w. Pierre Collings)  Writing (Original Story) 1936: THE STORY OF LOUIS PASTEUR (w. Pierre Collings) 2 nominations, 2 Awards