Born in Warsaw, Russian Empire (now Poland). A former comedy writer for Bob Hope's radio show, he wrote screenplays for many light Hollywood films, often in collaboration with Melville Shavelson. His writing credits include ROAD TO RIO (1947), THE PALEFACE (gags only, 1948), ON MOONLIGHT BAY (1951), APRIL IN PARIS (1952), THE SEVEN LITTLE FOYS (1955, also producer), BEAU JAMES (1957, also producer), THE FIVE PENNIES (also producer, 1959), IT STARTED IN NAPLES (also producer, 1960), PAPA'S DELICATE CONDITION (also producer, 1963), THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET (also producer, 1964), and THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER (1981).  Nominated for Writing (Story and Screenplay) 1955: THE SEVEN LITTLE FOYS (w. Melville Shavelson)  Nominated for Writing (Story and Screenplay) 1958: HOUSEBOAT (w. Melville Shavelson)  Nominated for Writing (Best Story and Screenplay Based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Published or Produced) 1973: A TOUCH OF CLASS (w. Melvin Frank) 3 nominations