The Notorious Ben Hecht: A Literary Titan with a Checkered Past

The Notorious Ben Hecht: Iconoclastic Writer and Militant Zionist

by Julien Gorbach

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Ben Hecht, circa 1930s

Ben Hecht was a towering figure in American literature, known for his provocative and controversial works.

A Literary Titan

Born in 1894 in Racine, Wisconsin, Hecht's writing career began as a reporter for the Chicago Daily News. His sharp wit and incisive observations quickly made him a standout journalist.

In the 1920s, Hecht moved to Hollywood and became one of the most sought-after screenwriters in the industry. He penned classic films such as The Front Page (1931),Scarface (1932),and Nothing Sacred (1937),which earned him an Academy Award for Best Writing.

As a novelist, Hecht wrote several critically acclaimed works, including Erik Dorn (1921),Count Bruga (1925),and A Jew in Love (1931). His writing was characterized by its vivid imagery, dark humor, and exploration of complex moral themes.

A Checkered Past

Despite his literary brilliance, Hecht was a controversial figure throughout his life. His outspoken views and unconventional lifestyle often alienated his contemporaries.

Hecht was accused of anti-Semitism in his early years due to his depiction of Jewish characters in his novels. However, he later became a fierce advocate for Jewish causes and condemned the rise of fascism in Europe.

Hecht's personal life was also marked by scandal. He had numerous affairs and was married four times. His marriages were often tumultuous, and he was accused of domestic violence by his third wife.

Legacy

Ben Hecht died in 1964, leaving behind a complex and multifaceted legacy. His works continue to be studied and enjoyed by readers today, but his checkered past and controversial views have often overshadowed his literary achievements.

Hecht's writing is praised for its originality, its unflinching realism, and its exploration of the darker side of human nature. His characters are often complex and flawed, and his stories are often unsettling and thought-provoking.

Despite the controversies that have followed him, Hecht remains one of the most significant figures in American literature. His works are essential reading for anyone interested in the complexities of the human condition.

Selected Bibliography

• Erik Dorn (1921)
• Count Bruga (1925)
• A Jew in Love (1931)
• The Front Page (1931)
• Scarface (1932)
• Nothing Sacred (1937)
• The Book of Miracles (1956)

Further Reading

• The Ben Hecht Society
• Ben Hecht (Britannica)
• The Notorious Ben Hecht (New York Times)