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John Wexley

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John Wexley (1907 – February 4, 1985) was an American writer, best known for his play The Last Mile.

Early life and career

Wexley was born in New York City.[1] His early career involved acting as part of Eva Le Gallienne's Civic Repertory Theatre.[2]

Theatre

In 1930, Wexley wrote the play The Last Mile, one of the most prominent "prison dramas" of the 1930s.[1] Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times called it "a taut, searing drama" and "an evening of nerve-racking tension in the theatre".[2] A Pacific coast production was produced by Lillian Albertson at the Majestic Theatre in Los Angeles,[3] and it was adapted for the screen in 1932 and 1959.[1] In 1934, he wrote another play titled They Shall Not Die, a dramatization of the Scottsboro case and trials.[1] Brooks Atkinson described it as "a play of terrifying and courageous bluntness of statement".[2] In 1937, his play Steel was performed by Labor Stage.[4]

In 1946, Wexley's play Carrot and Club was performed by the Theatre Guild.[5]

Film

During the 1930s and 1940s, he wrote several screenplays. These included Angels with Dirty Faces in 1938, the 1939 films Confessions of a Nazi Spy and The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse, the 1943 film Hangmen Also Die!, and the 1947 film The Long Night.[1] In 1943, Wexley wrote an original screenplay for a film titled Malta. It was due to be produced by Joe Pasternak and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.[6] Philip Dorn and Donna Reed were cast to star in the film.[7] According to Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, Wexley had written a screenplay about General Mark W. Clark during the 1940s.[8]

Other work

In 1955, he published a book about Julius and Ethel Rosenberg titled The Judgment of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg.[1] He continued to write and lecture.[2]

Wexley also served in the military, but was discharged some time prior to December 1945.[9]

Personal life

After retiring, Wexley moved to Doylestown, Pennsylvania.[1] He was married to a woman named Katherine and had at least one child, a daughter named Thea.[2]

Wexley died of a heart attack on February 4, 1985, at the age of 77.[1]

Published works

Plays

Books

  • The Judgment of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1955)

Filmography

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "John Wexley; Playwright, Screenwriter: His Prison Drama for Broadway, 'The Last Mile,' Inspired 2 Films". Los Angeles Times. February 14, 1985. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Gussow, Mel (February 6, 1985). "John Wexley, 77, playwright, screenwriter and an author". The New York Times. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  3. ^ ""Last Mile" Announced". Los Angeles Times. May 9, 1930. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  4. ^ "Applause Woos Needle Workers". Los Angeles Times. July 12, 1938. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  5. ^ Hopper, Hedda (March 30, 1946). "Harvey III". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  6. ^ Schallert, Edwin (March 4, 1943). "Two 'Maltas' Planned; Lake, Tone Will Team". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  7. ^ "Philip Dorn and Donna Reed to Appear in 'Malta'". The New York Times. March 4, 1943. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  8. ^ Hopper, Hedda (February 4, 1943). "Hedda Hopper's Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  9. ^ "Film Writer Describes Beating at VJ-Day party". Los Angeles Times. December 4, 1945. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  10. ^ Schallert, Edwin (September 10, 1940). "'City for Conquest' Gains Luster Through Idealism". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
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