X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Samuel Hoffenstein Biography

Birth Name:Samuel Goodman Hoffenstein

Birth Place:Kera, Russia

Profession Writer

Fast Facts

  • A book of his poetry published after his death won critical acclaim
  • Was a graduate of Lafayette College in Pennsylvania
  • Immigrated to the United States and after graduating from college, he worked as a local reporter and eventually a drama critic for the New York Evening Sun
  • Wrote and collaborated on over thirty screenplays, some of which rose to classic film status, including "The Wizard of Oz," which he contributed to though his name did not appear in the credits
  • Wrote several scripts for director Julien Duvivier's films
  • His revisions to the screenplay of "Laura" moved it up from a B-movie to an A-movie
  • Had articles and short stories published in "New York World," "The New York Tribune," "Vanity Fair" and other venues

Awards

  • 1932Oscar-Best Writing, Adaptation: nominated
  • 1945Oscar-Best Writing, Screenplay: nominated
  • 2019Retro Hugo-Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form: nominated