Philip Dunning
Philip Hart Dunning | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Born |
Meriden, CT, United States | December 11, 1889
Died |
July 20, 1968 78) Westport, CT, United States | (aged
Nationality | US |
Other names | Philip Dunn |
Occupation | playwright, theatrical producer |
Known for | Broadway (play) |
Spouse(s) |
Edna Hibbard Frances Fox Dunning |
Philip Hart Dunning (born December 11, 1889 in Meriden, New Haven County, CT, United States, died July 20, 1968, age 78, Westport, Fairfield County, CT, United States) was a playwright and theatrical producer.[1]
Early years and education
Philip Dunning, one of six children, was the son of John M. Dunn, an electrochemist, and Mary Dunn. Philip completed two years of high school.[2]
Theater and films
Dunning began his career at age 12 as an extra and a carnival magician, and enlisted in the Navy during World War I. President Woodrow Wilson having made up his mind to visit Europe, Dunning was assigned to the SS George Washington to keep the President's party and the officers and crew in a happy frame of mind. One of his shipboard hits was a farce called Uncle Tom's Stateroom. The President enjoyed it and wrote his appreciation and signature on his program as a memento for Dunning. One of the acts, "Every Sailor," ran for 65 consecutive weeks in vaudeville after the war.
Dunning collaborated with George Abbott to create Broadway, one of the most successful plays of the 1920s. Dunning and Abbott produced Twentieth Century, the Ben Hecht-Charles MacArthur satire on the theater. Dunning served in the Navy during World War II and produced the all-Navy show Biff! Bang! He worked in Hollywood for Darryl Zanuck as a screenwriter.[3][4]
Death
Dunning and his wife had been swimming at Westport's Compo Beach. Upon their return home, Dunning complained of shortness of breath. He died of a myocardial infarct on the way to Norwalk Hospital and is interred in Assumption Cemetery, Westport, Connecticut.[5]
References
- ↑ Philip Dunning Dies In Westport; Dramatist. Hartford Courant. July 22, 1968
- ↑ PHILIP DUNNING GETS THE BREAK. The Hartford Courant. Sep 26, 1926
- ↑ Philip Dunning, Playwright, 76, Co-Author of 'Broadway,' Dies. New York Times. Jul 22, 1968
- ↑ Philip Dunning on the Internet Movie Database
- ↑ Philip Dunning on findagrave.com