Howard Koch Quotes

A collection of quotes by Howard Koch.

Howard Koch was an American screenwriter and playwright, best known for his work in the Golden Age of Hollywood. He was born on December 12, 1902, in New York City. Koch graduated from the City College of New York and later studied law at Yale University, but ultimately found his true passion in writing.

In the 1930s, Koch became involved in political theater and co-founded the Group Theatre, where he wrote several successful stage plays. His breakthrough came in 1938 when he co-wrote the screenplay for the classic film "The Sea Hawk." However, it was his collaboration with Orson Welles on the screenplay for "Citizen Kane" in 1941 that solidified his reputation as a talented screenwriter.

During World War II, Koch dedicated himself to patriotic and anti-fascist themes in his work. He notably co-wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed film "Casablanca" (1942), which garnered an Academy Award nomination. Koch's screenplay for the 1943 film "Mission to Moscow" sparked controversy because of its favorable depiction of the Soviet Union.

In the 1950s, Koch was targeted by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) due to his alleged communist sympathies. He was blacklisted from Hollywood and struggled to find work for several years. Despite the challenges, Koch remained resilient and continued writing under pseudonyms until the blacklist era ended in the 1960s.

Howard Koch's contributions to Hollywood as a skilled screenwriter cannot be overstated. He passed away on August 17, 1995, leaving behind a legacy of significant films and plays that continue to be celebrated today.