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Leonardo Bercovici papers
369
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Abstract: The collection consists of film scripts, radio scripts, playscripts, teleplays, correspondence, audiocassette tape recordings
of UCLA writing seminars conducted by Bercovici, and photographs.
Collector:
Bercovici, Leonardo
Dates: 1930-1990
Collection number: 369
Collection Size:
19 linear ft. of papers
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Available by appointment only.
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are responsible for obtaining all
necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies or individuals before quoting from or publishing
materials obtained from the library.
Leonardo Bercovici papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Bequest of the Leonardo Bercovici estate, 1996; and gift of Laura Olsher, 1998
Leonardo Bercovici was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1908. He started his writing career on Broadway, co-writing the play
"Substitute for Murder" and the book adaptation for "The Holmses of Baker Street" with William Jourdan Rapp. His film career
began in 1938 with the release of RACKET BUSTERS (1938), from an original screenplay by Bercovici and Robert Rossen. He also
provided the stories for PRISON TRAIN (1938) and CHASING DANGER (1939). During World War II, he worked for the film division
of the Office of War Information.
Bercovici is best-known for his work on two films released in the years following World War II: THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947),
which he co-wrote with Robert E. Sherwood and adapted from Robert Nathan's novel; and PORTRAIT OF JENNIE (1948), which he
adapted from Robert Nathan's novel for a screenplay by Paul Osborn and Peter Berneis. During this time he also wrote the screenplay
for THE LOST MOMENT (1947), adapted from Henry James' novel "The Aspern Papers," as well as the screenplay for KISS THE BLOOD
OFF MY HANDS (1948), adapted by Ben Maddow and Walter Bernstein from a novel by Gerald Butler.
In 1951, Bercovici was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee after being named by Edward Dmytryk
and Richard Collins. He denied that he was a Communist but would not say whether he had any previous connection to the party.
He was subsequently blacklisted and moved to Europe to find work. He wrote, produced, and directed SQUARE OF VIOLENCE (1961)
and STORY OF A WOMAN (1970). SQUARE OF VIOLENCE was co-written by Bercovici's son, Eric, who went on to become a screenwriter
and producer in film and television.
In the 1980s, Bercovici began conducting writing seminars at UCLA. He continued to teach until just before his death in 1995.
Not arranged in series.
Bercovici, Leonardo
Directors
Producers
Screenwriters