Wolf Mankowitz
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Bibliography
Notes
Appointed Honorary Consul in Dublin to the Republic of Panama
Biography
A man of eclectic tastes, Wolf Mankowitz came to prominence as an author in the 1950s but many felt he failed to fully capitalize on his potential. The second son of an immigrant Russian Jew, he was raised in London's East End and attended the University of Cambridge on scholarship. After graduating, Mankowitz became a lecturer, magazine editor and owner of an antiques shop. He later came to be recognized as an expert in Wedgwood and published several monographs and encyclopedia about pottery and porcelain. With the publication of his first novel "Make Me an Offer" in 1952, he drew on his background as an antiques expert. Mankowitz adapted it as a stage musical before it was turned into a 1954 feature. The following year, he wrote his first screenplay, the charming "A Kid for Two Farthings" (1954), a semi-autobiographical series of vignettes directed by Carol Reed set in the Jewish quarter of London near Petticoat Lane which drew on Yiddish folklore as well as the author's childhood memories. After much stage work, he penned the film musical "Expresso Bongo" (1959), about a scheming talent agent, as well as adaptations of George Bernard Shaw's play "The Millionairess" (1960), the Jean Anouilh comedy "Waltz of the Toreadors" (1962) and L.P. Hartley's novel "The Hireling" (1973).
Faced with ill heath and tax problems, Mankowitz decamped to Ireland in the early 70s. A TV version of his biography "Dickens of London" was made for Yorkshire Television in 1976 and aired on PBS' "Masterpiece Theatre" the following year. He later became an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico (1982-1988) and published a number of novels. Mankowitz made a one-shot return to films, providing the screenplay for the 1983 documentary on Yiddish filmmaking, "Almonds and Raisins" (1983).
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Writer (Feature Film)
Life Events
1947
Began career as antiques dealer with a small shop in the Piccadilly Arcade in London
1949
Started specializing in antique Wedgwood
1952
Published first novel, "Make Me An Offer"
1954
First novel filmed, "Make Me an Offer"; also based on a musical play of his novel
1955
Wrote first screenplay "A Kid For Two Farthings", based on his book
1960
Penned screenplay adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's "The Millionairess"
1960
Set up own theatrical production company
1961
Began commuting with family between homes in England and Barbados
1961
With director Val Guest, co-wrote original screenplay "The Day the Earth Caught Fire"; received British Film Academy Award for Best Screenplay
1962
Scripted screen version of Jean Anouilh's "The Waltz of the Torreadors"
1963
Provided the book for the stage musical "Pickwick"
1967
Contributed to the script of "Casino Royale"
1971
Purchased home in County Cork, Ireland
1972
Sold antiques business
1973
Last screenplay for a decade, "The Hireling"
1977
Turned his biography "Dickens of London" into a TV miniseries (aired in the USA on PBS' "Masterpiece Theatre")
1981
Declared bankrupcy after losing a fight with British Inland Revenue which claimed he owed thousands in back taxes
1982
Was adjunct professor of English at the University of New Mexico
1983
Final produced screenplay "Almonds and Raisins"
1991
Disclosed he was suffering with cancer after publication of novel "A Night with Casanova"
Videos
Movie Clip
Trailer
Family
Companions
Bibliography
Notes
Appointed Honorary Consul in Dublin to the Republic of Panama
