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Full articleEleazar Lipsky was an American prosecutor, lawyer, novelist, and playwright known for his legal expertise and crime novels that served as the basis for acclaimed Hollywood films, including Kiss of Death (1947) and The People Against O'Hara (1951).
Born in the Bronx, New York, on September 6, 1911, Lipsky worked as an assistant district attorney in New York City during the 1940s, experience that deeply influenced his authentic portrayals of the criminal justice system in his writing. His debut novel, published as The Hoodlum, was adapted into the 1947 film Kiss of Death, which notably introduced actor Richard Widmark in a memorable villainous role. Lipsky's The People Against O'Hara became the 1951 motion picture starring Spencer Tracy, further establishing his reputation for gripping courtroom and underworld narratives. He also wrote additional novels such as Murder One, Malpractice, and The Scientists, as well as a radio mystery series titled Indictment.
Beyond his literary career, Lipsky served as legal counsel to the Mystery Writers of America and the New York City Artists Equity. He died of pneumonia in New York City on February 14, 1993, at the age of 81.
In brief
Eleazar Lipsky (September 6, 1911 – February 14, 1993) was a prosecutor, lawyer, novelist and playwright born in the Bronx, New York, United States. He wrote the novels that formed the basis of two very successful films, Kiss of Death (based on a 100-page manuscript) and The People Against O'Hara (based on his detective novel). Other novels include Lincoln McKeever (1953), The Devil's Daughter (Meredith Press, 1969, based on the legal troubles of William Sharon) and The Scientists (1959), a Book-of-the-Month Club selection.
Lipsky, who practiced law until three weeks before his death, was an assistant district attorney for Manhattan in the 1940s and later had a diversified law practice in Manhattan and served as legal counsel to the Mystery Writers of America. Lipsky was active in many Jewish organizations. In the 1960s, he was the president of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
