Julius J. Epstein

From Grokipedia

Julius J. Epstein (August 22, 1909 – December 30, 2000) was an American screenwriter of sharp, sardonic dialogue, best known for co-authoring the screenplay for the classic film Casablanca (1942). Born in New York City to a Jewish family, Epstein frequently collaborated with his twin brother Philip G. Epstein on projects for Warner Bros., beginning with early credits like Living on Velvet (1935).

Epstein's partnership with Philip and Howard Koch on Casablanca earned them the Academy Award for Best Screenplay in 1944, celebrated for its witty structure and enduring lines that defined the film's romantic intrigue amid wartime tension. He contributed to numerous other notable films, including adaptations of Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), and The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942), often infusing Broadway-derived humor into Hollywood productions. Later solo efforts like Send Me No Flowers (1964) and Cross of Iron (1977) showcased his versatility across genres, though none matched the acclaim of his Casablanca triumph. Epstein received additional Academy Award nominations for works such as Four Daughters (1938) and Strawberry Blonde (1941), underscoring his prolific output over five decades in the industry.

In brief

Julius J. Epstein (August 22, 1909 – December 30, 2000) was an American screenwriter, who had a long career, best remembered for his screenplay, written with his twin brother, Philip, and Howard E. Koch, of the film Casablanca (1942), for which the writers won an Academy Award.

It was adapted from an unpublished play, Everybody Comes to Rick's, written by Murray Bennett and Joan Alison. His identical twin died in 1952, a loss that he felt for the rest of his life. He continued writing, receiving two more Oscar nominations.