Screenwriter. Born in Russia, she came to the United States as a child and studied law at New York University (NYU). She was active as a magazine editor and short story writer before settling in Hollywood, California in 1920. During her 40-year movie career, Levien worked mainly for 20th Century-Fox, Warner Bros. & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). She was best-suited for literary adaptations and biopics, and she shared an Academy Award (with William Ludwig) for "Interrupted Melody" (1955), which was based on the life of opera star Marjorie Lawrence. Her other films include "Tess of the Storm Country" (1931), "Cavalcade" (1933, Best Picture Oscar-winner), "In Old Chicago" (1938), "Kidnapped" (1938), "Drums Along the Mohawk" (1939), "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), "Rhapsody in Blue" (1945), "Quo Vadis?" (1951), "Oklahoma!" (1955) and "Pepe" (1960). Levien's final screen credit was for "State Fair" (1962), which she had previously adapted for films in 1933 and 1945, respectively. She was married to writer Carl Hovey.
Screenwriter. Born in Russia, she came to the United States as a child and studied law at New York University (NYU). She was active as a magazine editor and short story writer before settling in Hollywood, California in 1920. During her 40-year movie career, Levien worked mainly for 20th Century-Fox, Warner Bros. & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). She was best-suited for literary adaptations and biopics, and she shared an Academy Award (with William Ludwig) for "Interrupted Melody" (1955), which was based on the life of opera star Marjorie Lawrence. Her other films include "Tess of the Storm Country" (1931), "Cavalcade" (1933, Best Picture Oscar-winner), "In Old Chicago" (1938), "Kidnapped" (1938), "Drums Along the Mohawk" (1939), "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), "Rhapsody in Blue" (1945), "Quo Vadis?" (1951), "Oklahoma!" (1955) and "Pepe" (1960). Levien's final screen credit was for "State Fair" (1962), which she had previously adapted for films in 1933 and 1945, respectively. She was married to writer Carl Hovey.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
Family Members
Advertisement
