Paul Dehn

Paul Dehn
Name	Paul Dehn
Birth date	5 November 1912
Birth place	Manchester, England
Death date	30 September 1976
Death place	London, England
Occupation	Screenwriter, poet, critic
Notable works	Goldfinger, Planet of the Apes sequels, Murder on the Orient Express
Awards	Academy Award (1951), Edgar Award (1975)

Paul Dehn. Paul Dehn was a distinguished English screenwriter, poet, film critic, and lyricist, celebrated for his sharp wit and versatile contributions to mid-20th century cinema and theatre. He achieved significant acclaim for his work on major film franchises, including the James Bond series and the *Planet of the Apes* sequels, while also maintaining a respected parallel career as a poet and broadcaster. His career, spanning from the 1930s to the 1970s, earned him prestigious honors such as an Academy Award and an Edgar Award.

Early life and education

He was born in Manchester and educated at Shrewsbury School, a prominent independent institution. He subsequently studied at Brasenose College within the University of Oxford, where he developed his literary talents. During his time at Oxford, he became involved with the prestigious Oxford University Dramatic Society and contributed to the university magazine, *The Isis*. This formative period solidified his passion for writing and performance, laying the groundwork for his future multifaceted career.

Career

Dehn began his professional life as a film critic for the London newspaper the Sunday Referee and later for the influential News Chronicle. His critical eye and eloquent prose quickly established his reputation in London's cultural circles. During World War II, he served with the British Army's Film Production Unit of the Royal Air Force, creating propaganda and instructional films. After the war, he transitioned successfully into screenwriting, with his first major credit being the acclaimed anthology film Quartet, based on stories by W. Somerset Maugham.

Film and television work

His film career is marked by intelligent adaptations and genre-defining sequels. He co-wrote the screenplay for the James Bond film Goldfinger, contributing to the iconic spy franchise's global success. He later penned the screenplays for three sequels in the *Planet of the Apes* series: Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, and Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. Other notable film credits include the Agatha Christie adaptation Murder on the Orient Express, for which he received an Edgar Award, and the thriller The Spy Who Came In from the Cold. For television, he wrote for the ATV series The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Stage and radio work

Parallel to his film work, Dehn was an accomplished writer for the stage and radio. He authored several plays, including *The Dog It Was That Died* and *The Madhouse on Madison Street*. He enjoyed a long and fruitful collaboration with composer James Bernard, with whom he wrote the musical *The Platinum Cat*. For BBC Radio, he was a regular contributor, known for his witty verse and reviews on the celebrated programme The Critics. His poetry collections, such as *The Fern on the Rock* and *Romantic Landscape*, further demonstrated his literary range.

Personal life and death

He was in a lifelong partnership with composer James Bernard, with whom he shared a home in London and later in Ibiza. Their creative and personal partnership was a central aspect of his life. He was known among friends and colleagues for his generosity, humor, and intellectual vigor. He died of cancer in London in 1976 at the age of 63. His personal papers and archives are held at the British Film Institute.

Legacy and awards

Dehn's legacy endures through his influential screenplays that helped shape popular cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. He won an Academy Award for Best Story for the film Seven Days to Noon in 1951. His screenplay for Murder on the Orient Express earned him an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. His work is frequently studied for its narrative craft and his ability to infuse genre films with political subtext and literary quality, securing his place in the history of British cinema.

Category:English screenwriters Category:English poets Category:1912 births Category:1976 deaths