Wissenswertes

He dictated the script for "Citizen Kane" from his bedside, having broken his leg.

Distinguished American screenwriter, noted for his satirical, often iconoclastic wit and sophisticated style of writing. Educated at Columbia University and in Berlin, he first worked as a correspondent for "The Chicago Tribune". After his return to the US, he became drama editor for "The New York Times" and "The New Yorker" magazine, before his move to Hollywood in 1926. Through his journalistic background, he knew William Randolph Hearst, and the creation of the titular character of Citizen Kane (1941) is generally credited to him, rather than Orson Welles. Moreover, "Rosebud" was a bicycle stolen from him while he was a child living in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Under contract at Paramount (1926-32), MGM (1933-40) and RKO (1940, 1944-48). He was often at odds with the studios. On one occasion, Warner Brothers assigned him to a Rin Tin Tin picture as a form of punishment. Mankiewicz consequently presented a script which had the dog carrying a baby INTO a burning house.

Brother of writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Erna Mankiewicz.

Mankiewicz's Oscar statuette sold for $588,455, when it was auctioned by Nate D. Sanders Memorabilia on 28 February 2012.

One of his least known accomplishments was serving as the producer (uncredited) on three classic Marx Brothers films. Another film intended for the Marx Brothers, written by his brother, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, was rejected by the brothers and was cast with Jack Oakey and W. C. Fields.

One of "The New Yorker" magazine's first theatre critics, he left the magazine--like many other colleagues--to write for Hollywood.

Grandfather of Timothy, Jesse, Antonia and Nick Davis (Johanna's children); John Mankiewicz (Don's son); Ben Mankiewicz and Josh Mankiewicz (Frank's sons).

Uncle of Tom Mankiewicz, Christopher Mankiewicz and Alexandra.

Father of Don Mankiewicz, Frank Mankiewicz and the late novelist Johanna Mankiewicz Davis.

Played by John Malkovich in RKO 281 and Gary Oldman in Mank (2020).

Distantly related to Zev Chafets. Chafets' cousin, Joseph Stenbuck, was married to his sister, Erna Mankiewicz.