David Freedman

In the vibrant landscape of early 20th-century entertainment, David Freedman emerged as a prolific and versatile writer who would become known as the "King of the Gag-writers" during radio's golden age. His remarkable career spanned multiple media, leaving an indelible mark on American comedy and entertainment.

Early Life and Immigrant Roots

Born on April 26, 1898, in Botoșani, Romania, David Freedman was the first child and only son of Sara and Israel Freedman. His family's journey to the United States began in 1900 when his father, a political refugee, immigrated with his young family. Four years later, David's sister Sophie became the first Freedman born in the U.S. Freedman's path to success was paved through education and determination. He graduated from the City College of New York in 1918, becoming the first in his family to complete a formal education beyond high school. That same year, he married Beatrice Goodman, a fellow New Yorker, and they would go on to have four children: Benedict, David Noel, Toby, and a daughter later known as Laurie Hayden.

Rise as a Versatile Writer

From 1924 onward, Freedman established himself as a self-employed writer with remarkable versatility. He created lyrics for musicals and maintained a consistent presence on Broadway, with shows nearly every year from 1926 through 1937. His novel Mendel Marantz (1925) showcased his wit, featuring a Jewish father known for clever remarks. When radio began to replace vaudeville, Freedman was perfectly positioned to excel. He became incredibly prolific, creating up to six entertainment programs weekly for several years. His reputation as a popular and adaptable writer allowed him to seamlessly transition into this new medium, and he eventually expanded his work into movies as well.

Biographical Writing and Collaborations

Freedman was not just a comedy writer but also an accomplished biographer. His first biography, My Life Is in Your Hands (1928), a memoir "as told to" him by Eddie Cantor, became a bestseller. He collaborated with Cantor on a biography of showman Ziegfeld, Ziegfeld: the Great Glorifier (1934), which was later used as source material for the film Ziegfeld Follies (1945). In the mid-1930s, he contributed scripts for short comedies produced in New York, with his most notable work probably being a comedy starring a comedian as an inept fireman.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

According to his son David Noel Freedman, most of his father's contemporary jokes might not resonate with modern audiences, as they were deeply rooted in the sensitivities of his era. However, Freedman's stories were noted to have a timeless quality. His family honored his memory by posthumously publishing The Intellectual Lover (1940), a collection of short stories originally published between 1922 and 1928. Interestingly, Freedman enjoyed brief but significant international recognition. Four of his books were translated into Russian in 1926 and became tremendously popular, with Mendel's witty "definitions" being widely quoted. Though eventually overshadowed by other comic writers, his work maintained a cultural foothold.

Untimely Conclusion

Tragically, Freedman's promising career was cut short. He suffered a massive heart attack on December 7, 1936, and passed away the following day in his Manhattan apartment. He was survived by his wife Beatrice and their four children, ranging in age from just under 17 to just under 2 years old. He was buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Queens.

Works and Appearances

Radio Programs

• Created up to six entertainment programs weekly (1924-1936)

Books

• Mendel Marantz (1925)
• My Life Is in Your Hands (1928)
• Phantom Fame (1931)
• Ziegfeld: the Great Glorifier (1934)
• The Intellectual Lover and Other Stories (1940)

Broadway Shows

• Mendel, Inc. (1929)
• Ziegfeld Follies of 1936
• Crazy Quilt
• Sweet and Low

Films

• The Heart of New York (1932)
• Ziegfeld Follies (1945, posthumous)

David Freedman's brief but brilliant career exemplifies the dynamic and innovative spirit of early 20th-century American entertainment, bridging vaudeville, radio, theater, and film with remarkable wit and creativity.