Garson Kanin - Definition and Overview

Garson Kanin (November 24 1912 - March 13, 1999) was an American writer and director of plays and films. Born in Rochester, New York, he is most notable for:

• In collaboration with his wife, actress Ruth Gordon, he wrote the classic Tracy/Hepburn film comedies, the 1949 Adam's Rib and the 1952 Pat and Mike, both directed by George Cukor.
• He wrote and staged the 1946 play Born Yesterday, which ran for 1642 performances; and the screenplay of the 1950 film adaptation.
• He directed the 1955 play The Diary of Anne Frank, which ran for 717 performances.
• He directed the 1964 musical Funny Girl, which ran for 1348 performances.

He was a colleague of Thorton Wilder, who mentored him, and an admirer of the work of Frank Capra. Kanin said "I'd rather be Capra than God, if there is a Capra." Kanin died at age 86 in New York City.