Al Boasberg

Biography

Albert "Al" Boasberg, a luminary in the world of comedy and screenwriting, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry during the early 20th century. Hailing from the vibrant city of Buffalo, New York, Boasberg's creative genius became synonymous with some of the era's greatest comedians, forging lasting connections with legends such as George Burns, Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante, Harold Lloyd, and Buster Keaton. In the bustling days of Vaudeville, Boasberg's journey into the world of entertainment began at a sheet music store in Buffalo, where his knack for crafting witty gags drew entertainers seeking comedic inspiration. As fate would have it, a chance encounter with George Burns while peddling jewelry backstage at a local theater catapulted Boasberg into the heart of show business. Burns recognized Boasberg's talent, offering payment for polishing an old joke and sparking a series of encounters that would shape Boasberg's illustrious career. A prolific contributor to Hollywood's golden age, Boasberg's creative prowess graced over 60 features and shorts between 1926 and 1937. His timeless collaboration with Buster Keaton resulted in the iconic film "The General," a masterpiece that, despite its initial box office struggles in 1926, is now hailed as one of the greatest films of all time. Beyond his contributions to the Marx Brothers' comedic repertoire, including the 1935 hit "A Night at The Opera," and the 1937 classic "A Day at the Races," Boasberg also showcased his directorial talents in seventeen short films and a feature. Notably, his lone feature, adapted from the radio serial "Myrt and Marge," introduced audiences to the act that would later evolve into The Three Stooges. Boasberg's impact extended even into the 21st century when a snippet of his work found its place in the acclaimed film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" First released in 2000, the movie pays homage to the enduring legacy of Boasberg's comedic contributions. Tragically, Al Boasberg's brilliant career was cut short at the age of 45, just as he was on the brink of further collaborations with emerging Hollywood stars of the late 1930s and 40s. In the days leading up to his untimely demise, he was diligently crafting scripts for Jack Benny's radio show. On June 18, 1937, one day after signing a new contract, Boasberg suffered a fatal heart attack at his Beverly Hills home. His final resting place is in his beloved hometown at Forest Lawn Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire laughter and admiration in the hearts of comedy enthusiasts worldwide.