Der Reisepass, published in 1937, remains a defining work of the German literary career of Bruno Frank. Throughout a productive life, Frank navigated multiple disciplines as a writer, poet, playwright, and screenwriter. His trajectory shifted from the academic environments of Germany to the professional film studios of the United States, reflecting the displacement of the Exilliteratur movement.
Academic and Early Life
Born in 1887 in Stuttgart, Frank completed his foundational education at the Eberhard-Ludwigs-Gymnasium and Karls-Gymnasium Stuttgart. Between 1904 and 1911, he pursued higher learning across several institutions, including the University of Tübingen, the University of Freiburg, and the University of Strasbourg. His formal studies encompassed law and philosophy, providing the academic framework for his early career in Munich as a novelist and dramatist.
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Frank’s bibliography displays a varied approach to narrative, ranging from historical fiction to contemporary plays. Key novels include The Days of the King and Trenck, both from 1924, and the 1934 historical work A Man Called Cervantes. His stage work found success, notably with the 1927 play Twelve Thousand and the 1930 comic play Storm Over Patsy. Following his emigration, he continued publishing, producing One Fair Daughter in 1943. A collection titled The Magician and Other Stories appeared posthumously in 1947.
Emigration and Film Work
The Reichstag fire of 1933 marked a turning point in his life, forcing him to leave Germany. Accompanied by his wife, Liesl, Frank resided in Austria and England before settling in the United States in 1937. There, he reunited with Thomas Mann and Heinrich Mann. Frank established a presence in the American film industry, contributing to projects such as the 1939 film adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the 1945 production A Royal Scandal. His play Sturm im Wasserglas saw multiple film iterations, including the 1937 version Storm in a Teacup.
Fast facts
- Born: 1887, Stuttgart
- Died: 1945, Beverly Hills
- Education: University of Tübingen (1905-1911)
- Notable Work: Der Reisepass (1937)
- Citizenship: Germany
- Burial Site: Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of Frank's transition to screenwriting?
After emigrating to the United States in 1937, Frank adapted his existing playwriting skills to the film industry, contributing to works like The Hunchback of Notre Dame and A Royal Scandal.
Where is Bruno Frank buried?
Following his death in Beverly Hills in 1945, he was interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
Achievements
- Notable work: Der Reisepass (1937)
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