Filmography

Filmography

Discover the Movies Based on George S. Kaufman’s Plays

From Broadway to Hollywood

Although most of George S. Kaufman’s comedies were turned into movies (always without his participation or supervision), he did write the screenplays to two classic comedies, as well as directing an underappreciated political comedy starring William Powell.

Roman Scandals
1933

Eddie Cantor plays a meek museum janitor in upstate New York who is transported back to the heady days of Ancient Rome.

Kaufman and Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Robert E. Sherwood collaborated on the story, filmed by Samuel Goldwyn productions.

Available on VHS: MGM (2000).

A Night at the Opera
1935

Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, who collaborated on the Marx Brothers first two films, wrote what is generally regarded as their finest film.

As The New Yorker put it, “The Marx Brothers do to “Il Trovatore” what should be done to “Il Trovatore.”” Include the “sanity clause” contract scene, and the stateroom scene.

Available on Warner Home Video DVD (2004).

The Senator was Indiscreet
1947

Although MGM producer Irving Thalberg had offered Kaufman a directing contract in the 1930s, it was not until 1947 that Kaufman directed his first picture, scripted by Charles MacArthur and Nunnally Johnson.

William Powell plays a powerful senator running for president who gets caught in a compromising position.

Out of print on VHS. Buy Used Like New on Amazon.

Selected film and television versions of George S. Kaufman plays

  • Beggar on Horseback (1925)
  • The Butter and Egg Man (1928)
  • The Cocoanuts (1929)
  • Animal Crackers (1930)
  • The Royal Family of Broadway (1930) (The Royal Family)
  • June Moon (1931)
  • The Tenderfoot (1932) (The Butter and Egg Man)
  • Make Me a Star (1932) (Merton of the Movies)
  • Once in a Lifetime (1932)
  • Dinner at Eight (1933)
  • Stage Door (1937)
  • First Lady (1937)
  • You Can’t Take It with You (1938) Sony DVD 2003
  • The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942)
  • George Washington Slept Here (1942)
  • Star Spangled Rhythm (1942)
    (sketch: “If Men Played Cards as Women Do”) Universal DVD 2002
  • The Late George Apley (1947)
  • Merton of the Movies (1947)
  • The Solid Gold Cadillac (1956) Sony DVD 2003
  • Silk Stockings (1957)
  • Of Thee I Sing (1972) (TV)
  • The Man Who Came to Dinner (1972) (TV)
  • June Moon (1974) (TV) (
  • The Royal Family (1977) (TV)
  • You Can’t Take It with You (1979) (TV)
  • You Can’t Take It with You (1984) (TV)
  • Dinner at Eight (1989) (TV)
  • The Man Who Came to Dinner (2000) (TV)

Contact Us Today

Interested in bringing George S. Kaufman’s timeless plays to your stage?

Please refer to the contact information for each specific play on the various collection pages for direct amateur and professional licensing information.

Plays are represented by Concord Theatricals, Broadway Dramatic Licensing, and Music Theatre International respectively

If you are interested in first-class performance or film/television rights:

In the US, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:

CPK Artists, LLC

In the UK, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:

Alan Brodie Representation

For more information about George S. Kaufman or this website, contact:

Laurence Maslon

Literary Trustee, George S. Kaufman Estate