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Screenwriter and MGM chief butt heads


March 2, 1943 - Release of The Human Comedy (New York City premiere).

The Human Comedy is a 1943 American comedy-drama film directed by Clarence Brown. Writer William Saroyan wanted desperately to direct his screenplay despite having no experience in directing. Louis B. Mayer told Saroyan that he would consider the request and assigned the writer to direct a one-reel short. The short film was a disappointment and studio stalwart Clarence Brown was promptly assigned. Saroyan was so bitter about the experience he wrote a play about Mayer soon after titled "Get Away Old Man". He also adapted the story he wrote for the film into a novel, which was published within weeks of the movie premiere and became a best seller.


Donna Reed appears as Andy Rooney's sister in the film.

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