Samuel Spewack

author

Samuel Spewack

1899–1971

Best known as half of the husband-and-wife team behind Kiss Me, Kate, this playwright and screenwriter helped shape American musical comedy with sharp dialogue and a feel for show business. Born in Ukraine and later based in New York, he built a long career in theater, film, and journalism.

2 Audiobooks

Exiles of the sky

Exiles of the sky

by Samuel Spewack

Murder in the Gilded Cage

Murder in the Gilded Cage

by Samuel Spewack

About the author

Samuel Spewack was a playwright, screenwriter, and journalist whose career stretched across Broadway, Hollywood, and the New York press. Born in Ukraine in 1899 and later associated closely with New York City, he became widely known for his creative partnership with his wife, Bella Spewack.

Together, Bella and Samuel Spewack wrote plays, screen work, and the book for Kiss Me, Kate, the classic musical inspired by Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Their collaboration made them one of the notable writing teams in American theater, blending comedy, theatrical know-how, and a lively sense of character.

Spewack died in 1971, but his work remains tied to the golden age of mid-20th-century entertainment. For listeners exploring theater history, he stands out as a writer who moved easily between journalism and the stage while helping create one of Broadway's most enduring musicals.