Morrie Ryskind

Ryskind, Morrie (1895–1985), librettist. Born in New York, where he studied at Columbia, he began his theatrical career by writing sketches and lyrics for The 49ers (1922) and Merry‐Go‐Round (1927). With George S. Kaufman he wrote the book for Animal Crackers (1928), then helped revise Kaufman's book for Strike Up the Band (1930). Ryskind shared a Pulitzer Prize with Kaufman and Ira Gershwin for his work on Of Thee I Sing (1931) and afterward rejoined them for Let 'Em Eat Cake (1933). Although he later wrote the book for the hit Louisiana Purchase (1940), his other theatre work was all on failed musicals. Ryskind was also a writer of screenplays.