Albert Maurice Hackett (February 16, 1900 – March 16, 1995) was a prominent American playwright and screenwriter renowned for his fruitful partnership with his wife, Frances Goodrich. Born in New York City to actress Florence Hackett and Maurice Hackett, he embarked on a successful writing career after marrying Goodrich.
In the late 1920s, the couple moved to Hollywood, where they adapted their stage hit "Up Pops the Devil" into a screenplay for Paramount Pictures. Their significant breakthrough came in 1934 when they penned the screenplay for "The Thin Man," under the guidance of director W. S. Van Dyke. The film, featuring the beloved characters Nick and Nora Charles, portrayed a modern marriage with sharp, witty dialogue, making it a major success and a precursor to the romantic comedy genre. This innovative approach was particularly noteworthy as it predated the stringent Hollywood Production Code.
Throughout their illustrious career, the Hacketts received numerous accolades, including Academy Award nominations for "The Thin Man," "After the Thin Man" (1936), "Father of the Bride" (1950), and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1955). They won Writers Guild of America awards for works such as "Easter Parade" (1949) and "The Diary of Anne Frank" (1959). Their original play, "The Diary of Anne Frank," earned them a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and recognition from the New York Drama Critics Circle. Other notable films include "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and "Another Thin Man" (1939).
