Aben Kandel was an American novelist, screenwriter, and playwright born in Romania on October 15, 1897. He immigrated to the United States as a child and became known for writing fiction about immigrant life, as well as for his work in Hollywood. During his film career he contributed stories and screenplays for numerous productions, including the classic gangster film I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang. He continued writing into the late twentieth century and died in 1993.

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Best-known books:

City for Conquest (1926) – His most famous novel, depicting the lives and struggles of New York City’s immigrant communities. It was adapted into the 1940 film starring James Cagney and Ann Sheridan.

The Hanged Man (1924) – His debut novel.

Merry Andrew (1931) – A satirical novel.

Dreams Out of Darkness (1948) – A postwar novel exploring social themes.

Novels:

1924 The Hanged Man
1926 City for Conquest
1928 Black Hellen
1931 Merry Andrew
1937 His First Million Women
1948 Dreams Out of Darkness
1975 The Gods Get Angry

Short stories and collections:

Vaudeville (1931)
Numerous short stories published in magazines during the 1920s and 1930s.

Film-related writing:

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (story adaptation)
City for Conquest (based on his novel)
The Mad Miss Manton (screenplay contribution)
The Rich Are Always with Us (screenplay contribution)