Chester Erskine

Chester Erskine, born Chester Eckstein on November 29, 1905, in Hudson, New York, was an American director, producer, and writer whose career spanned Broadway and Hollywood. He died on April 7, 1986, in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 80.

Erskine received his early training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he studied for a brief period. His Broadway work included appearances and contributions as a book writer, with credits encompassing the plays Venus, What Do We Know?, and Puppets of Passion, all dating to 1927. His directorial career on Broadway began with Harlem in 1929, an all-black revue, and continued with The Last Mile in 1930, in which he directed Spencer Tracy. His prominence in New York theater circles was reflected in his inclusion among the caricatures drawn by Alex Gard for Sardi's, the well-known restaurant in the theater district; that portrait is now held in the collection of the New York Public Library.

In 1932, Erskine transitioned to Hollywood, where he built a substantial body of work as both a director and producer. Among his most recognized directorial efforts were The Egg and I and a screenplay adaptation of All My Sons. He also directed the 1949 mystery Take One False Step, starring William Powell, and the 1952 comedy A Girl in Every Port, featuring Groucho Marx. As a producer, he was responsible for The Wonderful Country, a 1959 western starring Robert Mitchum.

Erskine's papers, spanning 1870 to 1991 with the bulk of materials dating from 1930 to 1987, are preserved by the Billy Rose Theatre Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.