Woollcott, Alexander Humphreys (1887-1943)

American literary and dramatic critic and journalist, best known for his whimsical and sentimental essays and radio talks expressing his opinions on a variety of subjects, including popular comedians and forgotten murder cases.

His books include Shouts and Murmurs ( 1922) ; Enchanted Aisles ( 1924); Going to Pieces ( 1928); and While Rome Burns ( 1934). He at one time wrote a column for The New Yorker, made lecture tours, and acted on the stage and screen. A notable appearance was in The Man Who Came to Dinner ( 1939), a satirical comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, in which Woollcott played the leading role, portraying a character suggested by his own personality. His death came as the result of a heart-attack while he was making a radio broadcast. His biography, A. Woollcott, His Life and his World, by Samuel Hopkins Adams , was published in 1945. Attempts at Woollcottian characterizations of Woollcott include: "He had the memory of a pachyderm and a pianola's loyalty to the same tune."--"He can be described as the man who couldn't write fiction but who did."--"He was as fascinated by mortals as he was indifferent to the immortals."