Great War Theatre

Maurice Cowan was a theatrical and revue producer, manager and film executive. Born in London on 31 March 1891 he became a schoolmaster and later joined the Daily Express as a journalist. During the war he wrote a play "The Matchmaker" which formed part of an all Jewish Matinee programme in London on 15 June 1916 along with 3 other plays, all illustrating different aspects of Jewish life. The performance was in aid of assistance of Jewish war victims in Russia and Poland. His theatrical enterprises started in 1922 and he achieved prominence when he produced his revue "Life" at the Palladium in 1926. Other revues produced by him included "Life. Love and Laughter", "King Rags", "Sunny Skies", "Love and Money", and "Lucky Stars". Working in film, he started many British performers, including Norman Wisdom, on the road to success. He was also known for "Six Wives of Henry VIII" (mini-series TV, 1970), various film with Norman Wisdom, and the TV Series "The Men from Room 13" (25 episodes 1961). He married Leonore Levi in London in 1934, they had no children. He died, aged 83 in 1974 and his funeral was held at West London Synagogue Cemetery, Hoop Lane, Golders Green, London on Wednesday 1st May 1974.

Gender: Male

Served in the armed forces? No

Scripts associated with M. A. Cowan [Maurice A. Cowan]

Script Role
The Sacrifice Author
The Matchmaker Author