Robert Buckner was a remarkable individual who thrived within the confines of the studio system. His educational background was impressive, with degrees from the Universities of Virginia and Edinburgh, as well as the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique in Paris.
Before entering the world of Hollywood, Buckner had a diverse range of work experiences. He had been an English teacher, a courier, a tour guide, and even a writer for the Daily Mail. His time in Britain also saw him serve as a London correspondent for the New York World. After his lengthy sojourn in Britain, Buckner returned to the United States and worked for various publishing and advertising agencies for three years.
Despite his busy schedule, Buckner still found time to pursue his passion for writing. He wrote numerous plays, both on and off-Broadway, as well as short stories and magazine articles. One of his articles, published in Atlantic Monthly, caught the attention of Warner Brothers, leading to a lucrative contract in 1937.
Buckner soon became one of the most sought-after screenwriters for Warner Brothers, specializing in fast-paced, action-packed films often starring Errol Flynn or James Cagney. He was given several prestigious assignments, including Santa Fe Trail, Dive Bomber, and Yankee Doodle Dandy. The resulting box-office success earned him a promotion to producer, and he went on to produce further hits such as Gentleman Jim and Life with Father.
After leaving Warner Brothers in 1948, Buckner moved to Universal and continued to work as a free-lance author of teleplays and novels. His notable works include "Tiger by the Tail", "Moon Pilot", and "Starfire", which he completed in 1955, marking the culmination of his illustrious career.
