Victor Heerman's life began with a family of four brothers, with a mother who worked as a theatrical costumer. His father, unfortunately, abandoned the family, and his mother made the bold decision to relocate the family from London to New York around the turn of the century, taking up a job as the head costumer for renowned theatrical producer David Belasco. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the family's life.
Years later, in 1911, Victor Heerman made the move to Los Angeles, driven by a passion to pursue a career in the burgeoning film industry. He quickly found work with renowned filmmakers, including Mack Sennett, where he honed his skills as a writer and director, crafting a string of successful two-reelers.
It was during a location shoot in Arizona, working alongside the esteemed Douglas Fairbanks, that Heerman met the lovely Sarah Y. Mason, one of 11 children born to a railroad employee. Despite her stunning beauty, Mason struggled to find her footing as an actress, even in the silent era. However, she did possess a keen eye for detail and soon joined the production as a script girl and production assistant.
As fate would have it, Heerman and Mason soon found themselves tied to the altar, and their union produced two beautiful children: Catherine, born on February 5, 1922, and Victor Heerman Jr. The couple's love and creative partnership continued to flourish, with both Heerman and Mason working as a writing team, earning critical acclaim and even an Academy Award for their screenplay adaptation of Little Women in 1933.
In addition to his work as a writer, Heerman also ventured into directing, helming the successful comedy Animal Crackers in 1930.
