About Elizabeth Kata
Lived 1912 – 1998 (aged 85). Elizabeth Kata was an Australian novelist and screenwriter.
Elizabeth Colina Katayama (nee McDonald; 9 October 19124 September 1998) was an Australian writer known by the pseudonym Elizabeth Kata, best known for Be Ready with Bells and Drums, made into the award-winning film A Patch of Blue (1965).
Biography She was born of Scottish parents in Sydney in 1912. After marrying the Japanese pianist Shinshiro Katayama in 1937,
As well as writing novels, she wrote for television and several Hollywood scripts. Her first novel, Be Ready with Bells and Drums (written in 1959, first published in 1961), was produced as the film A Patch of Blue (1965). Child of the Holocaust (1980) The Death of Ruth (1981) With Kisses on Both Cheeks (1981) Sarah (1982) Kagami (1989)
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Elizabeth Kata?
Australian writer
When was Elizabeth Kata born?
Elizabeth Kata was born on 9 October 1912 in Sydney.
When did Elizabeth Kata die?
Elizabeth Kata died on 4 September 1998 in Sydney.
What was Elizabeth Kata's occupation?
Elizabeth Kata was a novelist and screenwriter.
What nationality was Elizabeth Kata?
Elizabeth Kata was Australian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Elizabeth Kata. https://biography.guide/elizabeth-kata/
MLA: "Elizabeth Kata." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/elizabeth-kata/.
Chicago: "Elizabeth Kata." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/elizabeth-kata/.
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