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Ernest Vajda

1886 – 1954

Hungarian screenwriter

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About Ernest Vajda

Lived 1886 – 1954 (aged 67). Ernest Vajda was a Hungarian and American screenwriter, writer, playwright, librettist, actor and film screenwriter.

Ernest Vajda (born Vajda Ernő; 27 May 1886 in Pápa, Austria-Hungary, today Hungary – 3 April 1954 in Woodland Hills, California) was a Hungarian actor, playwright, and novelist, but is more famous today for his screenplays.

Life and career Born in Pápa, his family moved to Komárno after his father died. Vajda returned to Pápa to attend the college there.

He co-wrote the screenplay for the film Smilin' Through (1932), based on the hit play by Jane Cowl and Jane Murfin. Vajda also wrote the screenplay for the first film version of Rudolph Besier's The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1934).

Partial filmography The Unknown Tomorrow (1923) The Crown of Lies (1926) You Never Know Women (1926) original story Service for Ladies (1927) original story "The Head Waiter" The Woman on Trial (1927) Manhattan Cocktail (1928) original story A Night of Mystery (1928) Manhattan Cowboy (1928) The Love Parade (1929) Monte Carlo (1930) The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) The Guardsman (1931) Tonight or Never (1931) Service for Ladies (1932) original story "The Head Waiter" Payment Deferred (1932) Monsieur Albert (1932) original story "The Head Waiter" Broken Lullaby (1932) Reunion in Vienna (1933) The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1934) The Merry Widow (1934) A Woman Rebels (1936) The Great Garrick (1937) Marie Antoinette (1938) Dramatic School (1938) He Stayed for Breakfast (1940) Smilin' Through (1941) Stars and Stripes Forever (1952)

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Important facts

People in Ernest Vajda's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Ernest Vajda?

Hungarian screenwriter (1886–1954)

When was Ernest Vajda born?

Ernest Vajda was born on 27 May 1886 in Pápa, Komárno.

When did Ernest Vajda die?

Ernest Vajda died on 3 April 1954 in Los Angeles, Woodland Hills.

What was Ernest Vajda's occupation?

Ernest Vajda was a screenwriter, writer, playwright, librettist, actor and film screenwriter.

What nationality was Ernest Vajda?

Ernest Vajda was Hungarian and American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Ernest Vajda

· Wikidata: Q1356560

· DBpedia: Ernest Vajda

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ernest Vajda. https://biography.guide/ernest-vajda/

MLA: "Ernest Vajda." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ernest-vajda/.

Chicago: "Ernest Vajda." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ernest-vajda/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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