A I. Bezzarides 12.20.1908 - 03.07.2007 (99 years old)

A.I. Bezzerides was a screenwriter, novelist, and playwright born on December 20, 1908 in Bozanti, Turkey. He was of Armenian descent and immigrated to the United States as a child. He passed away on March 7, 2007 in Encino, California, at the age of 98.

Bezzerides was best known for his work in the film noir genre and his contributions to the hard-boiled school of crime writing. Some of his most notable works include the films "They Drive by Night" (1940), "On Dangerous Ground" (1951), and "The Long Haul" (1957). He was also a prolific writer of novels and short stories, many of which were published in pulp magazines such as "Black Mask" and "Detective Fiction Weekly".

Bezzerides was known for his dark, complex, and often socially conscious writing, and was respected for his ability to craft well-drawn characters and realistic dialogue. He was also known for his support of leftist political causes and his association with other artists and writers who shared his political views.

In addition to his writing, Bezzerides was also an outspoken critic of the Hollywood studio system, and was known for his frank and unvarnished views on the industry. Despite his outsider status, he remained a respected figure in the film industry throughout his career, and his work continues to be widely regarded as some of the best in the film noir genre.