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With a keen interest in playwriting, he began his work, writing comedy monologues, while he was still in high school. His career got a boost when he was assigned to write for television comedians like Sid Ceasar and Art Carney. Most of his comic materials had their origin in his Jewish middle-class background. After getting numerous inappropriate starts to his career, he finally gave his own stand up comedy at the night club circuit. He portrayed an insecure and dubious character who amplifies his own failures and miseries.
It was not long before Allen finally took up writing for plays and films and also acting for them (films) on a few occasions.
In 1965, he wrote the screenplay for Whats New Pussycat?and appeared for a role in the same film. Allen's first play, Don't Drink The Water featured on Broadway in 1966. Then, he appeared in his self-directed film, Take The Money And Run in 1969 which was a comedy entailing the story of an unskilled would be criminal. Allen directed numerous other films like Bananas, Everything You Wanted To Know About Sex But Were Afraid To Ask and Sleeper which gave him the image of being the greatest comic film makers.
In 1975, Allen directed a film that was based on a parody of 19th century Russian novels-Love and Death. Although, entirely hilarious, critics had made an apt remark noting that there was an intense seriousness below the perceivable comic surface. His next direction, Annie Hall in 1977 was an award winning film in which he performed the role of the protagonist. He also appeared in the Broadway play Play It Again, Sam and in The Front.
In the films that followed, there was a discernible admix of comedy and philosophy. Allen's 1978 release of serious drama, Interiors was a failure, although his subsequent film-a serious comedy-Manhattan received fair accolades. His other comic innovations included Stardust Memories, Zelig, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Hannah and her Sisters, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Side Effects and Alice,Getting Even, Without Feathers, Lunatic's Tale, Death: a comedy in one act and God: a comedy in one act. Woody Allen was one of the best directors in the business of film making and his contributions to the industry has been immense. His works have left an indelible imprint on the minds of the viewers and it can be said without a doubt that he will remain in the minds of the people as the most extraordinary and unforgettable genius that Hollywood has sustained.
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