Michael Arlen was born Dikran Kouyoumdjian on November 16, 1895 in Bulgaria to Armenian parents. He spent his youth in Bulgaria and England, growing up with several older siblings named Ahavni, Roupen, Takvor, and Krikor. His childhood was marked by a love for storytelling, a passion that would shape his future career as a writer.
After finishing his schooling, Arlen briefly studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. However, his true calling lay in the world of literature. In 1920, he published his first work, a novel titled The London Venture. This marked the beginning of his prolific career as a writer, which would span several decades and encompass a wide range of genres.
Arlen is best remembered for his Gothic novels, satirical and political works, short stories, plays, and screenplays. Some of his most well-known works include The Green Hat (1924), Young Men in Love (1927), Lily Christine (1929), Man's Mortality (1933), and The Flying Dutchman (1939). His writing style was characterized by a blend of wit, sophistication, and intrigue, which captivated readers and audiences alike.
One of Arlen's most famous works, The Green Hat, was adapted into a play starring Katharine Cornell on Broadway and Tallulah Bankhead on London's West End. It was also made into a silent Hollywood feature starring the iconic Greta Garbo. This success solidified Arlen's reputation as a prominent figure in the literary and theatrical worlds.
Despite his professional success, Arlen's personal life was also of significance. He married Countess Atalanta Mercati, with whom he had two children named Michael and Venetia. This family dynamic provided Arlen with a sense of fulfillment and happiness outside of his writing pursuits.
In 1956, Arlen's thriller novel The Gentleman from America was adapted into an episode of the popular TV series Alfred Hitchcock Presents. This adaptation served as a testament to Arlen's enduring influence in the world of entertainment, cementing his legacy as a versatile and talented writer.
Michael Arlen's works continue to be studied and appreciated by literary scholars and enthusiasts around the world. His unique voice and storytelling prowess have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, ensuring that his contributions to literature will be remembered for generations to come.