Sumner Locke Elliott facts for kids

Sumner Locke Elliott (17 October 1917 – 24 June 1991) was a famous writer from Australia. He wrote many novels and plays. Later in his life, he also became an American citizen.

Early Life and Education

Sumner Locke Elliott was born in Sydney, Australia. His mother, Sumner Locke, was also a writer. Sadly, his mother died very soon after he was born. Sumner was then raised by his aunts. His childhood experiences, including disagreements among his aunts about his upbringing, later inspired one of his most famous books.

He went to school at Cranbrook School in Sydney.

Writing and World War II

Before World War II, Sumner Locke Elliott worked as an actor and writer. He was part of a group called Doris Fitton's The Independent Theatre Ltd..

In 1942, he joined the Australian Army. Instead of going overseas, he worked as a clerk in Australia. His time in the army gave him ideas for his play, Rusty Bugles. This play became very well-known in Australian theatre. It showed what life was like for soldiers working in Australia during the war. One character, Mac, became famous for how he showed the spirit of Australian soldiers.

Moving to Television

In 1948, Sumner Locke Elliott moved to the United States. There, he became a very important writer during a time called the "Golden Age" of live television dramas. He wrote more than 30 original plays and many adaptations for popular TV shows. Some of these shows included The Philco Television Playhouse, Kraft Television Theatre, and Studio One. He also wrote a play for Broadway, which is a famous theatre district in New York City.

He became a citizen of the United States in 1955. He did not visit Australia again until 1974. His TV play The Grey Nurse Said Nothing was shown on television in both the US and Australia.

Famous Books

Sumner Locke Elliott's most famous novel is Careful, He Might Hear You. This book won the Miles Franklin Award in 1963, which is a major literary prize in Australia. The book was so popular that it was made into a film in 1983.

Later Life and Death

Sumner Locke Elliott continued to write throughout his life. He passed away in New York City in 1991 at the age of 73.