Arthur Wimperis

Arthur Wimperis (1874–1953) was an English lyricist, librettist, and screenwriter whose career spanned the Edwardian musical stage and the golden age of Hollywood. Born in London, he was educated at Dulwich College and later worked as an illustrator and cartoonist before turning to theatre. His breakthrough came as the lyricist for The Arcadians (1909), a landmark Edwardian musical comedy for which he provided witty, whimsical lyrics that perfectly complemented Lionel Monckton and Howard Talbot’s score.

Following The Arcadians, Wimperis became a sought-after collaborator in London’s West End, contributing lyrics and libretti to hits such as The Sunshine Girl (1912), The Girl in the Taxi (1912), and The Bing Boys Are Here (1916). His songs were known for their playful wordplay, sophisticated rhymes, and ability to capture the lighthearted charm of the era.

During World War I, Wimperis served in the British Army, and in the postwar years he transitioned into screenwriting. Moving to Hollywood in the 1930s, he worked for major studios, writing or adapting screenplays for films including Cavalcade (1933), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Mrs. Miniver (1942), which won multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay.

Wimperis was celebrated for his versatility, moving seamlessly between the stage and screen while maintaining a gift for crafting engaging, emotionally resonant dialogue and lyrics. He received an Academy Award for Best Writing for Mrs. Miniver and was also nominated for Random Harvest (1942).

Arthur Wimperis died in Maidenhead, England, in 1953, remembered as a key figure in both Edwardian musical theatre and classic British-American cinema.