Former radio journalist and Marine who co-wrote several hard-boiled, realistic dramas including Jules Dassin's "Brute Force" (1947), John Huston's "Key Largo" (1948) and Stuart Heisler's "Storm Warning" (1951). Brooks made his directorial debut in 1950 with the political thriller "Crisis" and turned out a number of taut, male-oriented features before landing in the spotlight with "The Blackboard Jungle" (1955). The violent, gritty schoolroom drama dealt with juvenile deliquency and racial tensions, catapulted Sidney Poitier to fame, and virtually introduced rock'n'roll to the screen as Bill
During the Depression traveled to Pittsburgh, Kansas City, New Orleans, and Texas earning a living by writing on space rates for local papers and doing odd jobs
1932
Landed job as a sportwriter with the Phildelphia Record
Joined Atlanic City Press Union; moved to NYC and joined Radio WNEW where he edited four news broadcasts a day and wrote one
Appointed newswriter, commentator, and narrator for NBC radio until 1940
1940
Founded theater company, "The Mill Pond Theatre" (with David Loew) in Roslyn, New York; made directing debut when the two took turns directing the plays they produced there during summer
