Jules Furthman, a talented writer, initially made a name for himself in the magazine and newspaper industry before transitioning to the world of film in 1915.
As the United States entered World War I, Furthman, in a precautionary measure, adopted the pseudonym "Stephen Fox" for his screenplays, reasoning that his given name, Jules, had a perceived Germanic influence, which may have raised suspicions during a time of heightened nationalism and anti-German sentiment.
Following the war, Furthman returned to using his real name, Jules Furthman, and went on to establish himself as one of the most prolific and renowned screenwriters of his era, credited with crafting the screenplays for some of Hollywood's most iconic and highly acclaimed films, including the 1935 epic adventure, Mutiny on the Bounty, the 1944 romantic drama, To Have and Have Not, and the 1947 psychological thriller, Nightmare Alley.
