Norman Panama was an American screenwriter and film director born in Chicago, Illinois. He collaborated with Melvin Frank to form a writing partnership which lasted for three decades. He also wrote gags for comedians such as Bob Hope's radio program and for Groucho Marx. He was born on April 21, 1914, and died on January 13, 2003, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88. Some of his notable works include Knock on Wood, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, and Above and Beyond.