Teacher's First Screenplay Earns Oscar Nod

Robert Kaplow, a former high school teacher and comedy songwriter, has received an unexpected Oscar nomination for his screenplay "Blue Moon." This marks his first-ever screenplay credit, following a 30-year teaching career and the publication of his book "Me and Orson Welles."

The film "Blue Moon" focuses on Lorenz Hart, a prolific early 20th-century musical theater lyricist known for works like "Pal Joey." It chronicles one night in 1943 when his songwriting partner, Richard Rodgers, is set to debut "Oklahoma!" with a new collaborator, ushering in the Rodgers and Hammerstein era.

Kaplow's script depicts Hart grappling with his declining relevance, alcoholism, and unrequited affections. The narrative highlights the shift in musical theater towards more optimistic, accessible styles, leaving Hart's complex and melancholic work behind.

The film also touches upon Hart's struggles with his identity as a gay man in 1943 and his complex relationship with Rodgers. Kaplow researched extensively, drawing from biographies and interviews to capture Hart's voice, characterized by wit, melancholy, and yearning.

Richard Linklater's direction emphasizes the intimate, character-driven nature of the story, particularly in extended dialogue scenes. The film subtly inscribes Hart into history by referencing figures like Stephen Sondheim and George Roy Hill, suggesting his lasting influence.

Kaplow's personal connection to Rodgers's music began with fan letters in the 1970s. While he admires Rodgers's compositions, he shares Hart's critical view of "Oklahoma!," finding it sentimental. The film contrasts Hart's artistic legacy with the enduring popularity of Rodgers and Hammerstein's more uplifting works.