Howard Browne

Who was Howard Browne?

Howard Browne April 15, 1908, Omaha – October 28, 1999, Santiago, was a science fiction editor and mystery writer. He also wrote for several television series and films. Some of his work appeared over the pseudonyms John Evans, Alexander Blade, Lawrence Chandler, Ivar Jorgensen, and Lee Francis.

Beginning in 1942, Browne worked as managing editor for Ziff-Davis publications on Amazing Stories and Fantastic Adventures, both under Raymond A. Palmer's editorship. When Palmer left the magazines in 1949, Browne took over in January 1950. Browne ended the publication of Richard Shaver's Shaver Mystery and oversaw the change in Amazing from a pulp magazine to a digest. He left the magazines in 1956 to move to Hollywood.

In Hollywood, Browne wrote for television shows including Maverick, Ben Casey, and The Virginian. His last credit was for the film Capone, starring Ben Gazzara.

Browne's novel Thin Air was twice adapted for television. In 1975 it was used as the basis for a first season episode of The Rockford Files titled "Sleight of Hand." In 1982 it was the basis for a second season episode of Simon & Simon of the same name as the novel.