Author, journalist and pioneer of radio documentaries. Entered films as a title writer, later graduating to screenplays. Imprisoned 1933-1935 for his political views, subsequently wrote under pseudonyms and as ghost writer for others.
Volunteered for service in World War I and was severely wounded in action.
Member of Germany's communist party KDP from 1920 to 1925 and contributor of articles to the left-wing publication "Rote Fahne". Member of the film distribution company "Meshrabpom", aimed at popularising Soviet films in Germany. Left the party in 1925, disillusioned with Bolshevism after visits to Moscow for the 5th World Congress.
Co-founder of the Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk (Northwest German Broadcasting) in September 1945.