Henri-Léon-Gustave-Charles Bernstein (20 June 1876 – 27 November 1953) was a French playwright associated with Boulevard theatre.
Biography
Bernstein was born in Paris. His earliest plays, including La Rafale (1905), Le Voleur (1907), Samson (1908), Israël (1908), and Le Secret (1913), are written in a realistic style and powerfully depict harsh realities of modern life and society.[1]
In late 1909, Bernstein was challenged to a duel by a critic named Chevassu in Paris. The duel originated from a letter Bernstein had sent to the French newspaper Comoedia. The letter responded "in violent terms" to a critical review of Bernstein's play La Griffe that published in another newspaper (Figaro) by Chevassu. After Bernstein refused to retract the letter, the duel was set to take place at the Parc des Princes. Both men agreed to draw pistols at 30 paces.[2] Chevassu fired at Bernstein and missed, while one of Bernstein's seconds discharged the playwright's pistol. No one was injured in the duel. When asked why he didn't fire his own gun, Bernstein reportedly shrugged his shoulders and stated: "I forgot".[3]
Bernstein was involved in another gun duel at the Parc des Princes in 1911, this time with journalist Gustave Tery. This duel was prompted by rioting at the presentation of Bernstein's play Après moi, and particularly by insults from a group of men towards Bernstein's honor. This duel also ended in no injuries, though one photographer covering the event was nearly hit by Bernstein's bullet.[4]
