Woody Allen was born Allen Stewart Konigsberg 75 years ago on December 1st in Brooklyn, New York.

According to the Internet Movie Database, he started selling one liners to gossip columns at the age of 15.  He hasn't stopped writing since.  A lifelong New York resident, the city figures prominently in many of his films.

I have been a fan of his movies and books since seeing The Purple Rose of Cairo with my family in the mid 1980s.  Some of my favorites include Best Picture winner (1977) Annie Hall, the Martin Landau/Anjelica Huston drama Crimes and Misdemeanors, mockumentary Zelig, the fun, comedic mystery Manhattan Murder Mystery and the metaphysical comedy Deconstructing Harry.  It's hard to pick just a few favorites.

He's directed a total of 46 films and written 65 (and counting) from 1966 to this year's new film, You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger. A man of many artistic pursuits, he is also an avid clarinet player who performs New Orleans jazz with the band at the Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side every Monday.   Celebrate the man by borrowing one of his movies or books today!