Melville "Mel" Shavelson '37, a Hollywood screenwriter, producer and director, died Aug. 8 at his home in Studio City, Calif. He was 90.

He wrote or co-wrote more than 35 movies and directed 12 of them, including "Houseboat" (1958), starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren; "Cast a Giant Shadow" (1966), with Kirk Douglas, and "Yours, Mine and Ours" (1968), with Bob Hope and Lucille Ball. He received two Academy Award nominations for best screenplay, for "The Seven Little Foys" in 1956 and "Houseboat" two years later.

Shavelson also supported student filmmakers at Cornell, through equipment upgrades and production grants known as the Melville Shavelson Film Awards from 1996 to 2006.

"Several times he visited Cornell, sharing his film experiences with our students, screening their films and encouraging their development as screenwriters. We will miss him," lecturer Marilyn Rivchin wrote in a condolence letter to Shavelson's wife, Ruth.

Shavelson was one of the alumni board advisors of the new "Cornell in Hollywood" program in Los Angeles, which helps current film students and recent alumni in the industry.

He was on the writing faculty at the University of Southern California. He also worked in television, wrote two novels and four nonfiction books, and served three terms as president of the Writers Guild of America, West. His autobiography, "How to Succeed in Hollywood Without Really Trying, P.S. -- You Can't!" was published April 1, his 90th birthday.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two children and three grandchildren.