Budd Wilson Schulberg was an influential figure in American literature and cinema, whose multifaceted career spanned various genres. Born into a Hollywood family in 1914, he navigated the inner workings of the film industry from an early age. His life was marked by significant achievements in screenwriting and novel writing, coupled with notable personal and political involvements.

Early Life and Education

In 1914, Budd Schulberg was born into the heart of Hollywood's golden age. His father, Benjamin Percival Schulberg, was a powerful producer at Paramount Studios, while his mother, Adeline Jaffe Schulberg, emerged as a leading agent in the industry. This backdrop provided Budd with a unique lens through which to view the burgeoning film world.

In 1922, Budd and his family relocated to Los Angeles, thrusting him into the vibrant environment of early cinema. After completing high school, Budd attended Dartmouth College, where his interests expanded beyond the arts. In the summer of 1934, he embarked on a journey to the Soviet Union with a group of students to explore Communist ideologies, a trip that profoundly influenced his worldview. He completed his studies at Dartmouth in 1936 and returned to Los Angeles, eager to make his mark in the film industry.

Early Career and Literary Beginnings

Back in Los Angeles, Budd Schulberg launched his career in the film industry. His early projects included contributing to notable films like A Star Is Born and Nothing Sacred in 1937, though he did not receive screen credits for his work. His first official credit came with the film Little Orphan Annie. During this period, Schulberg also wrote short stories for prestigious publications such as Collier’s, The Saturday Evening Post, and Liberty. These stories would eventually culminate in his first novel, What Makes Sammy Run?, released in 1941, depicting the ambitious and unscrupulous Sammy Glick.

Despite his initial alignment with the Communist Party, Schulberg grew disillusioned with its attempts to manipulate his creative work for political ends. By the end of the 1930s, he had severed ties with the party, focusing instead on his burgeoning literary career.

Collaboration with F. Scott Fitzgerald

One of the most notable partnerships in Schulberg's career was his collaboration with F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1939. Tasked with writing the screenplay for Winter Carnival, the duo traveled to Dartmouth College for inspiration. Unfortunately, Fitzgerald's battle with alcoholism led to an unproductive stint, resulting in their dismissal from the project. Schulberg was later rehired to complete the screenplay, and this episode inspired his novel The Disenchanted.

Wartime Contributions and Literary Achievements

The 1940s marked a period of both literary and patriotic contributions for Schulberg. His critically acclaimed novel The Harder They Fall delved into the boxing world, a subject he was passionate about. Additionally, Schulberg served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, working with the esteemed director John Ford in the Office of Strategic Services. Alongside his brother Stuart, he gathered crucial film evidence for the film The Nazi Plan, used at the Nuremberg Trials to prosecute Nazi war criminals.

Controversy and Acclaim

Schulberg's career faced turbulence during the 1950s when he testified before the House Committee on Un-American Activities, discussing his former Communist affiliations. His decision to name individuals, though they were already known, strained some of his personal relationships. Nonetheless, this decade also saw one of his greatest triumphs—the screenplay for On the Waterfront. Directed by Elia Kazan and featuring Marlon Brando, the film won eight Academy Awards in 1954, including best story and screenplay for Schulberg.

Later Works and Legacy

While Schulberg never quite recaptured the...