Budd Schulberg

Biography

Budd Schulberg was an American screenwriter, novelist, journalist, and boxing writer whose career stretched across several decades. He became one of Hollywood's most respected writers through his socially conscious stories and realistic portrayals of American life.

Early Life

Budd Schulberg was born Seymour Wilson Schulberg on March 27, 1914, in New York City, United States. He was the son of B. P. Schulberg, a prominent Hollywood producer who was involved with Paramount Pictures.

Growing up in a Hollywood family gave Schulberg an early exposure to the film industry. However, he developed his own identity as a writer and became interested in literature, journalism, and social issues.

He attended Dartmouth College, where he studied before beginning his professional writing career.

Early Writing Career

Schulberg initially worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood. He wrote stories and scripts for films during the 1930s and 1940s, but he gradually became more interested in literature and realistic social themes.

His first novel, What Makes Sammy Run?, was published in 1941. The novel offered a critical portrayal of Hollywood ambition and the ruthless pursuit of success. It became one of his best-known literary works.

What Makes Sammy Run?

What Makes Sammy Run? examined the Hollywood studio system through the rise of Sammy Glick, an ambitious young man willing to exploit others to achieve fame and success.

The novel drew on Schulberg's firsthand knowledge of Hollywood and became controversial because of its harsh depiction of the entertainment industry.

The book eventually became regarded as an important novel about Hollywood culture and ambition.

Hollywood and Screenwriting

Schulberg continued working as a screenwriter and became increasingly interested in stories dealing with social and political issues.

During the 1940s, he also worked in documentary filmmaking and journalism. His experiences as a journalist and observer of American society strongly influenced his later screenwriting.

World War II

During the Second World War, Schulberg served with the United States Navy and worked with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). He was involved in documenting Nazi concentration camps after the liberation of Europe.

His wartime experiences had a lasting impact on his understanding of journalism, politics, and social responsibility.

On the Waterfront

Schulberg's greatest cinematic achievement was ** On the Waterfront (1954)**, directed by Elia Kazan and starring Marlon Brando.

The film follows Terry Malloy, a former boxer and dockworker who works for corrupt union boss Johnny Friendly. After Terry becomes involved with the sister of a man murdered by Friendly's men, he begins to challenge the criminal organization controlling the waterfront.

Schulberg's screenplay was based partly on a series of newspaper articles about corruption and violence on the New York and New Jersey waterfronts.

The film became a major critical and commercial success. Schulberg won the Academy Award for Best Story and Screenplay for his work.

Themes of On the Waterfront

The screenplay explored themes including:

• Corruption and organized crime
• Loyalty and betrayal
• Individual courage
• Worker exploitation
• Moral responsibility
• Justice and truth
• Standing up against powerful institutions

The film's famous idea of choosing moral courage over silence became one of the defining themes of Schulberg's career.

Other Literary Works

Schulberg continued writing novels, nonfiction, and journalism throughout his life.

His notable books included:

• What Makes Sammy Run? (1941)
• The Harder They Fall (1947)
• The Disenchanted (1950)
• Some Faces in the Crowd (1953)
• Moving Pictures (1981)

The Harder They Fall examined corruption and exploitation in professional boxing, drawing on Schulberg's extensive knowledge of the sport.

Journalism and Boxing

Schulberg was deeply involved in sports journalism, particularly boxing. He wrote extensively about professional fighters and the business surrounding the sport.

His boxing knowledge contributed significantly to his novel The Harder They Fall, which presented a critical view of the way vulnerable fighters could be exploited by promoters and managers.

He also wrote for major newspapers and magazines and became respected for his investigative and socially conscious journalism.

Hollywood Blacklisting and Controversy

Schulberg's career was also affected by the political tensions of the Hollywood blacklist era.

In 1951, he testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and identified former Communist Party members in Hollywood.

His decision was controversial and remained a subject of debate throughout his life. Schulberg defended his actions by arguing that he was exposing political manipulation within the film industry rather than simply targeting individuals.

His experiences during this period influenced public perceptions of his career and his relationship with other Hollywood writers and filmmakers.

Later Career

Schulberg continued working as a writer and journalist for many decades. He wrote screenplays, books, newspaper articles, and television material.

He also became involved in projects dealing with civil rights, sports, politics, and social justice. His writing consistently reflected his interest in individuals confronting powerful institutions.

Personal Life

Schulberg was married several times. His wives included actress Virginia Field, actress Sylvia Sidney, and journalist Betsy Schulberg.

He had children from his marriages and remained active professionally well into his later years.

Death

Budd Schulberg died on August 5, 2009, in Quiogue, New York, at the age of 95.