Waldo Salt

Biography

Waldo Salt (April 18, 1914 – March 7, 1987) was an American screenwriter whose career spanned some of Hollywood’s most significant and turbulent periods. Best known for his work on socially conscious films, Salt became renowned for his ability to tackle controversial topics with depth and sensitivity. His career not only reflected his talents as a storyteller but also his struggles, particularly during the era of the Hollywood Blacklist.

Early Life and Career

Born in New York City to a Jewish family, Salt grew up in a literary environment. His father, Bernard Salt, was a successful writer, and his early exposure to literature and theater shaped his interest in writing. After graduating from college, Salt worked as a playwright before transitioning to Hollywood. In the 1940s, he began working as a screenwriter in the film industry, quickly establishing a reputation for his strong dialogue and complex characters.

Salt’s breakthrough came in the late 1940s when he wrote the screenplay for The Naked City (1948), a gritty and realistic crime film directed by Jules Dassin. The film was widely praised for its documentary-style approach to filmmaking, and Salt’s script, which focused on the detailed lives of ordinary New Yorkers, helped define the film noir genre.

The Blacklist and Personal Struggles

Salt’s career took a dramatic turn during the period known as the Hollywood Blacklist, a time when individuals suspected of having Communist ties were banned from working in the film industry. In 1951, Salt was subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and named as a Communist sympathizer. Although he was never formally charged, the blacklisting resulted in Salt being unable to find work in Hollywood for many years.

During this time, Salt’s personal life became increasingly difficult, and he found himself cut off from the industry he loved. He spent much of the 1950s and early 1960s struggling to make a living, writing under pseudonyms to continue working. It wasn’t until the early 1960s that Salt’s name was cleared, and he was able to return to Hollywood as a recognized screenwriter.

Comeback and Later Career

Salt’s return to the film industry marked the beginning of his most celebrated period as a screenwriter. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Midnight Cowboy (1969), one of his most notable films. Directed by John Schlesinger, Midnight Cowboy tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a naive Texan (Jon Voight) and a streetwise hustler (Dustin Hoffman) in New York City. 

The film was groundbreaking in its exploration of themes such as loneliness, friendship, and survival in a harsh world. It became the first (and, to this day, the only) X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Salt's success continued in the 1970s with films like Serpico (1973), based on the true story of a New York police officer (Al Pacino) who exposes corruption within his department. His screenplay for Serpico was widely praised for its sharp, realistic portrayal of police corruption and the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist.

He also wrote the screenplay for The Day of the Locust (1975), a dark and surreal drama based on Nathanael West’s novel about Hollywood’s seedy underbelly. The film, though not a commercial success, is now considered a cult classic.

Legacy

Waldo Salt’s career was marked by his unique ability to write characters and stories that reflected the struggles of the working class and the marginalized. His films often dealt with themes of alienation, societal pressure, and the human condition, with a particular focus on underdogs fighting against corrupt systems. Despite the personal and professional setbacks he faced during the Blacklist era, Salt’s resilience and talent led to a remarkable comeback.

Salt’s work has left a lasting impact on Hollywood, and his screenplays continue to be studied for their depth, realism, and social relevance. His ability to craft compelling, human-centered stories earned him a prominent place in the history of American cinema. Waldo Salt passed away on March 7, 1987, leaving behind a legacy of powerful, transformative films.