Budd Schulberg

Easton Press Budd Schulberg books

What Makes Sammy Run - signed modern classic - 1999

Writer Budd Schulberg

Budd Schulberg was a prolific American writer whose career spanned multiple decades, encompassing literature, film, and journalism. Born Seymour Wilson Schulberg on March 27, 1914, in New York City, he was the son of B.P. Schulberg, a film producer, and Adeline Jaffe Schulberg, a literary agent. Growing up in Hollywood, Budd Schulberg was immersed in the world of entertainment from an early age. He attended Los Angeles High School and then Dartmouth College, where he began writing for the college newspaper and literary magazines. Schulberg's early experiences in Hollywood and his education laid the foundation for his future career as a writer.

In 1937, Schulberg published his first novel, What Makes Sammy Run?, a scathing critique of the cutthroat world of Hollywood. The novel was a commercial success and established Schulberg as a rising literary talent. He followed this success with The Harder They Fall in 1947, a novel that exposed the corruption and exploitation within the boxing industry. Schulberg's literary achievements were complemented by his work as a screenwriter. He wrote the screenplay for the classic film On the Waterfront (1954), which won him an Academy Award for Best Story and Screenplay. The film, directed by Elia Kazan and starring Marlon Brando, explored themes of corruption and redemption among longshoremen in New York City.

Throughout his career, Schulberg continued to write novels, screenplays, and essays, exploring themes of power, morality, and the human condition. He also remained politically engaged, often using his writing to advocate for progressive causes. In addition to his writing, Schulberg was an outspoken critic of the Hollywood blacklist during the McCarthy era, which targeted individuals suspected of having communist sympathies. He testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1951, naming names in an effort to clear his own name and protect his career.

Budd Schulberg's contributions to literature and film were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. He continued to write and remain active in the literary and film worlds until his death on August 5, 2009, leaving behind a rich legacy of storytelling and social commentary that continues to resonate with audiences today.