Salt, Waldo

Salt was born in Chicago, IL, Oct. 18, 1914; graduated from Stanford University, 1934; taught drama and music at Menlo Junior College, CA, 1935; began writing scripts for Hollywood films in the late 1930s; contract writer, MGM, 1936-42; civilian consultant to the Office of War Information, 1942-45; he was investigated by the House Un-American Activities committee starting in 1947; he refused to testify on Communist affiliations and was blacklisted in 1951; wrote for television and films without credit, 1951-62; working alone or in collaboration, he added a number of important films to his screen credits including Midnight cowboy, Serpico, and Coming home; recipient of numerous awards including Academy Awards for Midnight cowboy (1968) and Coming Home (1978); died of lung cancer Mar. 7, 1987 in Los Angeles, CA.

From the description of Papers, 1936-1987. (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 39758578

Biography

Salt was born in Chicago, IL, Oct. 18, 1914; graduated from Stanford University, 1934; taught drama and music at Menlo Junior College, CA, 1935; began writing scripts for Hollywood films in the late 1930s; contract writer, MGM, 1936-42; civilian consultant to the Office of War Information, 1942-45; he was investigated by the House Un-American Activities committee starting in 1947; he refused to testify on Communist affiliations and was blacklisted in 1951; wrot e for television and films without credit, 1951-62; working alone or in collaboration, he added a number of important films to his screen credits including "Midnight Cowboy," "Serpico," and "Coming Home"; recipient of numerous awards including Academy Awards for "Midnight Cowboy" (1968) and "Coming Home" (1978); died of lung cancer Mar. 7, 1987 in Los Angeles, CA.

From the guide to the Waldo Salt Papers, 1936-1987, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Performing Arts Special Collections)