Albert Maltz

Date of Birth: October 28, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: April 26, 1985

Biography

Albert Maltz was an American playwright, novelist, and screenwriter who became a significant figure in the literary and entertainment world during the mid-20th century. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Maltz attended Columbia University and graduated in 1928. He continued his education at the Yale School of Drama, where he honed his craft in writing and theater. Maltz’s career began in the theater, but he soon moved into writing novels and screenplays. He was known for his leftist political views and became affiliated with the Communist Party USA in the 1930s. This affiliation would later impact his career during the Red Scare, when he was blacklisted as one of the Hollywood Ten—a group of screenwriters and directors who were cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions about their alleged involvement with the Communist Party during the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings in 1947. Despite the blacklist, Maltz continued to write under pseudonyms and through fronts. Some of his notable works include the novel “The Journey of Simon McKeever” and the screenplay for “Broken Arrow,” for which he was awarded an Oscar nomination under a pseudonym. Maltz’s career is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft, despite the political adversity he faced.

5 Interesting Facts about Albert Maltz

1. Albert Maltz was one of the original members of the Hollywood Ten, a group of screenwriters and directors blacklisted for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee.

2. He won the O. Henry Award for his short story “The Happiest Man on Earth” in 1938.

3. Maltz wrote the screenplay for “Broken Arrow” (1950) under the pseudonym Michael Blankfort.

4. He served time in prison for contempt of Congress during the McCarthy era.

5. Maltz’s novel “The Cross and the Arrow” was adapted into a radio play during World War II to boost American morale.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Albert Maltz

1. “The writer must be universal in sympathy and an outcast by nature; only then can he see clearly.”

2. “Art is a weapon in the struggle of ideas, the class struggle.”

3. “The artist must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.”

4. “A good writer is not, per se, a good man.”

5. “I have been compelled to write because I have found that my thoughts would not fit into any other medium.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Albert Maltz’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but it is estimated that he achieved moderate financial success during his career prior to being blacklisted.