Births on March 16

Robert Rossen, American director, producer, and screenwriter (d. 1966)

Robert Rossen, born on March 16, 1908, and passing on February 18, 1966, carved out a remarkable legacy as an American screenwriter, film director, and producer whose impactful career spanned nearly three decades. His contributions to cinema were not only prolific but often critically acclaimed, earning him significant accolades and a place in Hollywood history.

A Storied Career in Hollywood

From Stage to Silver Screen: Early Career and War Efforts

Rossen’s journey in the arts began on the New York stage, where he honed his skills as both a writer and director. This foundational experience prepared him for his move to Hollywood in 1937, a pivotal moment that marked his full immersion into the burgeoning film industry. He quickly found his footing as a screenwriter for Warner Bros., contributing to various projects until 1941. The onset of World War II brought a different kind of call to service; from 1941 to 1944, Rossen paused his direct film work to serve as chairman of the Hollywood Writers Mobilization. This crucial organization played a vital role in unifying the creative talents of writers to support the Allied war effort, demonstrating Rossen’s commitment beyond the cinematic craft. Following the war, in 1945, he even joined a picket line against Warner Bros., showcasing his principled stance. His later career saw him collaborating with various entities, including Hal B. Wallis’s newly formed production company and Columbia Pictures, though he increasingly produced many of his later films through his own companies, often in partnership with Columbia, giving him greater creative control.

A Brush with McCarthyism: HUAC and the Blacklist

The Cold War era cast a long shadow over Hollywood, and Robert Rossen, like many of his contemporaries, found himself caught in its political crosshairs. From 1937 until approximately 1947, Rossen was a member of the American Communist Party. He publicly stated his belief that the Party was "dedicated to social causes of the sort that we as poor Jews from New York were interested in," reflecting a genuine idealism for social justice that drew him to the movement. By 1949, however, he had severed all ties with the Party. Despite this, the intense anti-communist sentiment led to him being called before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) on two separate occasions: in 1951 and again in 1953. During his first appearance, Rossen courageously invoked his Fifth Amendment rights, refusing to state whether he had ever been a Communist. This act of defiance had immediate and severe consequences; he found himself blacklisted by Hollywood studios, effectively barring him from work, and was even denied a renewal of his passport, trapping him within the U.S. and hindering international projects. The immense pressure and financial strain eventually led to a heartbreaking compromise. At his second HUAC appearance, Rossen named 57 individuals as current or former Communists, a decision that brought an end to his blacklisting. To salvage his finances and career, he subsequently produced his 1954 film, Mambo, in Italy.

Directorial Triumphs and Later Works

Despite the personal and political turmoil, Rossen continued to craft impactful films. His 1949 masterpiece, All the King's Men, adapted from Robert Penn Warren's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, was a monumental success. It swept the Academy Awards, winning for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress, while Rossen himself earned a nomination for Best Director. The film also garnered him the Golden Globe for Best Director, with the movie itself taking home the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture. Over a decade later, in 1961, Rossen directed another iconic film, The Hustler. This gritty drama about pool sharks captivated audiences and critics alike, earning an impressive nine Oscar nominations and winning two, further cementing Rossen's reputation as a master storyteller. However, his final film, Lilith, released in 1964, proved to be a source of profound disillusionment. Conflicts and challenges during its production left him disheartened, and it was to be his last directorial effort before his death just two years later. Robert Rossen left behind a powerful body of work, a testament to his artistic vision and resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Rossen

Who was Robert Rossen?

Robert Rossen was an influential American screenwriter, film director, and producer active for nearly three decades, known for acclaimed films like All the King's Men and The Hustler.

What were some of Robert Rossen's most famous films?

His most renowned films include the Academy Award-winning political drama All the King's Men (1949) and the critically acclaimed poolroom drama The Hustler (1961).

What was Robert Rossen's involvement with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)?

Rossen was called before HUAC twice in the 1950s. After initially exercising his Fifth Amendment rights and being blacklisted, he later named former Communists, which led to the end of his blacklisting.

When did Robert Rossen's film career begin and end?

He moved to Hollywood in 1937, marking the beginning of his significant film career, which concluded with his final film, Lilith, in 1964, two years before his passing.