Peter Viertel, a World War II veteran, burst onto the literary scene at the remarkably young age of 18 with the publication of his debut novel, which was met with widespread and enthusiastic critical acclaim from literary circles.
Viertel's childhood in Hollywood was a unique and fascinating experience, with the esteemed intellectual and artistic community of the time converging on his household. His mother's close friendship with the iconic actress Greta Garbo, for instance, brought a touch of glamour and mystique to his upbringing. The house was a hub of creative and intellectual activity, with renowned writers such as Bertolt Brecht, Thomas Mann, Heinrich Mann, and Franz Werfel frequenting the gathering. Despite being surrounded by this rich cultural tapestry, Viertel felt an insatiable desire to be perceived as a true American, rather than simply a European transplant.
As the aspiring writer, Viertel, grappled with the daunting task of establishing a reputation for himself in the literary world, he found himself in a precarious financial situation, prompting him to seek out alternative means of generating income to sustain his writing endeavors and provide for his first wife, Jigee, whose well-being was of utmost importance to him.
In a bold move, Viertel shifted his focus to screenwriting, a decision that would ultimately prove to be a pivotal moment in his career, as it would set him on a trajectory that would intersect with the illustrious director John Huston, a master of his craft, whose seminal film, The Maltese Falcon, released in 1941, is still widely regarded as a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling.
Noted screenwriter and playwright, Arthur Laurents' longtime collaborator, Bernard Viertel, spent his illustrious career crafting compelling scripts for Hollywood, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft, effortlessly transitioning between genres and mediums.
Despite his remarkable professional achievements, Viertel's personal life was marred by tragedy, as he suffered the devastating loss of his second wife, the renowned actress Deborah Kerr, whom he had been married to for many years.
This profound loss was compounded by Viertel's own untimely passing, which occurred just 19 days after Kerr's death, in the picturesque city of Marbella, Spain.
In the end, Viertel left behind a lasting legacy as a talented writer, as well as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of the written word to transcend time and touch the hearts of those who experience it.
