Ep 9. Waldo Salt: a Screenwriter's Journey

American Masters season 6 episode 9, titled "Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey," delves into the life and career of Waldo Salt, a trailblazing figure in the world of cinema. From humble beginnings as a young writer in Los Angeles during the 1930s, Salt rose to prominence in the late 1960s as an Academy Award-winning screenwriter.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through Salt's early life, including his experiences in the Communist Party during the height of the Red Scare, where he was blacklisted for his political views. Despite this setback, Salt continued to write and eventually broke into Hollywood during the 1950s, where he worked on a series of successful films including "Serpico" and "Midnight Cowboy."

Throughout the episode, Salt's impact on the film industry is keenly felt as his approach to screenwriting is revealed. Salt was one of the first writers to focus on character-driven stories and brought a unique perspective and honesty to his work. His ability to create multidimensional characters became a hallmark of his career and helped to shape Hollywood's approach to storytelling.

The episode also explores Salt's personal life, including his struggles with drug addiction and his eventual redemption through a renewed commitment to his craft. His reinvention in the 1960s and 1970s earned him critical acclaim and cemented his place in the canon of great screenwriters.

As with all episodes of American Masters, "Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey" is full of insightful interviews with friends, family, and colleagues who offer a nuanced view of Salt's life and work. The episode also features a wealth of archival footage, home movies, and clips from some of Salt's most beloved films.

Overall, "Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey" is a moving and informative episode that paints a vivid picture of a man who both challenged and inspired Hollywood during one of its most exciting and tumultuous periods. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for Salt's contributions to cinema and a deeper understanding of the art of screenwriting.