Ring Lardner Jr.

Ringgold Wilmer Lardner Jr., born on August 19, 1915, was a prominent American screenwriter and novelist whose career was marked by both triumph and adversity. He initially found success in Hollywood, crafting screenplays that captivated audiences and showcased his unique voice in storytelling.

However, Lardner's career took a dramatic turn in 1947 when he was subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). During this tumultuous period, he chose to stand firm in his beliefs, refusing to disclose his affiliation with the Communist Party. This act of defiance led to his being declared in contempt of Congress, resulting in his blacklisting by film studios as one of the infamous 'Hollywood Ten' and a subsequent year-long sentence in federal prison.

After enduring this setback, Lardner returned to the screenwriting scene, with his first credit under his own name appearing in the film The Cincinnati Kid in 1965. His resilience paid off when he won an Academy Award for his screenplay of M*A*S*H in 1970, solidifying his legacy in the film industry.