Dalton Trumbo

The Profile

Dalton Trumbo (1905–1976) was an American novelist and screenwriter. He wrote the novel Johnny Got His Gun and directed the 1971 film adaptation. He was a member of the Communist Party and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era.

Author of the novel Johnny Got His Gun (published 1939). Directed the film adaptation released in 1971. Member of the Communist Party USA and one of the prominent blacklisted figures of Hollywood during the McCarthy era. The 1971 film has been sampled in Metallica's "One" music video.

Two DeBaser reviews discuss Dalton Trumbo's Johnny Got His Gun (novel and 1971 film). Reviews highlight anti-war themes, the protagonist's extreme physical isolation, and the work's denunciatory, pacifist intent. One reviewer emphasizes literary power and imagery; the other stresses the film's idiosyncratic, didactic direction and continued relevance.