Adorable Story #103: Peter Viertel

Hollywood’s Literary Maverick

“Hollywood is a place where they pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.”

— Peter Viertel

Peter Viertel and Orson Wells in Plaza de Toros de Valencia, 1961 — Photo © by Francisco Cano

Peter Viertel was a talented novelist and screenwriter who left an indelible mark on Hollywood. He was not just a gifted storyteller, but was also a charismatic figure whose life brimmed with adventure and creativity.

From his daring World War II service with the OSS (conducting covert missions and intelligence operations across Europe), to pioneering surfing in Biarritz and igniting Europe’s lasting love for riding waves, Viertel’s journey was truly remarkable and adventurous.

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Table of Contents: Early Life and Background / Education and Early Influences / WWII Service and OSS Work / Returning Home / Literary and Cinematic Career / Surfing / Personal Life / Later Years / One More Thing: The Côte des Basques, a Mythical Surfing Spot

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Early Life and Background

Peter Viertel was born on November 16th, 1920, in Dresden, Germany.

In 1928, when young Peter was only eight years old, his family moved from Germany to Hollywood, California, fleeing the rising political turmoil in Europe.

His father, Berthold Viertel, was a highly respected Austrian-Jewish writer, poet, playwright, and film director. Berthold was deeply involved in theater and literature in Europe before moving to Hollywood, where he continued his work as a screenwriter and filmmaker.

His mother, Salka Viertel, was an accomplished actress, screenwriter, and influential cultural personality. She gained prominence especially through her close friendship and professional collaboration with iconic actress Greta Garbo.

Salka hosted regular Sunday afternoon salons at their home, which attracted many of the era’s most celebrated writers, intellectuals, filmmakers, musicians, and actors.

Due to these connections and his parents’ influential literary salons, Peter Viertel regularly interacted from a very young age with internationally renowned literary and cinematic figures.

“Brecht was arrogant, brilliant, and utterly without charm. He enjoyed shocking people, and his sarcasm was often directed at those who admired him most.”

— Peter Viertel

Some of the most notable attendees and close friends of his parents were:

• Thomas Mann: Nobel Prize-winning German novelist, author of “Death in Venice” and “The Magic Mountain.”

• Bertolt Brecht: Influential German playwright and poet known for works like “The Threepenny Opera.”

• Christopher Isherwood: Celebrated novelist known for “Goodbye to Berlin,” which inspired the musical “Cabaret.”

• Greta Garbo: Legendary Hollywood actress and close friend of Salka Viertel.