Salka Viertel

Salka Viertel was a versatile figure in the film industry, active as both an actress and a screenwriter. Born in 1899, she went on to forge a successful career in Hollywood, marked by her significant contributions to various movie scripts. Her work was particularly notable during her time under contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which spanned from 1933 to 1937. During this period, Viertel collaborated on the scripts of several films, often working on projects that starred her close friend, the renowned actress Greta Garbo.

Viertel's professional endeavors were complemented by her role as a social connector within the European émigré community in Los Angeles. She played a significant part in fostering connections among artists who had settled on the West Side of the city during the 1930s and '40s. Her own acting career included appearances in notable films, such as the German-language version of Anna Christie, where she shared the screen with Greta Garbo. Viertel's screenwriting credits include esteemed films like Queen Christina and Anna Karenina, both of which starred Garbo and showcased Viertel's skill as a writer. She passed away in 1978, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and influential figure in the film industry.