Arnaud d'Usseau

Arnaud d’Usseau (1916–1990) was an American playwright, screenwriter, and television writer whose career spanned theatre, film, and television during some of the most politically turbulent times in 20th-century America. Known for his socially conscious plays and collaborations with fellow writer James Gow, d’Usseau tackled themes of race, justice, and political ideology with boldness and conviction. His work often reflected a deep concern for human rights and progressive values, placing him at the center of the cultural and political debates of his time.

Born in Los Angeles in 1916, d’Usseau came from a theatrical background—his father, also named Arnaud d’Usseau, was a prominent director in early American cinema. The younger d’Usseau began his career in theatre and quickly gained attention for his collaboration with James Gow on the powerful anti-lynching play Deep Are the Roots (1945). The play, which told the story of an African American war veteran confronting racism upon returning home from World War II, was a bold and provocative work for its time. It premiered on Broadway and ran for over 400 performances, signaling d’Usseau’s arrival as a significant dramatic voice.

Following the success of Deep Are the Roots, d’Usseau and Gow continued to write politically engaged dramas, including Legend of Sarah and The Gentle People. However, d’Usseau’s career was disrupted during the McCarthy era. He was called before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and was subsequently blacklisted from Hollywood, a fate shared by many writers and artists accused of communist affiliations or sympathies during the Red Scare.

Despite the blacklist, d’Usseau continued to write under pseudonyms and eventually returned to more public work in later decades, contributing to television and teaching screenwriting. He remained committed to writing stories that explored ethical dilemmas and social justice, and his early theatrical work remains a testament to the power of politically engaged drama.

Arnaud d’Usseau passed away in 1990. Though not as widely remembered today as some of his contemporaries, his courage in confronting racial and political issues on stage—especially during a time when doing so carried great personal risk—marks him as an important figure in American theatre history. His legacy lives on through works that challenged audiences to face uncomfortable truths and inspired future generations of socially conscious writers.