Robert Meltzer was an American actor who is best known for his work in “It’s All True,” “Journey Into Fear,” and his contributions as an uncredited writer on “The Great Dictator.” He was also a soldier during World War II.
Personal and Family Life
Robert Meltzer was born on June 10, 1914, in Piedmont, California, to Russian Jewish immigrants Joseph and Ida Alderman Meltzer. He was the second youngest of six children in his family. His father was well-known as an insurance company superintendent and a community leader before his death in 1930. Meltzer developed an interest in theater early, performing with the Piedmont Boy’s Pioneer troupe as a child.
Military Service
During World War II, Robert Meltzer served as a Second Lieutenant with Company A, 2nd Ranger Battalion. An ardent anti-Nazi, he had previously tried to join the Abraham Lincoln Brigade to fight in the Spanish Civil War, but his family prevented him from doing so. Meltzer was killed in action on August 21, 1944, during the Battle for Brest in France. He died while leading his men into an opening in a hedgerow, where enemy machine gun fire claimed his life.
Death and Legacy
Robert Meltzer was killed in action near Le Folgoët, France, and is buried at the Brittany American Cemetery in St James, France. His contributions to the arts and military service were recognized posthumously when the Writers Guild of America created the Robert Meltzer Award, initially to honor writers killed in the war. Although the award was withdrawn in 1951 due to his blacklisting, it was reinstated in 1991 to honor those who demonstrate courage in supporting freedom of expression.
Filmography
| Type | Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Journey Into Fear | 1943 | Ship Baggageman |
| Writer | It’s All True | 1943 | Screenplay |
| Second Unit or Assistant Director | The Great Dictator | 1940 | Assistant Director (as Bob Meltzer) |