Novelist and screenwriter, educated at Princeton University. Began as a writer for "Time" and "The New Yorker" magazines. In Hollywood from 1931, at Warner Brothers (1931-34; 1938-39), subsequently freelance for other studios. Authored 14 novels, of which "Duel in the Sun"--the screen rights to which he sold to David O. Selznick--was the most famous. Left Hollywood in 1952 and later taught at the University of California.