Robert Pirosh
Director
About Robert Pirosh
Robert Pirosh was an American screenwriter and film director who made significant contributions to Hollywood, particularly in the war film genre. He began his career as a writer in the 1930s and gained recognition for his realistic dialogue and character-driven storytelling. Pirosh served in World War II as a captain in the U.S. Army, which greatly influenced his later work, particularly his Oscar-winning screenplay for 'Battleground' (1949). His most famous directorial effort was 'Go for Broke!' (1951), which told the story of Japanese-American soldiers in WWII and was groundbreaking for its positive portrayal of these often-overlooked heroes. Throughout his career, he was known for his ability to blend humor with serious subject matter, creating films that were both entertaining and socially relevant. Pirosh continued writing through the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to both film and television productions, including episodes of popular series like 'The Andy Griffith Show' and 'Gomer Pyle, USMC'.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Pirosh's directing style emphasized realism and authenticity, particularly in his war films. He drew heavily from his own military experiences to create believable battle sequences and soldier interactions. His approach was character-driven, focusing on the human stories behind historical events rather than just action. He had a talent for balancing serious subject matter with moments of humor and warmth, making his war films accessible without trivializing their subject. Pirosh was particularly noted for his progressive casting choices and willingness to tackle controversial subjects, as evidenced by his positive portrayal of Japanese-American soldiers in 'Go for Broke!'.
Milestones
- Won Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for 'Battleground' (1949)
- Directed 'Go for Broke!' (1951) about Japanese-American WWII soldiers
- Wrote screenplay for 'A Walk in the Sun' (1945)
- Created TV series 'The Gallant Men' (1962-1963)
- Served as Captain in U.S. Army during WWII
- Wrote for major studios including MGM and Warner Bros.
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay - Battleground (1949)
- Writers Guild of America Award for Best Written American Drama - Battleground (1949)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay - A Walk in the Sun (1945)
- Directors Guild of America Award nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement - Go for Broke! (1951)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star for Motion Pictures
- U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal for WWII service
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Robert Pirosh made significant cultural contributions through his realistic and humanizing portrayals of American soldiers in World War II. His screenplay for 'Battleground' helped establish the template for ensemble war films that focused on the ordinary soldier's experience. Most notably, 'Go for Broke!' was groundbreaking for its positive and respectful portrayal of Japanese-American soldiers, at a time when this community was still dealing with the aftermath of internment. The film helped bring attention to the valor of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and contributed to greater recognition of Japanese-American contributions to the war effort. Pirosh's work influenced how Hollywood would approach war films for decades, emphasizing authenticity and the human element over jingoistic glorification.
Lasting Legacy
Robert Pirosh's legacy lies in his ability to bring authenticity and humanity to war films during Hollywood's Golden Age. His Academy Award-winning screenplay for 'Battleground' set a new standard for war movie writing, influencing generations of filmmakers. His most enduring contribution may be 'Go for Broke!', which remains one of the earliest and most respectful Hollywood depictions of Asian-American soldiers. Pirosh demonstrated that war films could be both commercially successful and socially progressive. His transition from film to television also showed his adaptability and understanding of changing media landscapes. Today, his work is studied for its realistic dialogue, character development, and its role in expanding representation in American cinema.
Who They Inspired
Pirosh influenced subsequent generations of war film writers and directors through his emphasis on realism and ensemble storytelling. His work on 'Battleground' directly influenced later films like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Band of Brothers' in their focus on the ordinary soldier's experience. His positive portrayal of minority soldiers in 'Go for Broke!' paved the way for more diverse casting in war films. Many television writers who worked with him in the 1960s went on to create their own successful series, carrying forward his emphasis on character-driven storytelling. His ability to blend humor with serious subject matter became a template for later war dramedies.
Off Screen
Robert Pirosh married actress Evelyn Keyes in 1943, though they later divorced. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II, reaching the rank of Captain. His wartime experiences profoundly influenced his later work as a screenwriter and director. After his film career declined in the late 1950s, he successfully transitioned to television writing. Pirosh spent his later years in Los Angeles and remained active in the industry through television work until his retirement.
Education
University of Maryland (attended but did not graduate)
Family
- Evelyn Keyes (1943-1949)
Did You Know?
- His Oscar win for 'Battleground' was considered an upset over stronger competition
- He served in the same infantry division he later wrote about in 'Battleground'
- 'Go for Broke!' was one of the first Hollywood films to feature Japanese-American actors in leading roles
- The title 'Go for Broke!' was the actual motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
- He wrote under various pseudonyms early in his career
- His military service included participation in the Battle of the Bulge
- He was one of the few Hollywood directors who had actually served in combat
- His divorce from Evelyn Keyes was highly publicized in Hollywood gossip columns
- He wrote over 50 television episodes in the 1960s
- His original screenplay for 'Battleground' was written in just three weeks
In Their Own Words
In war, you learn to know men in ways you never would in civilian life. You see them at their best and their worst, and you learn what really matters.
I don't write about heroes. I write about ordinary people who, when faced with extraordinary circumstances, do heroic things.
The best war stories aren't about the battles, they're about the men who fight them and why they fight.
Hollywood has a responsibility to tell the truth about war, even when that truth is uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Pirosh?
Robert Pirosh was an Academy Award-winning American screenwriter and film director, best known for his work on war films. He served in World War II and drew heavily from his military experiences in his writing, most notably in 'Battleground' (1949) and 'Go for Broke!' (1951).
What films is Robert Pirosh best known for?
Pirosh is best known for writing the Academy Award-winning screenplay 'Battleground' (1949) and directing 'Go for Broke!' (1951). He also wrote notable films like 'A Walk in the Sun' (1945) and contributed to 'The Red Badge of Courage' (1951).
When was Robert Pirosh born and when did he die?
Robert Pirosh was born on April 10, 1910, in Baltimore, Maryland, and died on December 27, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 79.
What awards did Robert Pirosh win?
Robert Pirosh won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for 'Battleground' in 1949. He also received a Writers Guild of America Award for the same film and had an additional Oscar nomination for 'A Walk in the Sun' (1945).
What was Robert Pirosh's directing style?
Pirosh's directing style emphasized realism and authenticity, particularly in war films. He focused on character-driven narratives, balanced serious subjects with humor, and drew from his own military experiences to create believable portrayals of soldiers and combat.
Learn More
Films
1 film
