Rupert Hughes

Rupert Hughes Biography

Rupert Raleigh Hughes (January 31, 1872 – September 9, 1956) was a multifaceted American author, film director, screenwriter, military officer, and music composer. Born in Lancaster, Missouri, Hughes was the brother of Howard R. Hughes Sr. and the uncle of the famous billionaire Howard R. Hughes Jr. He earned his undergraduate degree from Adelbert College in 1892 and a master's degree in 1894, followed by a Master of Arts from Yale University in 1899.

Hughes's literary career was prolific, encompassing novels, short stories, plays, and biographies. Among his notable works is a comprehensive three-volume biography of George Washington, published between 1926 and 1930, which sought to demythologize the first U.S. president and was well-received by historians. In addition to his writing, Hughes was active in the early Hollywood film industry, directing and writing numerous films during the silent and early sound eras. His film The Patent Leather Kid received an Academy Award nomination in 1927.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Hughes served in the military, beginning as a private in the New York National Guard in 1897 and eventually attaining the rank of colonel in the California State Guard by 1943. He was also known for his anti-Communist stance, serving as president of the American Writers Association, a group of anti-Communist writers, in the 1940s. Hughes passed away on September 9, 1956, in Hollywood, California, leaving behind a diverse legacy in American arts and letters.

Trivia About Rupert Hughes

• Hughes was the uncle of billionaire Howard Hughes Jr., known for his contributions to aviation and film.
• He composed several musical pieces and was an accomplished musicologist, authoring works like Music Lovers' Encyclopedia.
• Hughes's three marriages ended unhappily; his second and third wives, Adelaide Manola Mould and Elizabeth Patterson Dial, both committed suicide.
• He was a staunch anti-Communist and served as president of the American Writers Association in the 1940s.

Famous Quotes by Rupert Hughes

• "Women's intuition is the result of millions of years of not thinking."
• "We movie people should not be afraid of what people will say of our work. We should not allow a word or a theory to drive us into anything or away from anything without some strong inner reason."
• "The censors are going to stop crime by censoring the films. Why don't they put an end to disease by burning the medical books which describe them?"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Rupert Hughes?

Rupert Hughes was an American novelist, film director, screenwriter, military officer, and composer, known for his extensive contributions to literature, cinema, and music in the early 20th century.

What is Rupert Hughes's connection to Howard Hughes Jr.?

Rupert Hughes was the uncle of Howard Hughes Jr., the renowned aviator, industrialist, and film producer.

What are some notable works by Rupert Hughes?

Some of Rupert Hughes's notable works include his three-volume biography of George Washington and the film The Patent Leather Kid, which received an Academy Award nomination in 1927.

Related Literary Movements

Rupert Hughes was associated with early 20th-century American literature and cinema, contributing to the development of both fields through his diverse works as a writer and filmmaker.

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