Screenwriter and author, most recognized for his films in the western genre including The Unforgiven and The Searchers.
He studied Philosophy at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1922.
Painted Ponies, his first novel, was about the friction between the Cheyenne and the US horse soldiers. It was published in 1927.
His father John once worked as a teacher in the public school system.
His 1960 film, The Unforgiven, starred infamous actress Audrey Hepburn.