Mary von Saltza, 94; Screenwriter, Actress,Publicist, Novelist
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Mary Anita Loos von Saltza, 94, a screenwriter, producer, novelist, publicist and actress, died Oct. 11 at a convalescent hospital in Monterey, Calif., of complications from a stroke suffered more than two years ago.
The Los Angeles native was the daughter of Dr. Clifford Loos, a co-founder of the Ross-Loos Medical Clinic. Screenwriter and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” novelist Anita Loos was her aunt.
Von Saltza, educated at Stanford University, began her career as a publicist in New York but came to Hollywood in 1941 as a screenwriter.
She formed a writing team with her first husband, the late Richard Sale, co-scripting -- and often producing -- about 20 films. Among them were the 1950 western “A Ticket to Tomahawk,” which earned several awards, and “When Willie Comes Marching Home.”
She also wrote four novels: “The Beggars Are Coming,” “Belinda,” “Barstow Legend” and “Pride of Lovers.”
Her second marriage was to her college sweetheart, Carl von Saltza, now deceased.
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