Henri Girard, also known by his pseudonym Georges Arnaud, was a French author, investigative journalist, and political activist. Born on July 16, 1917, in Montpellier, France, he went on to become a renowned writer, best known for his novel "The Wages of Fear" (French: "Le Salaire de la peur").
Girard's early life was marked by tragedy, as he was the sole survivor of a brutal murder at his family's castle in 1941. His father, aunt, and servant were killed, and Henri was arrested, charged, and imprisoned for 19 months. During his time in prison, he was neglected and left to starve and freeze due to the war.
After his acquittal in 1943, Girard moved to Paris, where he married a young singer named Suzanne Graux and had two sons with her. He also wrote songs for her, some of which were performed by Edith Piaf.
Girard was known for his generosity, quickly spending the family inheritance on charitable causes and donating to various good deeds. However, this left him in debt, and he eventually left for South America in 1947.
Upon his return to France in 1950, Girard published his first novel, "The Wages of Fear," which was inspired by his journey. He went on to write several more works, including "The Journey of the Wicked Thief" and "Schtibilem 41," which were based on his experiences in prison.
In 1952, the film adaptation of "The Wages of Fear" was released, directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and starring Yves Montand and Charles Vanel. Girard continued to work as a journalist, reporting for various newspapers, and also wrote plays, including "Avowales the Sweetest," which caused a scandal in 1953.
In 1962, Girard moved to Algeria with his family, where he helped establish a journalism school and launched a newspaper, Révolution Africaine. He left Algeria in 1974 and settled in Barcelona with his wife, Rolande, whom he married in 1966. They had two daughters together.
Girard's later years were marked by his work as a reporter on French television, a position he held from 1975 to 1981. He passed away on March 4, 1987, in Barcelona, due to a heart attack.
Throughout his life, Girard was a prolific writer, journalist, and activist, leaving behind a legacy of work that continues to be celebrated today.
