Arthur Cavanaugh dies at 84

Novelist, playwright known for Kraft, 'Trap'

By VARIETY STAFF

Novelist and playwright Arthur W. Cavanaugh, whose best-known works include scripting for Kraft Television Theater in the 1950s and novel-turned-film "The Deadly Trap," directed by Rene Clement in 1971, died March 6 in Los Angeles. He was 84.

A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Cavanaugh began his career as an actor in the United Service Organization and the touring company of the Broadway production "Life with Father." He later switched to writing, working mostly in television throughout the 50s, publishing four novels, two memoirs and over 50 short stories.

Cavanaugh is survived by his wife Mary; son Francis, a CBS exec; a daughter, Teresa, a brother and two grandchildren.