Women Writers of Film and Television Project: Frances Marion
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Film and Media Studies | Screenwriting
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The studio era was a huge milestone in the history of film, as there was a small, consolidated number of leading studios that dominated the industry. As the film industry became more modern and capitalistic, it grew harder for women, especially newcomers, to join the film business. However, several women screenwriters succeeded during this period, most notably Frances Marion, June Mathis, and Anita Loos. In my presentation, I will discuss the impact on women screenwriters in the film industry as films shifted from the silent era to the studio era of film, and I will focus specifically on the work of Frances Marion as she was among a mere handful of women working in this capacity. I will provide an overview of Marion’s screenwriting work from the years 1912-1972, detailing some of her most significant films and accomplishments, and I will also offer my own response to several of her most noteworthy films as well as the response of contemporary and historical critics.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - English
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Anna Weinstein
Women Writers of Film and Television Project: Frances Marion
The studio era was a huge milestone in the history of film, as there was a small, consolidated number of leading studios that dominated the industry. As the film industry became more modern and capitalistic, it grew harder for women, especially newcomers, to join the film business. However, several women screenwriters succeeded during this period, most notably Frances Marion, June Mathis, and Anita Loos. In my presentation, I will discuss the impact on women screenwriters in the film industry as films shifted from the silent era to the studio era of film, and I will focus specifically on the work of Frances Marion as she was among a mere handful of women working in this capacity. I will provide an overview of Marion’s screenwriting work from the years 1912-1972, detailing some of her most significant films and accomplishments, and I will also offer my own response to several of her most noteworthy films as well as the response of contemporary and historical critics.