Marion Fairfax (born Marion Neiswanger; October 24, 1875 â€" October
2, 1970) was an American screenwriter, playwright, actress, and
producer.Fairfax first started her career as a stage actress, just
like many other women did in that era. By 1901 she was appearing on
Broadway and soon after that her own plays started appearing on
Broadway. Before she went into pictures she was known for being one of
the most distinguished stage authors in the United States, writing
Broadway hits such as The Builders (1907), The Chaperon (1908), The
Talker (1912), A Modern Girl (1914), In 1915 The Lasky Feature Play
Company entered into a contract with Fairfax. This opportunity gave
Fairfax the chance to work under William C. DeMille who is known as
the author for many successful plays such as "The Warrens of Virginia"
and "The Woman." The success of Fairfax comes through wide knowledge
of dramatic values, not only from an author's perspective but also
from that of the artist.Fairfax's production career began with the
Paramount Company. During her time there she wrote the scripts to
multiple successful photoplays such as The Clown, The Honor of His
House, The Valley of the Giants, The Westerner, The Sowers, The
Immigrant and many more. In October 1920 Fairfax renewed a contract
with Marshall Neilan. After building a successful resume with Neilan,
which included the production and script writing of films such as
Don't ever marry, The Rivers End, Dinty and Go and Get it, Fairfax was
in charge of Neilan's next four films. Her first project is based on a
Ben Ames Williams magazine story called Not a Drum Was Heard.After
spending her early career with Neilan, Fairfax soon developed her own
production company in 1921. At this point in her career Fairfax was
known for being a famous playwright and a very successful
screenwriter. Many other women have attempted to pursue careers in
film at this point but it was Lois Weber and Fairfax proving that
women can survive in the film industry. Exhibitors Herald asked
Fairfax about the start of her own company and she had this to say:
"The formation of Marion Fairfax Productions is not the result of a
sudden decision or and overnight idea. It is the realization of a plan
that I have studied and worked out for over a year. I believe there is
a place for the combination of literary effort and motion picture
presentation just as there is a place for the combination of literary
achievement and stage presentation." With a new production company at
her disposal Fairfax began working on a highly anticipated film called
The Lying Truth which starred Marjorie Daw, J. Pat O'Malley, Noah
Beery, Sr., and Tully Marshall. Released in July 1922 The Lying Truth
was quickly recognized as a masterpiece.
2, 1970) was an American screenwriter, playwright, actress, and
producer.Fairfax first started her career as a stage actress, just
like many other women did in that era. By 1901 she was appearing on
Broadway and soon after that her own plays started appearing on
Broadway. Before she went into pictures she was known for being one of
the most distinguished stage authors in the United States, writing
Broadway hits such as The Builders (1907), The Chaperon (1908), The
Talker (1912), A Modern Girl (1914), In 1915 The Lasky Feature Play
Company entered into a contract with Fairfax. This opportunity gave
Fairfax the chance to work under William C. DeMille who is known as
the author for many successful plays such as "The Warrens of Virginia"
and "The Woman." The success of Fairfax comes through wide knowledge
of dramatic values, not only from an author's perspective but also
from that of the artist.Fairfax's production career began with the
Paramount Company. During her time there she wrote the scripts to
multiple successful photoplays such as The Clown, The Honor of His
House, The Valley of the Giants, The Westerner, The Sowers, The
Immigrant and many more. In October 1920 Fairfax renewed a contract
with Marshall Neilan. After building a successful resume with Neilan,
which included the production and script writing of films such as
Don't ever marry, The Rivers End, Dinty and Go and Get it, Fairfax was
in charge of Neilan's next four films. Her first project is based on a
Ben Ames Williams magazine story called Not a Drum Was Heard.After
spending her early career with Neilan, Fairfax soon developed her own
production company in 1921. At this point in her career Fairfax was
known for being a famous playwright and a very successful
screenwriter. Many other women have attempted to pursue careers in
film at this point but it was Lois Weber and Fairfax proving that
women can survive in the film industry. Exhibitors Herald asked
Fairfax about the start of her own company and she had this to say:
"The formation of Marion Fairfax Productions is not the result of a
sudden decision or and overnight idea. It is the realization of a plan
that I have studied and worked out for over a year. I believe there is
a place for the combination of literary effort and motion picture
presentation just as there is a place for the combination of literary
achievement and stage presentation." With a new production company at
her disposal Fairfax began working on a highly anticipated film called
The Lying Truth which starred Marjorie Daw, J. Pat O'Malley, Noah
Beery, Sr., and Tully Marshall. Released in July 1922 The Lying Truth
was quickly recognized as a masterpiece.
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