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Marion Fairfax papers
86
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Abstract: The collection contains scripts, correspondence, clippings, miscellaneous manuscript material, a few contracts, and a photograph
album. There is some material regarding her husband Tully Marshall.
Collector:
Fairfax, Marion
Dates: 1890-1967
Dates: 1910-1929
Collection number: 86
Collection Size:
1 linear ft. of papers
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Available by appointment only.
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are responsible for obtaining all
necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies or individuals before quoting from or publishing
materials obtained from the library.
Marion Fairfax papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, 1982
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Marion Fairfax papers span the years 1890-1967 (bulk 1910s-1920s) and encompass 1.0 linear foot. The collection contains
primarily scripts and correspondence. Of interest are her scenarios for THE BLACKLIST (1916), THE CLOWN (1916), COMMON GROUND
(1916), THE HONOR OF HIS HOUSE (1918), THE IMMIGRANT (1915), THE LYING TRUTH (1922), THE SECRET GAME (1917), THE WHITE MAN'S
LAW (1918), and THE WIDOW'S MIGHT (1918). Play scripts represented include "The Builders" (1907); "The Talker" (1912), later
adapted for the screen by Fairfax and released by First National in 1925; and "The Ways and the Means" (1908), based on Winston
Churchill's novel "Mr. Crewe's Career." Other writings include her column, "Marionettes," clipped from "Rob Wagner's Script,"
and miscellaneous manuscript material. Much of the correspondence is miscellaneous in nature. Among the more interesting items
are letters regarding THE LOST WORLD and THE LYING TRUTH, and handwritten letters from Marshall to Fairfax at the time he
was making THE COVERED WAGON and THE BIG TRAIL. A small amount of correspondence relates to Marion Fairfax Productions and
the Writers Club. A few contracts and a photo album with snapshots of Marshall and Fairfax are also of interest.
Marion Fairfax (1875-1970) was born Marion Neiswanger in Richmond, Virginia. She was educated at South Division High School
in Chicago and Emerson College in Boston. A short stint as a stage actress preceded her career as a successful playwright
in New York. Fairfax moved to California around 1915 and became a screenwriter. She wrote a number of scenarios for the Jesse
L. Lasky Feature Play Company, many of which were directed by William C. de Mille. Fairfax's writing credits include DON'T
EVER MARRY (1920), SHERLOCK HOLMES (1922), and THE LOST WORLD (1925). She wrote, produced, and directed THE LYING TRUTH (1922),
through Marion Fairfax Productions, of which she was president. (Pete Smith handled advertising and publicity.) Fairfax married
character actor Tully Marshall (né Tully Marshall Phillips) in 1899. Although she was known as Mrs. Tully Marshall and Marion
Fairfax Marshall Phillips, she wrote under the name Marion Fairfax.
1. Production files; 2. Subject files
Fairfax, Marion
Screenwriters