Frances Marion (born Marion Benson Owens on November 18, 1888) was an influential American screenwriter, director, journalist, and author, recognized as one of the most prominent female screenwriters of the 20th century. She penned over 325 scripts and was the first writer to win two Academy Awards. Born in San Francisco, Marion had a turbulent early life, including a disrupted education and various jobs before venturing into filmmaking. She worked as a photographer's assistant and a commercial artist before starting her film career. Marion's career began in the early 20th century, with her initial foray into film coming through a role as a writing assistant and actress for Lois Weber Productions in 1914. Marion's early work included writing scenarios for silent films and experimenting with new cinematic techniques. Her career took off when Mary Pickford offered her a position at Famous Players–Lasky, where she wrote successful films such as "The Foundling" and "The Poor Little Rich Girl." Marion's expertise and creativity quickly established her as a leading screenwriter. Her transition to sound films and directing further cemented her reputation and this solid foundation in silent film, combined with her pioneering work in early sound cinema, set the stage for her significant contributions to Hollywood's golden age. Marion's career highlights include directing "The Love Light" and winning Academy Awards for "The Big House" and "The Champ." She also had a notable career as a journalist, serving as a combat correspondent during World War I. Her later years saw her leave Hollywood to focus on writing stage plays and novels, including her memoir "Off With Their Heads!" which reflects her extensive experiences in the film industry. Marion was married four times and had two sons. She passed away in Los Angeles in 1973 from a ruptured aneurysm. Her legacy remains influential in the history of film and screenwriting.

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