Marion Short


Marion Short was an American dramatist, poet, and short story writer who produced a number of successful plays. Many of her works were co-authored with Pauline Phelps, and some were performed on Broadway.

Biography

Little is known of Marion Short's personal life. She was born in Illinois around 1880, although both her parents hailed from Indiana. She lived in California before moving to New York. At the age of 40, she was living in Manhattan and was unmarried. Short's final known work was published in 1938, after which there is no record of her.

Career

Marion Short had several poems published in her teens by Edgar S. Werner, and she continued to work with the publisher for more than thirty years. She was a popular elocutionist, performing recitations and sketches at multiple events throughout the 1890s. In the latter half of the decade, she would perform with others under the name of "The Marion Short Company", or "The Marion Short Three-Star Combination".
Short's repertoire included monologues by Pauline Phelps. She was a great admirer of Phelps' work, and started a correspondence with the writer which led to the two forming a literary partnership. The duo edited multiple works by other playwrights before they began publishing their own plays, sometimes under the pseudonym "Paul Marion". These would often star popular actresses of the day, such as Adelaide Thurston and Helen Hayes.
A prolific writer, Short would release several works every year; most of these were comedic plays, although she also published work in short story magazines. She was a skilled negotiator and businesswoman, which contributed to her success as a writer and consultant.
Short was a member of the American Society of Dramatists and Composers.

Works

Folly Land Lyrics, with Pauline PhelpsWhen a Woman Loves, with Pauline PhelpsHalloween and Candle Light, with Pauline PhelpsStevens the Convensional, a short story which appeared in The Red Book magazineSweet Clover, with Pauline PhelpsThe Girl from Out Yonder, with Pauline Phelps, later adapted into the silent film Out YonderSt. Cecilia, with Pauline PhelpsA Grand Army Man, with David Belasco and Pauline PhelpsAs Molly Told It, with Pauline PhelpsCounty Fair at Punkinville, with Pauline PhelpsTouch-down Pauline Pavlovna The Waiting Soul, a short story which appeared in Snappy Stories magazine and adapted for stage by Walter C. CliftonBlossoming of Mary Anne, with Sidney TolerHome from College Jack's ''Brother's Sister, with Pauline PhelpsReturn of Hi Jinks Honor of the Stars and Stripes Miss Somebody Else
  • Golden Age, with Sidney TolerWhat's Your Game, with Sidney TolerThe Flour Girl, with Pauline PhelpsHot Pancakes, with Pauline PhelpsShavings, with Pauline Phelps
  • The Same Old Girl, with Pauline Phelps and Charles GeorgeCozy Corners, with Pauline PhelpsWitches' Hour and Candle Light, with Pauline Phelps, Lights of Happyland Alias Nora O'Brien, with Lynn OsbornRose of the Southland Only Me, with Pauline PhelpsThe Belle of Philadelphia Town, with Pauline PhelpsThe Hidden Guest, with Pauline PhelpsNancy Pretends, with Pauline PhelpsThe Flour Girl, with Pauline PhelpsBetty Engaged The Jade Necklace Getaway Stop! Go!, with Pauline PhelpsPeach Tree Road Nobody's Home Jealous? Certainly Not! Marindy Gets "Assurance" Nervous Miss Niles Rastus Gets Discussed The Wistful Widow, with Pauline PhelpsIn Washington's Day, with Pauline PhelpsBlack Gold, with Pauline PhelpsHer Alienated Affections The Mysterious Mrs. Updyke Impatience of Job Thrills The Ryerson Mystery She Wouldn't Stay Put The Return of Mr. Benjamin Who Said Quit?, with Pauline PhelpsCupid Throws a Monkeywrench Grandpa Goes Hunting The Newspaper Bride They Will Grow Up Billy Goes Haywire Thirteen Diamonds A Short Story The Bad Boy Comes Back Aunt Sally and the Crime Wave Madam Magnificent Information Wanted The Little Terror The Trailer Man