Early Life and Education
Marguerite Roberts was born on September 21, 1905, in Greeley, Colorado. She was the daughter of a newspaper editor and grew up in a household that valued literature and storytelling. Roberts showed an early interest in writing and began penning short stories and plays as a child. She attended the University of Colorado, where she studied English literature and journalism.
Early Career
After graduating from college, Roberts moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing. She worked as a journalist for several years before transitioning to screenwriting. Her first major success came in 1939 when she wrote the screenplay for the film “True Confession,” starring Carole Lombard and Fred MacMurray. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career in Hollywood.
Notable Works
Throughout her career, Marguerite Roberts wrote screenplays for a wide range of films, including westerns, dramas, and comedies. Some of her most notable works include “The True Story of Jesse James” (1957), “The War Wagon” (1967), and “The Big Valley” (1965-1969). Roberts was known for her strong female characters and her ability to infuse her scripts with wit and intelligence.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite her talent and success, Marguerite Roberts faced challenges in Hollywood due to her political beliefs. In the 1950s, during the height of the Red Scare, Roberts was blacklisted for alleged communist sympathies. This period was a dark time for many writers in Hollywood, but Roberts continued to write under pseudonyms and through ghostwriting for other screenwriters.
Personal Life
In 1943, Marguerite Roberts married fellow writer John Sanford. The couple had a son together and remained married until Sanford’s death in 1973. Roberts was known for her wit, intelligence, and strong opinions. She was a feminist before the term was widely used and often spoke out against social injustices in Hollywood and beyond.
Later Career
In the 1970s and 1980s, Marguerite Roberts continued to work as a screenwriter, although her output slowed down as she grew older. She wrote for television shows such as “Little House on the Prairie” and “The Waltons,” bringing her unique voice and perspective to each project. Despite her advancing age, Roberts remained sharp-witted and dedicated to her craft.
Legacy
Marguerite Roberts passed away on February 17, 1989, in Santa Barbara, California. She is buried in the Santa Barbara Cemetery alongside her husband, John Sanford. Despite facing adversity in her career, Roberts left behind a legacy of groundbreaking work that continues to inspire writers today. Her contributions to the film industry are remembered not only for their quality but also for their courage in the face of political persecution.
Recognition
In recognition of her talent and achievements, Marguerite Roberts received several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for her work on “True Confession” in 1939. In 1984, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Writers Guild of America for her contributions to the art of screenwriting.
Influence on Future Generations
Marguerite Roberts’ impact on the world of screenwriting can still be felt today. Her strong female characters and sharp dialogue have influenced countless writers who have followed in her footsteps. Her willingness to speak out against injustice serves as an inspiration to those who use their platform to advocate for social change.
Quotes
Here are some memorable quotes from Marguerite Roberts:
- “A good script is like a good meal – it should leave you satisfied but still hungry for more.”
- “Writing is a form of activism – every word has the power to change hearts and minds.”
- “I may be small in stature, but my words pack a punch that can knock down walls.”
Conclusion
Marguerite Roberts was a trailblazing screenwriter whose talent and courage paved the way for future generations of writers. Despite facing adversity in Hollywood due to her political beliefs, she continued to write with passion and integrity. Her legacy lives on through her groundbreaking work and her influence on the world of screenwriting.
