Viola Brothers Shore, a renowned American author, embarked on a multifaceted creative journey spanning several decades, from the 1910s to the 1930s. Born on May 26, 1890, she initially established herself as a poet and short story writer, with her inaugural foray into literature being the publication of her first short story collection, "The Heritage", in the year 1921.
Shore's cinematic endeavors commenced with the adaptation of her short story, "On the Shelf", which was transformed into the film "Let Women Alone" in 1925, marking the beginning of her foray into the world of filmmaking. She subsequently devoted her attention to crafting screenplays, ultimately securing her first credit in 1927 for the silent film "Night Life". This significant milestone was merely the precursor to a prolific two-year period during which she penned screenplays for an astonishing dozen silent films.
Noted screenwriter and playwright, Shore, made a significant career transition in the late 1920s, opting to focus on the development of scripts for a series of sound films, a decision that would ultimately span a decade, from 1929 to 1939.
Throughout this period, Shore's impressive body of work would encompass no fewer than fourteen film projects, each one showcasing her remarkable skill and expertise as a writer. Among the most notable of these films is the 1929 production, "Dangerous Curves", a cinematic endeavour that boasted an all-star cast, featuring the talents of Clara Bow and Richard Arlen.
Furthermore, Shore's prolific output during this era would also yield the 1937 screwball comedy, "Breakfast for Two", a film that would go on to star the incomparable Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall, two acting luminaries of the time.
Shore's remarkable career, marked by her tireless dedication to her craft, would ultimately leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema, a testament to her enduring legacy as a masterful screenwriter.
Notably, in conjunction with her accomplishments in the realm of film, Shore embarked upon a literary endeavour, penning a series of mystery novels, with notable examples including The Beauty Mask Murder, which was published in 1930, and Murder on the Glass Floor, which saw the light of day in 1932.
Furthermore, Shore's creative talents extended beyond the realm of literature, as she also made significant contributions to the world of theatre, with a particular highlight being her work on the 1934 musical revue New Faces of 1934, for which she composed the lyrics. This production went on to enjoy a remarkable run of almost 150 performances, a testament to Shore's enduring impact on the world of entertainment.
Peggy Shore, a pioneering figure in the world of theatre, made her mark on the Great White Way with two notable plays, Piper Paid and Fools Rush In, which premiered on Broadway in 1934. Despite their relatively short runs of 15 and 14 performances, respectively, Shore's creative endeavors continued to flourish, as she devoted herself to sharing her expertise with the next generation by teaching at New York University (NYU). Her impressive body of work was not limited to the stage, as she also made significant contributions to various mediums, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continued to inspire long after her passing on March 27, 1970.
