Zoë Akins, a celebrated American playwright, poet, and author, came into this world on October 30, 1886, and her remarkable journey on this earth finally came to an end on October 29, 1958. This illustrious individual was a recipient of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, a testament to her extraordinary talent and outstanding contributions to the world of drama.
In the early 1930s, a pivotal period in the professional trajectory of Akins, her career in the realm of film started to gain momentum, as she penned a multitude of screenplays and authorized minor adaptations of her creative endeavors.
Notwithstanding the cinematic endeavors undertaken by Akins during this particular juncture in his professional trajectory, it is noteworthy to highlight the notable films that emerged from his creative endeavors during this era, specifically the 1930 release "Sarah and Son" and the 1933 film "Morning Glory".
These two films, although not sufficient to catapult Akins' career as a Hollywood screenwriter to unprecedented heights, did manage to garner Academy Award nominations for the female leads, Ruth Chatterton and Katharine Hepburn, respectively.
Akins' remarkable career, marked by dedication and perseverance, was not without its accolades, and it was not until the year 1935 that she received widespread recognition for her outstanding work, specifically in the form of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama, awarded to her for her remarkable dramatization of Edith Wharton's esteemed novel, "The Old Maid".
This notable play, a masterclass in melodrama, transported audiences to the bustling streets of New York City, spanning an impressive five episodes across a significant period of time, from the year 1839 to 1854.
Akins' remarkable career in film adaptation was marked by a notable transformation of Alexandre Dumas' esteemed novel, "La dame aux camélias", into a cinematic masterpiece, specifically the 1936 film "Camille". This cinematic endeavour boasted an impressive cast, featuring the iconic Greta Garbo, alongside Robert Taylor and Lionel Barrymore, and garnered Garbo her third Academy Award nomination, a testament to her exceptional talent.
In the year 1953, Akins' creative endeavors suddenly experienced a resurgence in popularity, courtesy of Jean Negulesco's cinematic adaptation of Akins' original theatrical work, "The Greeks Had a Word for It", which was rechristened "How to Marry a Millionaire". This film went on to achieve unparalleled box office success, thereby providing a significant boost to the career of its lead actress, the incomparable Marilyn Monroe. Monroe's portrayal of the character in Akins' play played a pivotal role in cementing her status as a cultural icon, and as a direct result, Akins was motivated to embark on a brief but illustrious stint as a writer for various television variety programs.
