Agnes Christine Johnston

Agnes Christine Johnston was an American screenwriter who wrote for more than 80 films between 1915 and 1948.[1][2]

Agnes Christine Johnston
Johnston in 1919
Born(1896-01-11)January 11, 1896
DiedJuly 19, 1978(1978-07-19) (aged 82)
San Diego, California, United States
OccupationScreenwriter
Years active1915–1948
SpouseFrank Dazey
RelativesIsabel Johnston (sister)

Biography

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Early life

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Johnston was born in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, to John Johnston and Isabel McElhany. She attended the Horace Mann School and later took a playwright class at Harvard.[3][4] Her sister Isabel Johnston also became a screenwriter.

Career

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When Vitagraph gave her an assignment to write a scenario for a James Oliver Curwood novel God's Country and the Woman, she reportedly completed the scenario in 24 hours.[4]

Johnston penned a number of Andy Hardy films starring Mickey Rooney—among them The Hardys Ride High, Andy Hardy's Double Life, and Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble.[5]

Her other films included the comedy Seventeen, the romantic comedy Janie and its sequel, Janie Gets Married, plus the 1946 adaptation of Black Beauty. She also wrote the musical comedy The Time, the Place and the Girl.

Personal life

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Johnson was married to fellow screenwriter Frank Mitchell Dazey; the couple had three children together. Agnes died in San Diego, California, in 1978.[1][6]

Partial filmography

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Has Job, Three Children, Husband—Yet Writes Plays". The Los Angeles Times. February 5, 1928. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  2. ^ "Fadeins and Fadeouts". The Spokesman-Review. April 13, 1919. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  3. ^ "Scenario Writers and Editors". Motion Picture Studio Directory and Trade Annual: 289. 1921 – via Ancestry.com.
  4. ^ a b "Agnes Johnston, Scenarist". Moving Picture World. 39 (6). New York City: Chalmers Publishing Company: 744. February 8, 1919. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  5. ^ "What a Routine". Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. November 13, 1944. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  6. ^ "Scenario Writer Marries". The Oklahoma City Times. August 14, 1920. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  7. ^ Milne, Peter (March 9, 1918). "Screen Examinations". Motion Picture News: 1467.
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