Unsung of the Screen: Anita Loos (Post Four) Pt. 1

After the huge success of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and throughout the shakiness of her marriage, Anita found herself back in Hollywood writing script after script. Unfortunately, Anita still had John as sort of a channel to communicate with directors, especially the ones who couldn't fathom working equally with women. However, she still enjoyed her work. She even wrote the script and subtitles for the 1928 silent film for "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".

As film began to make its transition into the new world of "sound", Anita--who was now in her 40s (even though she often shed years off her age) transitioned with it, turning out screenplays for some of the most successful films of the 1930s; films that include Red-Headed Woman, The Cat and the Fiddle, The Girl From Missouri, Saratoga, and one of 1939's biggest hits The Women. 

Also, in 1937 Anita would finally ask John for a divorce. She also had him check into a sanatorium where he was diagnosed with schizophrenia; then later moved him into his own apartment and hired a nurse to care for him. 

In 1946, Anita would move back to New York and write successful plays for Broadway, including a play for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Read tomorrow, July 13th.