John Colton Quotes
- Playwright
- USA
- 1891
John Colton was an American playwright and screenwriter who wrote some of the most popular plays and films of the 20th century. He is best known for his Broadway plays Rain (1922) and The Shanghai Gesture (1924), and for his Academy Award-winning screenplay for the film adaptation of Rain (1932). He…Read More
John Colton was an American playwright and screenwriter who wrote some of the most popular plays and films of the 20th century. He is best known for his Broadway plays Rain (1922) and The Shanghai Gesture (1924), and for his Academy Award-winning screenplay for the film adaptation of Rain (1932). He also wrote the screenplays for the films The Big House (1930), Grand Hotel (1932), and The Lost Patrol (1934). Colton was a master of dialogue and characterization, and his works often explored themes of morality and justice.Read Less
John Colton was an American playwright and screenwriter who wrote some of the most popular plays and films of the 20th century. He is best known for his Broadway plays Rain (1922) and The Shanghai Gesture (1924), and for his Academy Award-winning screenplay for the film adaptation of Rain (1932). He also wrote the screenplays for the films The Big House (1930), Grand Hotel (1932), and The Lost Patrol (1934). Colton was a master of dialogue and characterization, and his works often explored themes of morality and justice.
John Colton Career Highlights
- Colton began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and magazines, including the New York World and the New York Times.
- In 1914, he wrote his first play, “The Man from Home,” which became a huge success and established him as a prominent playwright.
- He collaborated with George S. Kaufman on several plays, including “Dulcy” (1921) and “The Royal Family” (1927), both of which were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
- Colton also wrote screenplays for Hollywood films, such as “The White Sister” (1923) and “The Green Goddess” (1930), which further solidified his reputation as a talented writer.
- In 1935, he co-founded the Playwrights’ Company, a group of playwrights who produced their own plays on Broadway, including Colton’s “The Shanghai Gesture” (1926) and “The Late Christopher Bean” (1932).
Key Contributions by John Colton
- Colton’s plays were known for their witty dialogue, clever plots, and well-developed characters, which made them popular with both critics and audiences.
- He was one of the first playwrights to incorporate elements of farce and satire into his works, which helped to revolutionize the American theater scene.
- Colton’s screenplays were also highly praised for their strong storytelling and compelling characters, and many of them were adapted into successful films.
- As a co-founder of the Playwrights’ Company, Colton played a significant role in promoting and producing new works by American playwrights, which helped to elevate the status of American theater.
What Sets John Colton Apart
- Colton’s ability to write both successful plays and screenplays set him apart from other writers of his time.
- He was known for his versatility and could write in various genres, from comedy to drama, which allowed him to appeal to a wide audience.
- Colton’s collaborations with other prominent writers, such as George S. Kaufman, further showcased his talent and helped to create some of the most iconic works in American theater.
Takeaways
- John Colton’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his significant impact on the American entertainment industry.
- His works continue to be studied and performed today, showcasing his enduring influence on the world of theater and film.
- Colton’s ability to write engaging and thought-provoking stories, as well as his collaborations and versatility, serve as valuable lessons for aspiring writers.