From the New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue and The Aviator’s Wife, a “rich exploration of two Hollywood friends who shaped the movies” (USA Today)—screenwriter Frances Marion and superstar Mary Pickford “Full of Old Hollywood glamour and true details about the pair’s historic careers . . . a captivating ode to a legendary bond.”—Real Simple NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY REAL SIMPLE It is 1914, and twenty-five-year-old Frances Marion has left her (second) husband and her Northern California home for the lure of Los Angeles, where she is determined to live independently as an artist. But the word on everyone’s lips these days is “flickers”—the silent moving pictures enthralling theatergoers. Turn any corner in this burgeoning town and you’ll find made-up actors running around, as a movie camera captures it all. In this fledgling industry, Frances finds her true calling: writing stories for this wondrous new medium. She also makes the acquaintance of actress Mary Pickford, whose signature golden curls and lively spirit have earned her the title “America’s Sweetheart.” The two ambitious young women hit it off instantly, their kinship fomented by their mutual fever to create, to move audiences to a frenzy, to start a revolution. But their ambitions are challenged by both the men around them and the limitations imposed on their gender—and their astronomical success could come at a price. As Mary, the world’s highest paid and most beloved actress, struggles to live her life under the spotlight, she also wonders if it is possible to find love, even with the dashing actor Douglas Fairbanks. Frances, too, longs to share her life with someone. As in any good Hollywood story, dramas will play out, personalities will clash, and even the deepest friendships might be shattered. With cameos from such notables as Charlie Chaplin, Louis B. Mayer, Rudolph Valentino, and Lillian Gish, The Girls in the Picture is, at its heart, a story of friendship and forgiveness. Melanie Benjamin brilliantly captures the dawn of a glittering new era—its myths and icons, its possibilities and potential, and its seduction and heartbreak. “A boffo production . . . Inspiration is a rare and unexpected gift in a book filled with the fluff of Hollywood, but Benjamin provides it with The Girls in the Picture.”—NPR “Profoundly resonant, The Girls in the Picture is at its core, an empowering and fascinating tale of sisterhood.”—Bryce Dallas Howard

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue and The Aviator’s Wife, a “rich exploration of two Hollywood friends who shaped the movies” (USA Today)—screenwriter Frances Marion and superstar Mary Pickford “Full of Old Hollywood glamour and true details about the pair’s historic careers . . . a captivating ode to a legendary bond.”—Real Simple NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY REAL SIMPLE It is 1914, and twenty-five-year-old Frances Marion has left her (second) husband and her Northern California home for the lure of Los Angeles, where she is determined to live independently as an artist. But the word on everyone’s lips these days is “flickers”—the silent moving pictures enthralling theatergoers. Turn any corner in this burgeoning town and you’ll find made-up actors running around, as a movie camera captures it all. In this fledgling industry, Frances finds her true calling: writing stories for this wondrous new medium. She also makes the acquaintance of actress Mary Pickford, whose signature golden curls and lively spirit have earned her the title “America’s Sweetheart.” The two ambitious young women hit it off instantly, their kinship fomented by their mutual fever to create, to move audiences to a frenzy, to start a revolution. But their ambitions are challenged by both the men around them and the limitations imposed on their gender—and their astronomical success could come at a price. As Mary, the world’s highest paid and most beloved actress, struggles to live her life under the spotlight, she also wonders if it is possible to find love, even with the dashing actor Douglas Fairbanks. Frances, too, longs to share her life with someone. As in any good Hollywood story, dramas will play out, personalities will clash, and even the deepest friendships might be shattered. With cameos from such notables as Charlie Chaplin, Louis B. Mayer, Rudolph Valentino, and Lillian Gish, The Girls in the Picture is, at its heart, a story of friendship and forgiveness. Melanie Benjamin brilliantly captures the dawn of a glittering new era—its myths and icons, its possibilities and potential, and its seduction and heartbreak. “A boffo production . . . Inspiration is a rare and unexpected gift in a book filled with the fluff of Hollywood, but Benjamin provides it with The Girls in the Picture.”—NPR “Profoundly resonant, The Girls in the Picture is at its core, an empowering and fascinating tale of sisterhood.”—Bryce Dallas Howard

Laura Lee Hope's 'The Moving Picture Girls in War Plays. Or, The Sham Battles at Oak Farm' is a captivating novel that follows the adventures of the moving picture girls as they become involved in creating war plays at Oak Farm. The book, written in a vivid and engaging style, provides a unique insight into the early days of motion pictures and the challenges faced by those in the film industry. The literary context of the novel reflects the growing interest in visual storytelling during the early 20th century, making it a valuable piece of historical fiction. Readers will be drawn into the world of silent movies and the creative process behind filmmaking. Laura Lee Hope's attention to detail and descriptive language bring the setting to life, creating a compelling narrative that will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and film history. Laura Lee Hope, a pseudonym used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate, was a collective group of authors who contributed to the popular 'Moving Picture Girls' series. Their extensive experience in writing children's literature and their passion for storytelling shines through in 'The Moving Picture Girls in War Plays,' making it a must-read for anyone interested in the early days of cinema and the behind-the-scenes magic of filmmaking. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for a delightful blend of adventure, history, and creativity.

In 'The Moving Picture Girls at Sea. or, A Pictured Shipwreck That Became Real' by Laura Lee Hope, the story delves into the exciting adventures of a group of girls who find themselves caught in a perilous situation while filming a movie at sea. The book is rich in detail, capturing the essence of early 20th-century America through its vivid descriptions of film-making and maritime life. The narrative style is engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the girls' journey. This novel fits into the genre of youth adventure fiction, showcasing Hope's talent for creating compelling stories for young readers. The blend of excitement, drama, and friendship makes it a captivating read for audiences of all ages. Laura Lee Hope, a pseudonym used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate, was a collective of writers who produced popular children's books. The collaborative nature of the authorship allowed for a diverse range of stories that resonated with young readers. Hope's background in children's literature is evident in the thoughtful and entertaining storytelling found in 'The Moving Picture Girls at Sea'. I recommend this book to readers looking for a thrilling tale of friendship, courage, and resilience that will captivate their imagination.

There, I think I have everything in that I'll need at Oak Farm. "Everything! Good gracious, Ruth, how quickly you pack! Why, I've oceans and oceans of things yet to go into my trunk! Oh, there are my scout shoes. I've been looking everywhere for them. I'll need them if I do any hiking in those war scenes," and Alice DeVere dived under a pile of clothing, bringing to light a muddy, but comfortable, pair of walking shoes. "I don't know what I'd do without them," she murmured. "Alice!" cried Ruth, her sister, and the shocked tone of her voice made the younger girl look up quickly from the contemplation of the shoes. "Why, what have I done now?" came in rather injured accents. "I'm sure I didn't use any slang; and as for not having all my things packed as quickly as you, why, Ruth, my dear, you must remember that you are an exception-the one that proves the rule."

The film company that employs teenage sisters Alice and Ruth DeVere as actresses has lined up its next project: a film that showcases life in the Wild West. But as the cast and crew begin the journey to the ranch where they'll be filming, it becomes clear that a rival company intends to steal the idea for the movie.