Dorothy Parker

A career marked by wit, controversy, and literary excellence

Early Career at Vogue (1915–1917)

Dorothy Parker's professional journey began in 1915 when she submitted a poem to Vogue magazine. The submission caught the attention of editors, leading to her hiring as a copywriter. Her early work showcased her emerging wit and talent for clever, concise writing.

One of her most famous early pieces was a lingerie caption that perfectly captured her style: "Brevity is the soul of lingerie." This line not only demonstrated her sharp humor but also became one of her most quoted remarks, highlighting her ability to blend sophistication with irreverence.

However, Parker's tenure at Vogue was short-lived. She was fired after writing an outlandish caption that was deemed too provocative: "There was a little girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very good, and when she was bad she wore this divine nightdress of rose-colored mousseline de soie, with frother Valenciennes lace." This incident marked the beginning of a pattern in her career—brilliant work often accompanied by controversy.

Vanity Fair Years (1917–1920)

In 1917, Dorothy Parker moved to Vanity Fair as their first female drama critic, a groundbreaking position that allowed her to shape theatrical criticism in New York. Her reviews were sharp, insightful, and often devastatingly witty, earning her both admirers and enemies in the theater world.

Parker's tenure at Vanity Fair was marked by several infamous reviews that showcased her fearless approach to criticism:

• The Billie Burke Review: Parker famously criticized actress Billie Burke's performance in Caesar's Wife, comparing her to vaudeville star Eva Tanguay, known for "tawdry eroticism." Burke's husband, legendary producer Florenz Ziegfeld, was a major advertiser for the magazine and was reportedly enraged by the comparison.
• The David Belasco Jab: Parker criticized producer David Belasco's play The Son-Daughter, suggesting it was nearly identical to his previous work. Belasco was so offended that he allegedly threatened a libel suit.

These reviews, while brilliant, created powerful enemies. In 1920, Parker was fired from Vanity Fair during a tea at the Plaza Hotel. Editor Frank Crowninshield claimed the firing was because her predecessor, P.G. Wodehouse, wanted his job back—a widely doubted excuse. In characteristic fashion, Parker reportedly ordered the most expensive dessert on the menu before walking out.

The Aftermath and Career Shift

The firing from Vanity Fair backfired spectacularly on the magazine, turning into a major media scandal:

• Solidarity Resignations: Parker's close friends and colleagues, Robert Benchley and Robert E. Sherwood, immediately resigned from Vanity Fair in protest.
• Birth of the Round Table: The group moved their daily discussions to the Algonquin Hotel, where the publicity from the firing helped cement the legend of the Algonquin Round Table.

Following the scandal, Parker never held another traditional office job. Instead, she transitioned to freelance writing, finding even greater success as a critic and contributor to publications like Ainslee's and later The New Yorker. This period marked the beginning of her most productive and influential years as a writer.

Hollywood Years (1934–1949)

In 1934, Dorothy Parker moved to Hollywood to work as a screenwriter, drawn by lucrative film contracts and the opportunity to expand her creative horizons. Her Hollywood career was marked by both success and frustration with the studio system.

One of her most notable achievements was receiving an Oscar nomination for her work on the 1937 film A Star Is Born, a testament to her screenwriting talent and ability to adapt her literary voice to the cinematic medium.

Beyond her screenwriting, Parker became involved in Hollywood's social and political scene. In 1936, she helped found the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League, demonstrating her commitment to progressive causes and her willingness to use her platform for activism. This involvement reflected her broader political engagement during this period.

While Parker's Hollywood years brought financial success and recognition, they also highlighted the challenges of working within the constraints of the studio system. Her sharp wit and uncompromising standards often clashed with commercial demands, leading to both triumphs and frustrations.

Legacy and Impact

Dorothy Parker's career trajectory—from magazine copywriter to legendary critic, from fired employee to Hollywood screenwriter—reflects her extraordinary talent and unyielding personality. Her willingness to speak truth to power, whether through devastating theater reviews or political activism, established her as one of the most influential voices in American letters.

Parker's career was defined by her ability to blend sharp wit with deep insight, creating work that was both entertaining and profoundly human. Her journey from the pages of Vogue to the screens of Hollywood remains an inspiration for writers and critics who value integrity over conformity.