The Transition from Studio Contract to Freelance Screenwriting: Fitzgerald's Career Shift

In 1939, F. Scott Fitzgerald faced a significant turning point in his career as MGM terminated his contract. This decision came during a challenging phase for the renowned author, who had transitioned into screenwriting. His notable contributions during this period included revisions for the film 'Madame Curie' (1943) and an unused dialogue polish for the iconic 'Gone with the Wind' (1939). Despite his involvement in these high-profile projects, Fitzgerald's work remained uncredited, reflecting the often-overlooked contributions of writers in the film industry. His only credited screenplay was for 'Three Comrades' (1938), where he notably disregarded conventional scriptwriting rules, opting instead for narrative descriptions more akin to his literary style. This approach, while artistically rich, frustrated MGM executives, leading to the termination of his contract. Following this, Fitzgerald became a freelance screenwriter, taking on projects like 'Winter Carnival' (1939). However, this period was marred by personal struggles, including an alcoholic relapse that prompted him to seek treatment from psychiatrist Richard Hoffmann in New York. Fitzgerald's journey during this time highlights the complexities of a literary giant navigating the Hollywood landscape, grappling with both creative expression and personal demons. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #F.ScottFitzgerald #Mgm #Screenwriting #HollywoodHistory #GoneWithTheWind