Marion Harlan — The O. Henry Girl (1926) 🇺🇸

Not from among the many girls tested for the rôle was Marion Harlan selected to typify the O. Henry girl, but quite by accident, and quite unexpectedly.

For months Hollywood had been combed for the ideal person to play the part in the series of O. Henry tales to be filmed by Fox. From five hundred called to the studio, over seventy-five were given tests in the character.

Even canny producers and directors, however, may seem at times blindfolded. While their scouts were covering the field of youthful charm and beauty, the Fox officials were keeping Marion busy in “Wings of Youth,” “The Kiss Barrier,” and “Thank You,” and it never occurred to them to look right on their own doorstep for what they wanted. Mr. Fox [William Fox], in New York, was not quite satisfied with any of the tests sent for his approval. Executives of the West Coast studio were in despair. Then one day, several of them, as they were talking together, noticed Marion crossing the lot and were impressed by an expression that flashed across her face. All at once her youth, vivacity, and ingenuousness struck them, and George Marshall, supervising director of the series, exclaimed, “There’s our O. Henry girl — why, it’s Marion! Right on the lot! Can you beat that?” Tests substantiated that quick conviction and gave the decision to Marion.

She is an attractive brunette, still in her teens, and is daughter of Otis Harlan. Since she was three, Marion has played on the stage.

—

Photo by: Roman Freulich

Collection: Picture Play Magazine, January 1926