Winifred Ashton (Clemence Dane)
- Born:
- 22 February 1888, Blackheath, London, England
- Died:
- 28 March 1961, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Playwright, Screenwriter, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Winifred Ashton was born in Blackheath, London.
- Educated at home and later at schools in England and Switzerland.
- Initially pursued a career as an artist and actress.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began writing under the pseudonym Clemence Dane, a name inspired by St. Clement Danes church in London.
- Gained recognition for her novel Regiment of Women (1917), which explored themes of female relationships and education.
- Achieved considerable success as a playwright, with notable plays including A Bill of Divorcement (1921).
- Worked as a screenwriter, contributing to several films.
- Won the Academy Award for Best Story for the film Vacation from Marriage (1945).
Notable Works
Plays
- A Bill of Divorcement (1921)
- Naboth's Vineyard (1925)
- Granite (1926)
- Wild Decembers (1932) (a play about the Brontë family)
Novels
- Regiment of Women (1917)
- Legend (1919)
- Broome Stages (1931)
Screenwriting
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | Christopher Bean | Screenplay adaptation of Sidney Howard's play. |
| 1945 | Vacation from Marriage | Won Academy Award for Best Story. |
Legacy and Impact
Clemence Dane, whose actual name was Winifred Ashton, left a significant mark on British literature and theatre. Her diverse body of work, ranging from novels and plays to screenplays, reflected her insightful observations on gender roles, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships. The exploration of her career can aptly be termed a "clemence dane biography definition" for a multi-faceted artist of the 20th century. Her success paved the way for other female writers and playwrights.