I was thrilled to learn that there would at last be a biography of Frances Marion. But as I labor my way through this book, forcing myself through chapter after chapter of vapid rehashings of what is already well known about other people in motion pictures, I find that Frances Marion herself is missing. I am very interested in silent films and it's amazing to me how the author has made this fascinating era so dull and lifeless that I must assign myself the task of finishing this book.

The author gushes in the preface about her immersion in Marion's life and her unprecedented access to diaries and the support of Marion's family -- well, it sure doesn't show in the book.

This book is pretty thin gruel by any standard. Even as a history of women in early film-making it's useful only as presenting well known stuff in a single book.

I still want to read a biography of Frances Marion -- any real biographers out there interested? Here is a fascinating subject who deserves better than "Without Lying Down."

Readers of this review -- get this book from the library or the 25 cent remainder table.