Connelly, Marc[us Cook] (1890–1981), playwright. Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, he began writing plays for amateur productions while working as a newspaperman in nearby Pittsburgh. In 1916 he wrote the libretto and lyrics for
The Amber Princess, but by the time the musical reached New York, others had rewritten the book and only one of his lyrics survived. After updating the libretto of
Erminie for a 1921 revival, Connelly joined forces with George S.
Kaufman, and together they wrote
Dulcy (1921),
To the Ladies (1922),
Merton of the Movies (1922), the musical
Helen of Troy, New York (1923),
The Deep Tangled Wildwood (1923),
Beggar on Horseback (1924), the musical
Be Yourself (1924), and sketches for
The 49ers (1922). After the two separated, Connelly wrote the fantasy
The Wisdom Tooth (1926), and with Herman J. Mankiewicz, the comedy
The Wild Man of Borneo (1927). Connelly's greatest success was the folklike fantasy
The Green Pastures (1930), followed by the popular
The Farmer Takes a Wife (1934). He directed many plays, most notably
Having Wonderful Time (1937), and made occasional appearances as an actor when his bald head and avuncular face and voice prompted his casting in folksy parts. Autobiography:
Voices Offstage, New York, 1968.
