Frank Marshall Quotes

Powerful Frank Marshall for Daily Growth

About Frank Marshall

Frank Marshall Davis (August 1, 1905 – May 26, 1987) was an American journalist, poet, and novelist, best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance and his alleged relationship with a young Barack Obama in Honolulu. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Davis moved to Chicago as a teenager where he became involved in social activism, joining the Communist Party USA in 1936. Davis' writing career began in the mid-1920s when he published poetry in African American literary journals. His first book of poems, "Black Labor, White Wealth," was published in 1938. In the 1940s, Davis moved to Hawaii and began writing for the Honolulu Record, a local newspaper. It was during this time that he is believed to have mentored a young Barack Obama, who later credited Davis as being one of his earliest political influences. Davis' most notable work is the semi-autobiographical novel "Soul on Ice" (1968), which explores themes of race, identity, and sexuality. The book was controversial due to its explicit content and radical political views, but it remains an important text in discussions about African American literature and identity. Despite his contributions to literature and activism, Davis' life was not without controversy. In the late 1940s, he was investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee for his Communist ties. Although he refused to cooperate with the committee, he eventually left the Communist Party in 1956. Frank Marshall Davis died in Honolulu in 1987 at the age of 81. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its raw honesty and social commentary, making him a significant figure in American literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The harder you work for something, the greater you'll appreciate it."

This quote emphasizes that effort and hard work contribute significantly to our appreciation and valuation of something. When we put in a lot of effort towards achieving or acquiring something, we develop a deeper sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and gratitude for that achievement. Conversely, things that come easily may not hold the same value or meaning as those that required effort. Essentially, hard work instills a greater appreciation for success, fostering resilience, determination, and personal growth.


"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." (This quote is actually attributed to Winston Churchill but often associated with Frank Capra, who used it in his film "It's a Wonderful Life.")

This quote emphasizes resilience and perseverance in the face of both success and failure. It suggests that momentary triumphs do not guarantee long-term success, and temporary setbacks do not equate to defeat. The real measure of character lies in one's ability to keep moving forward courageously, regardless of the outcome. In other words, the spirit to press on despite adversity is what truly counts.


"If you want to make the audience cry, give them two good actors and tell them to fall in love."

The quote suggests that effective storytelling, particularly in a dramatic context, can evoke strong emotional responses, such as tears, from an audience by presenting convincing portrayals of love between characters played by skilled actors. In other words, the power to make an audience feel deeply lies not just in the script or the direction, but also in the ability of the performers to authentically embody and express the depths of their characters' emotions.


"The movies are like a machine that generates emotions."

This quote by Frank Marshall underscores the profound impact movies have on their audience, suggesting they are not merely visual or auditory experiences but emotional engines designed to evoke feelings within viewers. Movies can transport us into different worlds, immerse us in diverse characters' lives, and make us laugh, cry, fear, or feel hope – all through the skillful crafting of storytelling, acting, music, and other elements. In essence, movies serve as emotional catalysts that stir our hearts and minds, making us experience a range of emotions we might not otherwise encounter in our daily lives.


"A picture is not just an image; it's an idea, it's a feeling."

Frank Marshall suggests that photographs transcend their visual representation to convey thoughts and emotions. A photograph is more than just an image on a surface; it embodies an idea or concept and evokes feelings within the viewer, making it a powerful medium for storytelling and communication.


I'm a big fan of documentaries. I've always loved them, and I've just never had the opportunity or the time to make a feature.

- Frank Marshall

Opportunity, Big, Always, Documentaries

When I made 'Eight Below,' they wanted me to shoot digital, and I didn't want to do it because that's just what I need, to get a great series of takes and then find out the camera was frozen.

- Frank Marshall

Digital, Need, Below, Frozen

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.