9. William Sydney Porter (a.k.a. O. Henry) (1862-1910)
Who Was He: American author, known for his short stories. Career Highlights: The Cop and the Anthem (1904), The Gift of the Magi (1906), A Retrieved Reformation (1909) and The Ransom of Red Chief (1910). A Retrieved Reformation was adapted into Alias Jimmy Valentine (1928), one of MGMs first full talkies, while The Gift of the Magi has become a minor Christmas classic. Context of Last Words: Like many writers, Porter was a heavy drinker, and eventually succumbed to cirrhosis of the liver. He died at his home shortly after his second wife, Sarah, had divorced him, Last Words: Turn up the lights. I dont want to go home in the dark.
Freelance copywriter, film buff, community radio presenter. Former host of The Movie Hour podcast (http://www.lionheartradio.com/ and click 'Interviews'), currently presenting on Phonic FM in Exeter (http://www.phonic.fm/). Other loves include theatre, music and test cricket.
