Dorothy Arzner

Early Life and Background

Dorothy Arzner was born on January 3, 1897, in San Francisco, California. She was the daughter of Louis and Jenetter Arzner. Her father owned a famous Hollywood restaurant frequented by many actors and filmmakers, providing Dorothy with early exposure to the film industry. Dorothy attended the University of Southern California with the intention of studying medicine, but she decided to pursue a career in the film industry after World War I.

Career Beginnings and Development

Arzner began her film career as a script typist at Famous Players-Lasky Corporation (which later became Paramount Pictures). Proving her skills and ambition, she moved up to the role of film editor and then assistant director. She made her directorial debut with the film "Fashions for Women" in 1927, quickly establishing herself as a talented director in a male-dominated industry.

Major Works and Accomplishments

During her career, Dorothy Arzner directed 16 feature films, some of the most notable being "The Wild Party" (1929), the first talkie by Paramount; "Dance, Girl, Dance" (1940), starring Lucille Ball and Maureen O'Hara, which is regarded as a feminist film pre-dating the second-wave feminism movement; and "Christopher Strong" (1933), starring Katharine Hepburn in one of her early cinema roles. Arzner was known for her pioneering use of sound and for creating strong, complex female characters.

Awards and Recognition

Arzner's work received critical acclaim during her active years, and she was the first woman to join the Directors Guild of America. Her pioneering roles in the industry have been celebrated in history, often being referred to as one of the first women to break into mainstream Hollywood directing.

Personal Life

Arzner lived openly as a lesbian and was in a significant lifelong relationship with choreographer Marion Morgan. In an era when LGBTQ+ people faced significant social stigma, Arzner's openness was both a personal and professional statement.

Legacy and Historical Impact

Dorothy Arzner is celebrated as a trailblazer for women in film, having directed films in an era when few women were behind the camera. Her films are studied for their complex gender narratives and cinematic innovations. As the only woman director working in Hollywood at the height of her career, Arzner paved the way for future generations of female filmmakers.

Later Life and Death

After retiring from filmmaking, Arzner taught at UCLA's film school, influencing many young filmmakers, including Francis Ford Coppola. She passed away on October 1, 1979, in La Quinta, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's pioneering women directors.