Directed by Dorothy Arzner

by Judith Mayne

Dorothy Arzner was the exception in Hollywood film history―the one woman who succeeded as a director, in a career that spanned three decades. In Part One, Dorothy Arzner's film career―her work as a film editor to her directorial debut, to her departure from Hollywood in 1943―is documented, with particular attention to Arzner's roles as "star-maker" and "woman's director." In Part Two, Mayne analyzes a number of Arzner's films and discusses how feminist preoccupations shape them, from the women's communities central to Dance, Girl, Dance and The Wild Party to critiques of the heterosexual couple in Christopher Strong and Craig's Wife. Part Three treats Arzner's lesbianism and the role that desire between women played in her career, her life, and her films.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Biography, Queer, Feminism, Biography Memoir, History

209 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Paul Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few texts that critique the work of the ONLY working FEMALE hollywood director (making mainstream films) in the 1930s. Arzner made over 40 pictures, many of them box office hits at the time, and she is credited with propelling many big actresses to stardom, including Katharine Hepburn and Rosalind Russell. She was also credited with the creation of the "boom mic," during the filming of her first talkie picture, "The Wild Party." Arzner was a lesbian, and Judith Mayne takes great pains to deconstruct Arzner's own public image as well as her films, which always seem to be telling a story that exists contrary to the common heteronormative narrative that was so prevalent at the time. Brilliant artist, brilliant critique.

[Ally McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent look into Dorothy Arzner's career and life. I highly recommend it for those who want a look into early feminist cinema. It made me aware of UCLA's archive of films. They contain most Arzner films and I was able to see Working Girls, which was a rare treat and pleasure.

Please read my review of that film for more info: http://cinemabecomesher.blogspot.com/...

[Matthew Wilder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adequate overview of Arzner. Some day her work will be evaluated with her peers’ and no longer languish in a Womyn’s Studies ghetto.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely essential film history though less than essential critical writing. The best text to learn about Dorothy Arzner's life and work.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

There aren't many books on Arzner so we're lucky to have this one. Mayne touches on Arzner's life and career with a little less concentration on her private life. Lots of interesting analysis of Arzner's movies, wonderful seemingly exclusive photographs and it's a very easy read. There's also a chapter devoted to the perception of Arzner on the way she was written about in the press throughout the years. At the height of powers, film critics definitely took notice, for better or worse, that she was a female director.

Also, I had no idea Joan Crawford hired her in the 50's to direct Pepsi commercials when Joan had pull in that company. Good for Joan, I only wish these ads for readily available online.

Definitely worth reading if you're into film history.