Stuff You Missed in History Class Dorothy Arzner
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Mar 31, 2025 Discover the trailblazing life of Dorothy Arzner, Hollywood's only female director during its Golden Age. Delve into her challenging upbringing and her rise from script typist to pioneering filmmaker. Explore her unique approach to storytelling and her complex female characters that broke barriers. Learn about her impact on cinematic history, particularly in the pre-code era, and her eventual transition to education, shaping future generations in film. Reflect on the ongoing recognition of her legacy, including a building dedicated in her honor.
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Early Hollywood Exposure?
- Arzner's father ran restaurants frequented by Hollywood stars like Chaplin and Pickford.
- Accounts vary on whether this early exposure shaped her comfort with celebrities.
Path to Hollywood
- Arzner initially pursued pre-med, joined a rowing team, and did war relief work.
- She later sought financial independence, leading her to a switchboard job.
From Typist to Filmmaker
- Arzner got a Paramount typing job despite lacking typing skills, thanks to William DeMille.
- Colleagues helped her meet deadlines; she even parked in Cecil B. DeMille's spot.
