Description
Book SynopsisDocuments Dorothy Arzner's film career, her work as a film editor, her directorial debut, and her departure from Hollywood in 1943. This book analyzes a number of Arzner's films, and discusses how feminist preoccupations shape them. It treats Arzner's lesbianism and the role that desire between women played in her career, her life, and her films.
Trade Review"It is the first major study of Arzner's work since 1975 and, considering the depth of Mayne's research, will be the landmark study for many to come." - Lambda Book Report " ... brilliant and lively reading ... " - Feminist Boookstore News " ... displays an interpretive subtlety that does justice to Arzner's films themselves." - The Lesbian Review of Books " ... brilliantly written and constructed ... " - Gay Times "[Mayne explores] in fascinating detail how Arzner succeeded in becoming a director, how her films reflected a distinct sensibility and set of life experiences, and how she was portrayed in the popular media." - Steven Mintz, H-Net Book Review
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
Part I
The Cinderella Girl of the Movies
1. Apprenticeship
2. Successes and Failures
3. The Independent
4. After Hollywood
Part II
Films for Women Made by Women
5. Working Girls
6. Odd Couples
7. Dance, Girls, Dance
Part III
Girl Director Sets New Standards of Beauty
8. Looking for Dorothy
Conclusion: Lesbian Detection
Notes
Filmography
Index
