Backwards & in heels: the past, present and future of women working in film

History of women in cinema by Alicia Malone, told through the stories of individuals working in Hollywood era by era from the 1890s to the present day as well as looking into the future. Includes interviews with influential women and men currently active in Hollywood. Contents: Introduction. Part One: The Past - The First Pioneers (1890s - 1920s): Alice Guy Blaché: the first female filmmaker; Lois Weber: social issues on film; Mary Pickford: the movie star businesswoman; Margaret Booth: the first film editor; Frances Marion: the award-winning writer; Helen Holmes: the action hero. Struggling in the System (1930s): Dorothy Arzner: the only female filmmaker; Mae West: the sex symbol vs the code; Hattie McDaniel: the Oscar winner; Anna May Wong: erasure and exoticism; The woman's picture. Waging their Own War (1940s): Hedy Lamarr: the pin-up with the patent; Olivia de Havilland: the lawmaker; Rita Hayworth: the illusion; The femmes fatales. The Dream Factory (1950s): Dorothy Dandridge: fighting against stereotype; Marilyn Monroe: the myth; Ida Lupino: mother of us all. New Hollywood (1960s & 1970s): Joan Crawford & Bette Davis: the famous feud; Jane Fonda: new Hollywood icon; Female filmmakers, finally; Pam Grier: the blaxploitation hero. Modern Hollywood (1980s - 2000s): The female executives; The firsts: female filmmakers of color: Meryl Streep: Oscar queen. Part Two: The Present - Filmmakers Fight Back: Stacy L. Smith: information is power; Ava DuVernay: history maker; J. J. Abrams and Paul Feig: men who help women; Keri Putnam: reframing the issue; Maria Giese: taking action. Acting Up: Geena Davis: see it, be it; America Ferrara; facing fear; Mya Taylor: transforming Hollywood; Octavia Spencer: scene stealer; Jennifer Siebel Newsom: using her voice; Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher: mother-daughter icons. Below the Line: Amy Powell: the risk taker; Denise di Novi: from producer to director; Nicole Perlman: writing her own script; Joi McMillon: editing history; Rachel Morrison: striking images. Part Three: The Future: The future is female.