First Women of Hollywood

"Mary Mallory has taken our ongoing study of early women filmmakers to a new height, and a new level of scholarship, with The First Women of Hollywood. Acknowledging the prominent place that women played as actors, directors, and screenwriters, she turns her attention to the work of Hollywood’s female community in all manner of roles, including studio founder, stunt person, projectionist, costume designer, makeup artist, hairdresser, and animator. She identifies the first ethnic women in film and the women whose influence was crucial to the success of the new medium as critics, trade paper editors, fan magazine editors, and even archivists. The accompanying essays here are examples of scholarship at its best, readable and well documented. The First Women of Hollywood will stand the test of time as a leading reference source—and I might add as a good read.”

“Mary Mallory has written a meticulously researched, compelling history of unsung pioneering women in Hollywood. Mallory introduces us to the likes of the first set dresser and Hattie Wilson Tabourne, a black hairdresser who coiffed such stars as Valentino and Gloria Swanson. Mallory’s work is eye-opening.”

“An impressive work of film history that puts a well-deserved spotlight on neglected talents, adding to our knowledge of how women artisans shaped and contributed to cinema throughout the silent period and well beyond.”

(Praise for the author's previous book Hollywood at Play)
"It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane that is well worth taking!"

(Praise for the author's previous book Living with Grace)
"Readers will . . . come away with a new appreciation for Kelly as an ordinary person turned starlet."
 

(Praise for the author's previous book Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays)
"A lot of fun . . . one of the best film books of 2015."

(Praise for the author's previous book Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays)
"Irresistible . . ."