5 Films To Check Out by Women Directors

March is Women's History Month and in honor of that I decided to make a post on a few female directors you should know (or maybe already do) and a film they directed.

The Trouble With Angels (1966)

Directed By: Ida Lupino

Starring: Rosalind Russell, Hayley Mills, June Harding

Running Time: 112 Minutes

*Director Ida Lupino began her career as an actress, she was put on suspension for not wanting to appear in Kings Row and became interested in directing. In 1949 she became director for the film Not Wanted. She filled in for director, Elmer Clifton after he suffered a heart attack. 

Other films Ida Lupino directed: The Hitch-Hiker (1953), The Bigamist (1953)

The Bride Wore Red (1937)

Directed By: Dorothy Arzner

Starring: Joan Crawford, Robert Young, Franchot Tone

Running Time: 103 Minutes

* Director Dorothy Arzner had connections through director William C. DeMille and got a job as a stenographer, for Paramount Pictures, from there she moved up to script writer and film editor. The first piece she directed was 1927's Fashion's for Women. 

Other films Dorothy Arzner directed: Craig's Wife (1936), Merrily We Go to Hell (1932), Working Girls (1931)

The Love Light (1921)

*Note: The Above is the whole film.

Directed By: Frances Marion

Starring: Mary Pickford, Raymond Bloomer, Evelyn Dumo

Running Time: 89 Minutes

* In addition to directing Frances Marion was also a screenwriter, author and American journalist. Marion was the first writer to win 2 Academy Awards. 

The Love Light is the only film Frances Marion directed. 

The Heartbreak Kid (1972)

Directed By: Elaine May

Starring: Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, Eddie Albert

Running Time: 106 Minutes

*In addition to directing May also is an actress, screenwriter and comedian. She has been nominated twice for an Academy Award. The first film she wrote, Such Good Friends (1971) was under a pseudonym Esther Dale.

Other films Elaine May directed: A New Leaf (1971), Mikey and Nicky (1976)

The Woman Condemned (1934)

*Note: For some reason I was unable to post the video so it's linked.

Directed By: Dorothy Davenport

Starring: Claudia Dell, Lola Lane, Richard Hemingway

Running Time: 66 Minutes

*Davenport began her career as an actress. She was married to silent film star Wallace Reid. In addition to acting and directing she was also a screenwriter and producer.  

Other films Dorothy Davenport directed: Linda (1929), The Road to Ruin (1934) -also directed with Melville Shyer

Until Next Time,

Ashley A.