Stuff You Missed in History Class: Episode on Dorothy Arzner

Release Date: March 31, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the life and legacy of Dorothy Arzner, one of Hollywood's pioneering female film directors. Although briefly mentioned in a previous episode, Arzner's significant contributions to the film industry warrant a dedicated exploration.

Early Life and Background

[04:05]
Dorothy Emma Arzner was born on January 3, 1897, in San Francisco, California, to Ludwig Adolf Arzner from Germany and Janet Young from Scotland. Growing up, Dorothy faced familial challenges early on, including her parents' divorce when she was about five years old. This tumultuous period led to her and her brother, David, moving to Los Angeles with their father and stepmother, Mabel Mills.

[06:02]
Dorothy's childhood was marked by the resilience required to navigate her new family dynamics. Living with her stepmother's mother in Oakland, Dorothy experienced the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, events that not only shaped her early years but also influenced her later life choices.

Entry into Hollywood

[10:07]
Dorothy initially pursued a pre-med education at the University of Southern California but left to support the war effort during World War I. Post-war, encouraged by Anna Starkweather from the Los Angeles Emergency Ambulance Corps, she sought opportunities in the burgeoning Hollywood film industry.

[12:40]
Her first role at Paramount involved script typing, a position she took for financial independence rather than passion for filmmaking. Despite initial challenges, including slow typing speed and frequent errors, Arzner's determination saw her gradually ascend within the studio.

Rise as a Filmmaker

[20:28]
Dorothy Arzner's relationship with Marion Morgan, a dancer and screenwriter, was both personal and professional, lasting over five decades. Their partnership was an open secret in Hollywood, providing Arzner with both support and collaboration throughout her career.

[23:45]
Her directorial debut came with Fashions for Women (1927), a silent film that marked the beginning of her prolific directing career. Arzner went on to direct several silent films, including Ten Modern Commandments, Get Your Man, and Manhattan Cocktail, the latter being one of the earliest "part-talkies."

[25:46]
During the silent film era, women held significant roles behind the camera, but the transition to talkies and the increasing corporatization of Hollywood marginalized many female directors. Arzner, however, stood out as the only woman director within the Hollywood studio system for much of her career, earning her reputation as an auteur.

Challenges and Innovations

[27:01]
Arzner faced numerous challenges, from negotiating her role within a male-dominated industry to fighting for creative control. Her insistence on directing films that focused on women's stories and her collaborative approach with female screenwriters and editors set her apart.

[29:12]
Financial hurdles also loomed, exemplified by her housing loan denial in 1929, which inadvertently protected her from the Great Depression's financial fallout. Her innovation continued with technical advancements, such as the reputed invention of the boom mic in The Wild Party (1929), enhancing sound quality in talkies.

Impact of the Hays Code

[38:14]
The introduction of the Hays Code in 1934 imposed strict moral guidelines on Hollywood productions, significantly restricting the themes and narratives Arzner could explore. Despite these constraints, she continued to produce films that subtly challenged societal norms, focusing on complex female characters and relationships.

Legacy and Later Years

[43:49]
After leaving Paramount in 1943 due to budget cuts and declining studio interest, Arzner transitioned to freelance work. She contributed to training films for the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and later directed commercials for Pepsi, thanks to Joan Crawford's influence.

[44:50]
In academia, Arzner imparted her extensive knowledge to future filmmakers as head of the television and motion picture department at Pasadena Playhouse College of Theater Arts and later at UCLA. Her teaching emphasized both conventional filmmaking techniques and the importance of understanding industry rules before attempting to innovate.

[46:26]
One of her most notable students, Francis Ford Coppola, credits her with shaping his career, highlighting her dedication and mentorship.

Recognition and Posthumous Honors

[47:24]
Dorothy Arzner passed away on October 1, 1979, at the age of 82. Despite her groundbreaking work, she received limited recognition during her lifetime, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986 and selection of Dance Girl Dance for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2007.

[48:41]
In 2018, Paramount honored her legacy by naming a dressing room building after her, with Francis Ford Coppola lauding her enduring influence on the industry.

Conclusion

Dorothy Arzner's career is a testament to resilience and innovation in a male-dominated industry. As the only woman director in Hollywood's studio system for much of her career, she not only broke barriers but also crafted narratives that centered on women's experiences. Her legacy continues to inspire filmmakers, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in shaping the stories that define our culture.

Notable Quotes

• Holly Fry [03:03]: "Time is passing at an alarming rate."

• Dorothy Arzner [22:08]: "Try as a man may, he will never be able to get the woman's viewpoint in telling certain stories."

• Katharine Hepburn via Telegram [37:16]: "Isn't it wonderful that you've had such a great career when you had no right to have a career at all?"

Closing Remarks

Arzner's story underscores the struggles and triumphs of women in early Hollywood, paving the way for future generations of female filmmakers. Her dedication to storytelling and mentorship cements her place as a pivotal figure in film history.

Thank you for joining Holly and Tracy in exploring the remarkable life of Dorothy Arzner on Stuff You Missed in History Class. Stay tuned for more intriguing historical insights in future episodes.