Season 3 Episode 14 | Dorothy Arzner

Queernundrum Podcast

Welcome to another episode of Queernundrum, where we explore the lives and legacies of remarkable individuals who have left a mark on history. In today's episode, we dive into the incredible life and career of Dorothy Arzner, an American film director, a true pioneer in the entertainment industry, and an LGBTQ+ icon.

Dorothy Arzner was a trailblazer, and her story is nothing short of inspirational. Born 1897, she would go on to become one of the most prolific and innovative directors in the history of American cinema. In an era when female directors were a rarity, Arzner shattered glass ceilings and blazed a trail for future generations of women in film.

In 1927, she directed her first feature film, "Fashions for Women," making her the first woman to direct a sound film. One of Arzner's most iconic films is "The Wild Party" (1929), starring the legendary Clara Bow, a Hollywood sweetheart. It was a critical and commercial success and solidified Arzner's reputation as a director who could bring out the best in her actors and push the boundaries of storytelling. She was known for her meticulous attention to detail, innovative camera work, and her ability to create dynamic and compelling narratives.

Throughout her career, Dorothy Arzner directed numerous films, working with some of the biggest stars of her time, including Katharine Hepburn, Joan Crawford, and Lucille Ball. Her work covered a wide range of genres, from comedies and dramas to musicals, and consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking.

But Dorothy Arzner's story is not just one of cinematic achievement; it's also a story of personal courage and resilience. Arzner was openly gay in an era when such a revelation was met with hostility and discrimination. She lived her life authentically and unapologetically, making her a queer icon and an inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community. Her work often featured strong, independent female characters, which was a reflection of her own determination to break through the barriers imposed by a male-dominated industry.

Arzner's influence on Hollywood extended far beyond her own films. She mentored and inspired a new generation of filmmakers, both male and female, and her legacy can be seen in the work of directors who followed in her footsteps.

In this episode, we explore the life and career of Dorothy Arzner, a visionary director, a pioneer in cinema, and a queer icon. Join us as we celebrate her groundbreaking contributions to the world of film and honor her legacy as a trailblazer who fearlessly shattered the glass ceiling, both in Hollywood and in matters of the heart.

Q-News:

• LGBTQ+ Montanans have celebrated another brief win after a judge prolonged the injunction on the state’s vaguely-worded drag ban
• Biden honors Matthew Shepard and condemns anti-LGBTQ violence - On the 25th anniversary of Shepard's death, President Biden condemned anti-LGBTQ violence
• Casting gay actors to play gay characters is about ‘authenticity’
• 60th anniversary of the March on Washington
• Gay and targeted in Uganda: Inside the extreme crackdown on LGBTQ rights
• Poland's LGBTQ-friendly businesses roll on despite politics

Show Notes:

Dorothy Arzner - American Film Director - The Most Prolific Director in history. Pioneer and Queer.

• Forgotten Hollywood: Dorothy Arzner
• Hollywood Walk of Fame

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” "Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA" and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ [e-mail].

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut Pro

Writer: G. Thoren