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Copyright © 2018 Alicia Malone
Published by Mango Publishing Group, a division of Mango Media Inc.
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Backwards and in Heels: The Past, Present and Future of Women
Working in Film
Library of Congress Cataloging
ISBN: (print) 978-1-63353-776-7, (ebook) 978-1-63353-618-0
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017910268
BISAC category code : PER004030 PERFORMING ARTS / Film & Video / History & Criticism
Printed in the United States of America
For my fellow movie geeks.
“Alicia Malone gives me hope for the future of film appreciation.
Her knowledge and curiosity are matched only by her enthusiasm for all things cinematic.”
—Leonard Maltin
“Alicia is a wonderful human whose voracious appetite for, and knowledge of, cinema and its history is immense and passionate.
I can’t think of anyone more suited to dig into this very important part of the story of film.”
—Elijah Wood
“Alicia Malone has opened my eyes to stories and stats about women in film, making me recognize the constant prejudices and imbalances that occur in the film industry even today, but also the ways in which women have been and continue to be celebrated. Proud to be a fellow feminist for film!”
—Maude Garrett, Founder of GeekBomb.com
“Over the years since we both moved here from our respective home countries to report on film, I’ve watched Alicia Malone grow more and more passionate about the roles women play in the modern movie industry, and what she can do to help better this. Alicia is talented and has a natural love of cinema, to be sure, but she’s also dedicated to sharing her insights and knowledge in such a way that you can’t help but fall in love with film all over again!”
—Nadia Neophytou, Entertainment Reporter
“A fresh and passionate voice that makes us fully aware of the tremendous contributions of women to movies, while giving urgent notice to the stubborn slights and oversights of the film industry and reminding us of the job that remains to be done. A timely and important work of cultural criticism.”
—Molly Haskell, Film Critic and Author of From Reverence to Rape
“Alicia is one of those movie lovers equally adept at discussing Neo from The Matrix and Italian Neorealism. Her enthusiasm is infectious; I can’t imagine anyone better equipped to welcome a new generation of young women into the world of movies. With Backwards and in Heels, she’s done it.”
—Ben Mankiewicz, Primetime Host, Turner Classic Movies
“Alicia Malone is the champion heroines of cinema deserve. Illuminating, insightful, occasionally maddening, Backwards and in Heels is required reading for anyone who wants to call themselves a film fan.”
—Sasha Perl-Raver, Host, FX Movie Download
“Alicia Malone’s expert perspective and inspired, informative take on film history make Backwards and in Heels a must read. An outspoken advocate for women in film and an ardent lover of cinema, here she is actively changing the conversation around women’s achievements in the business with wonderful insights, wisdom and wit.”
—Miri Jedeikin, Host, Uproxx
“Women have been creators in the film industry since its inception. In Backwards and in Heels, you can feel Alicia Malone’s passion for highlighting the trailblazers who have deserved this kind of notoriety for decades. Any lover of film will appreciate this celebration of important figures who have made massive contributions to the art form.”
—Tiffany Vazquez, Saturday Daytime Host, Turner Classic Movies
“There’s a slow but steady shift finally sweeping the industry to invest more in female voices. Having a tool like this fantastic book is invaluable for the continued growth and hope of future generations of creative women. Alicia Malone has been a true champion of female artists, exemplifying the passion, intelligence and class needed to bring people together and create positive change.”
—Amirose Eisenbach, Radiant J Productions
“Alicia is one of the most knowledgeable film fans I know. Her passion is infectious! Excited that so many people will get to experience that joy in her new book! Go read it in your heels!”
—Tiffany Smith, TV Host and Actress
“No one lives and breathes film like Alicia. Her passion and enthusiasm for these notable women is infectious and evident on every page.”
—Josh Horowitz, MTV
“Backwards and in Heels will leave you shocked by the behind scenes stories of misogyny and racism, inspired by the resilience women, and hopeful for next 100 years of female filmmakers.”
—Jacqueline Coley, Black Girl Nerds
Table of Contents
THE FIRST PIONEERS (1890s–1920s)