In the 1950s, Mary C McCall Jr was a formidable force in Hollywood, advocating for fair pay and rights for screenwriters. Despite being labeled as “the meanest bitch in town” by studio heads, a new book seeks to highlight her as a pioneering figure in the film industry.
Professor J E Smyth’s upcoming book, “Mary C McCall Jr: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood’s Most Powerful Screenwriter,” delves into McCall’s legacy, revealing how she was marginalized by male-dominated industry forces.
Uncovering previously unseen material from Warner Bros, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and other sources, Smyth sheds light on McCall’s groundbreaking work as the first female president of the Screen Writers Guild.
McCall’s contributions to cinema, including the success of ”Craig’s Wife” and the creation of the Maisie series, challenged societal norms and paved the way for future female screenwriters.
Despite facing erasure from history, McCall’s story serves as a reminder of the significant role women played in shaping Hollywood’s golden age, a narrative often overshadowed by male-centric perspectives.
Discover the untold story of Mary C McCall Jr in Smyth’s compelling book, a tribute to a trailblazing woman who defied the odds in a male-dominated industry.
2024-07-14 05:00:47
Source from www.theguardian.com