Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story: Screening Classics That Showcase Their Daring

In the glamorous world of Hollywood, stuntwomen have long played a vital but often overlooked role in bringing thrilling action sequences to life. From leaping off buildings to crashing cars, these fearless women risk their lives to create the cinematic magic that audiences love. Despite their contributions to the film industry, the stories of stuntwomen have remained largely untold.

Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story (Screen Classics)

by Vanessa Lynn

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4261 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	444 pages

FREE

Now, a new series of screenings at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles is shedding light on the remarkable achievements of stuntwomen throughout history. Titled "Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story," the series features a diverse selection of classic films that showcase the incredible skills and bravery of these unsung heroines.

Pioneer Stuntwomen

The early days of Hollywood were a dangerous time for stuntwomen. With few safety regulations in place, they often performed hazardous feats without proper training or equipment. One of the most famous pioneer stuntwomen was Helen Gibson, who became known as "The Queen of the Stuntwomen" in the 1920s and 1930s. Gibson was known for her daring motorcycle stunts, which she performed while wearing a full-length dress.

Another trailblazing stuntwoman of the era was Yakima Canutt, a Native American woman who became one of Hollywood's most respected stunt coordinators. Canutt was known for her incredible skill as a horsewoman and her ability to perform complex stunts on horseback. She also worked as a stunt double for some of Hollywood's biggest stars, including John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.

Stuntwomen in the Modern Era

As the film industry evolved, so did the role of stuntwomen. In the 1970s and 1980s, a new generation of stuntwomen emerged, including Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock, and Sigourney Weaver. These women were highly trained martial artists who brought a new level of athleticism and precision to stunt work.

One of the most iconic stuntwomen of all time is Zoë Bell, who has worked on such films as "Kill Bill," "Django Unchained," and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." Bell is known for her fearless approach to stunts and her ability to perform complex fight sequences. She has also been a vocal advocate for stuntwomen's rights and safety on film sets.

The Screening Series

The "Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story" screening series at the American Cinematheque showcases a wide range of classic films that feature the work of stuntwomen. The series includes such films as:

• "The Perils of Pauline" (1914): This silent film features Helen Gibson's iconic motorcycle stunts.
• "Stagecoach" (1939): Yakima Canutt served as the stunt coordinator for this classic Western.
• "The Terminator" (1984): Michelle Yeoh performs several stunts as Sarah Connor's bodyguard.
• "Kill Bill" (2003): Zoë Bell plays the role of Uma Thurman's stunt double in this Quentin Tarantino film.
• "Wonder Woman" (2017): This superhero film features Gal Gadot performing her own stunts.

The screening series is a unique opportunity to see some of the greatest stunt work ever captured on film. It is also a testament to the bravery and skill of the stuntwomen who have made countless films possible.

Stuntwomen have played a vital role in the history of Hollywood cinema, but their stories have often been overlooked. The "Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story" screening series at the American Cinematheque is a long overdue celebration of these unsung heroines. Through these classic films, audiences can witness the incredible skills and bravery of the women who have risked their lives to bring thrilling action sequences to life.

Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story (Screen Classics)

by Vanessa Lynn

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4261 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	444 pages

FREE