Unladylike2020: Unsung Women Who Changed America Season 1 Episode 9 Lois Weber: Actor, Screenwriter & First Woman to Direct a Feature-Length Film

Lois Weber: Actor, Screenwriter & First Woman to Direct a Feature-Length Film is the ninth episode of Unladylike2020: Unsung Women Who Changed America season 1. The episode delves into the life and times of Lois Weber, who was one of the silent film era's most prolific and popular filmmakers. She was also a gifted screenwriter, actress, and producer.

The episode begins by describing Weber's early life and how she entered the film industry. Weber was born in 1879 in Pennsylvania, and she showed an early interest in filmmaking. She started her career as an extra in silent films but soon began writing her own screenplays. She became a renowned screenwriter in Hollywood, working for studios such as Universal and Metro Pictures.

In 1913, Weber co-founded her own production company with her husband, Smalley. This made her the first woman to own and operate a film studio. The studio was called the Lois Weber Productions Company, and it was located in the heart of Hollywood. Weber wrote, directed, and acted in many of the films produced by her studio.

Weber's directing style was innovative and groundbreaking. She was known for using split screens, multiple exposures, and other special effects to create complex and visually stunning films. She also tackled controversial social issues, such as birth control, drug addiction, and domestic violence. She was a trailblazer for female filmmakers, and many of her films were praised for their realism and emotional depth.

One of Weber's most notable films was 1914's Hypocrites, which was a scathing indictment of societal hypocrisy. It was also one of the first American films to feature full-frontal nudity. Weber's decision to include this scene was controversial and caused an outcry among conservative groups. However, she defended her choice, saying that the nudity was necessary to convey the film's message.

The episode goes on to describe the challenges Weber faced as a female filmmaker in a male-dominated industry. She faced sexism and discrimination, and many of her peers doubted her abilities. Despite this, she persevered and continued to make films that were innovative and socially relevant. Weber's success paved the way for other female filmmakers, and she remains an inspiration to this day.

The episode concludes by discussing Weber's legacy and impact on the film industry. She was a true pioneer, who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in film. She was also a feminist icon, who fought for gender equality at a time when it was not yet widely accepted. Her films continue to be studied and admired by film scholars and enthusiasts, and her contributions to cinema cannot be overstated.

Overall, Lois Weber: Actor, Screenwriter & First Woman to Direct a Feature-Length Film is a fascinating and inspiring episode of Unladylike2020. It sheds light on an unsung hero of cinema and provides valuable insights into the history of female filmmakers. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of film, feminism, or social justice.