Ida Lupino

“I'd love to see more women working as directors and producers. Today, it's almost impossible to do it unless you are an actress or writer with power... I wouldn't hesitate right this minute to hire a talented woman if the subject matter were right.” Ida Lupino was a pioneering English-born American actress, director, and screenwriter renowned for her portrayals of strong characters and her groundbreaking work as one of the first female directors in Hollywood. Born into a prominent theatrical family in London, she began acting at a young age. After her film debut in Her First Affaire (1932), she gained recognition for her roles in The Light That Failed (1939), They Drive by Night (1940), and High Sierra (1941), showcasing her talent for complex characters. In 1949, after founding a production company with her second husband, Collier Young, Lupino began directing and writing scripts that tackled controversial themes such as rape and illegitimacy. Her first credited directorial effort was Never Fear (1949), and she became the first female director in Hollywood since Dorothy Arzner retired in 1943. Lupino also co-wrote and directed Outrage (1950). Lupino's 1953 film The Hitch-Hiker is often hailed as her masterpiece and the only film noir directed by a woman. The film’s intense storyline follows two friends who unwittingly pick up a psychopathic hitchhiker. Her last feature film was the comedy The Trouble with Angels (1966), after which she continued directing television series until her retirement in 1968. Her posthumously published memoir, Ida Lupino: Beyond the Camera (2011) further cements Lupino's legacy as a trailblazer for women in film.