Princeton Garden Theatre To Celebrate Ida Lupino, Women In Film

PRINCETON, NJ — To commemorate the 100th birthday of the legendary Ida Lupino, the Princeton Garden Theatre will highlight the achievements of women in film both on- and off-screen with the series, “Breaking the Celluloid Ceiling: Honoring Ida Lupino,” the theater announced.

In honor of Lupino’s fearlessness and tenacity in an industry that is still plagued with the same issues of misogyny that she faced 70 years ago, the theater is screening films throughout the year to highlight the crucial role women have played in Hollywood and independent film.

“Through screening works written, directed, and produced by women as well as films with strong female leads, we hope to spark a conversation that is all the more necessary in light of the #MeToo movement and the recent events within the film community,” the theater said in the announcement.

The series kicks off on Thursday, March 15, with the first film directed by a woman, “The Hitch-Hiker,” directed by Lupino. Additional titles throughout the spring include “On Dangerous Ground” and “Moontide,” both of which starred Lupino, as well as “Breath,” “Daughters of the Dust,” “We Are the Best,” “Cléo from 5 to 7,” “Ghost World,” “Persepolis,” “Mean Girls,” and “A League of Their Own.”

In addition to the screenings, local film experts and filmmakers will present commentary and greater exploration into the field and their experiences. Princeton University Professor of English and film Maria DiBattista will be present for an introduction and discussion of Lupino for the screening of “On Dangerous Ground.”

Taneshia Nash Laird, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Princeton, will introduce “Daughters of the Dust.” Filmmaker and Princeton Professor of Visual Arts Su Friedrich will provide an introduction to “We Are the Best,” then lead a discussion following the film screening.

Lupino’s impressive career began as an actress. She appeared in 59 Hollywood films over 48 years including “They Drive at Night,” “High Sierra” and “On Dangerous Ground.” It was her work behind-the-camera as a producer, writer, and director that has solidified her legacy as a pioneer in the history of film.

Lupino was the only woman working as a producer-director in the Hollywood studio system of the 1950s, a notorious boys’ club. Lupino established her own film company with Anson Bond called Emerald Productions, where she tackled controversial social themes by writing and directing films which explored women's experiences. She was only the second woman to be admitted to the Director's Guild.

In the later half of her career, she moved from the big screen to television, but was equally as prolific. She directed more than 100 episodes of productions ranging across westerns, supernatural tales, comedies, mysteries, and gangster stories. She was the only woman to direct episodes of the original Twilight Zone series, as well as the only director to have starred in the show.

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