The Lady From The Black Lagoon

The Lady from the Black Lagoon uncovers the life and work of Milicent Patrickone of Disneys first female animators and the only woman in history to create one of Hollywoods classic movie monsters. As a teenager, Mallory OMeara was thrilled to discover that one of her favourite movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon, featured a monster designed by a woman, Milicent Patrick. But for someone who should have been hailed as a pioneer in the genre, there was little information available. For, as OMeara soon discovered, Patricks contribution had been claimed by a jealous male colleague, her career had been cut short and she soon after had disappeared from film history. No one even knew if she was still alive. As a young woman working in the horror film industry, OMeara set out to right the wrong, and in the process discovered the full, fascinating story of an ambitious, artistic woman ahead of her time. Patricks contribution to special effects proved to be just the latest chapter in a remarkable, unconventional life, from her youth growing up in the shadow of Hearst Castle, to her career as one of Disneys first female animators. And at last, OMeara discovered what really had happened to Patrick after The Creatures success, and where she went. A true-life detective story and a celebration of a forgotten feminist trailblazer, Mallory OMearas The Lady from the Black Lagoon establishes Patrick in her rightful place in film history while calling out a Hollywood culture where little has changed since.