Trailblazers of the Action Genre: The First Female Leads in Action Films

The world of action cinema has long been dominated by male leads, but there was a time when women took on the role of action heroes. A closer look at the early years of Hollywood reveals some pioneering women who paved the way for future female action stars.

1910s - A Time When Women Owned the Action Stage

During the early 1910s, women made significant strides in action roles, particularly in adventure and railroad adventure series. One notable figure was Mary Fuller, who started a trail in 1912. Her adventure series What Happened to Mary gained her considerable popularity. Another prominent actress was Helen Holmes, who starred in the railroad adventure series The Hazards of Helen. Helen was eventually replaced by Helen Gibson, marking an era where women were at the forefront of action roles.

Ruth Roland and Pearl White: Legendary Heroines

Another early action heroine was Ruth Roland, who played the protagonist in The Girl Detective. Meanwhile, Pearl White achieved great fame with her role as Pauline in the immensely popular The Perils of Pauline. These roles laid the foundation for what would become a more diverse and dynamic cast of female action stars.

Katherine Hepburn: A Legend in Themed Battles

While the 1910s saw these iconic female leads dominate, the 1940s and 1950s brought a new wave of empowered female action stars. One such legendary actress was Katherine Hepburn. Despite her costarring role with Humphrey Bogart in “The African Queen,” she shone brilliantly, leaving no one in doubt of her own capabilities. Hepburn’s performance set a significant benchmark for female action roles that would inspire generations to come.

Maureen O’Hara: Mixing It Up with the Boys

Maureen O’Hara, another remarkable female action star, began her journey in the 1950s. Her film At Sword's Point, released in 1952, showcased her prowess in action sequences, a decade before she starred alongside the legendary Errol Flynn in Against All Flags. O’Hara’s roles in these films demonstrated a clear shift towards more action-oriented characters for women in Hollywood. Her performances with Flynn in films like Against All Flags served as inspiration for future action heroines and laid the groundwork for more diverse and dynamic female leads in action genres.

The 21st Century - A New Era for Female Action Stars

While Maureen O’Hara and her contemporaries were making waves in the 1950s, the 21st century has seen a renewed and expanded emphasis on female action stars. Names like Gal Gadot and Scarlett Johansson have brought the action genre back to the forefront for women. These actresses continue to break barriers and showcase that women are resilient and capable in action roles, much like their predecessors from the early 1900s and 1950s.

End Note

Maureen O’Hara’s lasting legacy in the action-adventure genre extends beyond her roles on screen. She recalls that she and Errol Flynn had a memorable bonding experience during World War II, participating in a bond rally. Despite their past experiences, O’Hara’s autobiography reflects a warm and positive relationship with the actor, emphasizing the unique connection they shared through their work and life.