Lottie Lyell

♥ ♥ ♥ Today's Awesome Woman is Lottie Lyell (1890 - 1925) Credited as being Australia's first female film star and producer, Lottie Lyell starred in, wrote, edited and produced films at a time when men had long had the spotlight. Sadly, alot of her work has not survived the passage of time. That which does provides ample proof of her prodigious and versatile talent.

Lottie started her acting career at the age of 19, going on to star in 24 films, 11 of which she had a writing credit. She started a production company with Longford, a well known director. The two had a love affair which could never be formal, as Longford had been previously married and was not able to obtain a divorce from his Catholic wife. The two enjoyed great success in their tours of Australia and New Zealand in 1909-10 and by 1912, Longford was living with Lyell and her family in their house. They stayed together until her death at only 34, sadly dying of tuberculosis.

When I read about Lottie, it made me sad that not much of her work is left. With the digital age now, one can only assume that there will be a digital record of our existance for a very long time. So here's to Lottie, you have not been forgotten! For your entrance and dominance in a male dominated industry and because you helped to pave the way for countless young female actresses, producers, directors, editors and writers :)

You can watch the full-length (55 minutes) movie staring Lottie, The Sentimental Bloke, on YouTube.

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