Women in the Theatre: More than Just a Pretty Face

The women who worked in the Movie Palaces during the Golden Age of cinema were far more than just pretty faces. The Q4 issue of MARQUEE magazine is on its way to members (if you haven’t received it already). Inside, you’ll read about some of those women who helped raise the glass ceiling for women working in the theatre business. But the fact is, many women got their first taste of working in the theatre by serving as usherettes. These “stars in the aisles” played a very important role in movie-going from the 1920s through 50s. Armed with their all-important perfectly-pressed uniform and a smile, they provided an element of feminine glamour to the cinema experience.

If you’re already a THS member, you’ll read more about usherettes in MARQUEE, but meanwhile here are a few photographs and articles discovered by THS member and contributor David Boysel from the Oakland Paramount theatre:

This employment advertisement appeared in the Oakland Tribune on December 2, 1931. Do you think the ad would be worded the same way today?

Usherettes at the Oakland Paramount, taken a few days before opening night.

Oakland Tribune December 7, 1931

Smiling usherettes at the “new” Fox-Paramount Theatre as they prepare for the annual TRIBUNE-Fox-West Coast theatres Christmas party on December 21, 1931

If you’d like to learn more about the history of the usherette, check out: Cinemausherettes.com. The site, created by Eva Balogh, contains her research on the topic as well as a collection of memories and recollections. (Be sure to check out the gallery for a selection of “saucy” illustrations that show how the usherette’s torch was a very important tool.)

If you find this story fascinating, we have a treasure trove of information about the history of your favorite theatres.  Sign up for an account on historictheatres.org and enter through the STAGE DOOR!

For nearly fifty years Theatre Historical Society of America has been celebrating, documenting, and promoting the architectural, cultural, and social relevance of America’s historic theaters. However, we can’t do it alone. Support from cinema lovers, architects, historians and people like you are paramount to our success.  Become a member today, and help us preserve the rich history of America’s greatest theatres.