Episode 273 - Milicent Patrick: Disney Magic to Monster Mayhem

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re producing a two-part series about two visionary and trailblazing artists: Mary Blair and Milicent Patrick. They went to the same art school. They each began working at Disney during the Depression. They were both singled out for their talents but left in 1941. From there, they went on to have wildly different careers, but each had a lasting impact on pop culture. In part one, I talk with authors and historians Mindy Johnson and Mallory O’Meara about Milicent Patrick. She started as a special effects animator on Fantasia before designing the Gill-man from Creature from the Black Lagoon. Plus, I talk with makeup and effects artist Steve Wang about why the Gill-man is a horror icon. Mallory O’Meara’s book is The Lady From The Black Lagoon, and Mindy Johnson’s book is Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney Animation.

When I talked with Mallory O'Meara about Milicent Patrick, but there wasn't room to include this bonus material about Mallory's new book, Daughter of Daring. It tells the amazing story of Helen Gibson, the first superstar professional stuntwoman in Hollywood. She was like a combination of Annie Oakley and Michelle Yeoh at a time when silent movie stars were trying to outdo each other in their death-defying stunts.

This episode is sponsored by Hims. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/IMAGINARY

Milicent Patrick: Disney Magic to Monster Mayhem transcript

Bonus: Superstar Stuntwoman of Silent Cinema transcript

MUSIC LIST

• Cool Vibes by Kevin MacLeod  

• Backed Vibes by Kevin MacLeod

• Give Me That Wink by The Waiting Worlds

• Unanswered Questions by Kevin MacLeod

• Midnight Mirage by Danijel Zambo

• Forgotten Dreams by Danijel Zambo 

• Last Promise by Nettson