Mabel, Marilyn, and Me: writing about Mabel Normand as a feminist film historian

Drawing on archival research, biographical writing, and autobiography, this article explores the life of early film comedienne Mabel Normand to make a case for feminist methodologies in history. First, it provides meta-analysis existing biographies of, scholarship about, interrogate patriarchal narratives that inform theatrical, musical, cinematic representations star. In doing so, uses Jane Gaines Monica Dall’Asta’s notion ‘constellating’ women situate actress’s canon longer history tragically framed white includes Marilyn Monroe, whose commoditisation by writers is crucial propagation myths about Normand. Second, reflects elements subjective personal bias author’s analysis Normand’s career. And finally, argues conditions under which research produced must be recognised as method acknowledging inequalities rife academy, draws attention ongoing gaps ellipses historiography.