The Lady from the Black Lagoon

Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick

By: Mallory O'Meara

Narrated by: Mallory O''Meara, Mallory O'Meara

2019 SCIBA Book Award Winner for Biography

A Hugo and Locus Award Finalist

Winner of the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award

The Los Angeles Times Bestseller

A Thrillist Best Book of the Year

A Book Riot Best Book of 2019

One of Booklist’s 10 Best Art Books of the Year

The Lady from the Black Lagoon uncovers the life and work of Milicent Patrick—one of Disney’s first female animators and the only woman in history to create one of Hollywood’s classic movie monsters

As a teenager, Mallory O’Meara was thrilled to discover that one of her favorite movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon, featured a monster designed by a woman, Milicent Patrick. But for someone who should have been hailed as a pioneer in the genre, there was little information available. For, as O’Meara soon discovered, Patrick’s contribution had been claimed by a jealous male colleague, her career had been cut short and she soon after had disappeared from film history. No one even knew if she was still alive.

As a young woman working in the horror film industry, O’Meara set out to right the wrong, and in the process discovered the full, fascinating story of an ambitious, artistic woman ahead of her time. Patrick’s contribution to special effects proved to be just the latest chapter in a remarkable, unconventional life, from her youth growing up in the shadow of Hearst Castle, to her career as one of Disney’s first female animators. And at last, O’Meara discovered what really had happened to Patrick after The Creature’s success, and where she went.

A true-life detective story and a celebration of a forgotten feminist trailblazer, Mallory O’Meara’s The Lady from the Black Lagoon establishes Patrick in her rightful place in film history while calling out a Hollywood culture where little has changed since.

Don't miss Mallory O'Meara's upcoming novel, Girly Drinks!

love this femenist history

Mallory O'Meara's voice is passionate and real. I enjoyed the way she interspersed her own story with that of Milicent Patrick. I appreciate her dedication to the truth of Patrick's story and life. I also admire her tenacity in writing this book at all with what she faced even to start it...way to go! I read and then listened to the book. I consider it all time well spent.

The author's drive to deliver the truth of an unfairly hidden legacy.

A beautifully written and read insight into the life and career of a true artist.

Fierce and fascinating

A great bio filled with tidbits of California and Hollywood history as well as Universal Monster love. A must read for not only those interested in the title topic, but any feminist geek or creative.

Empower Us

I found Milicent’s story to be an incredible journey. She is an inspiration to all women as she navigated the treacherous place called Hollywood. I highly recommend reading or hearing this story - then see the films - both Creature and Shape of Water.

Reveling look at backstage Hollywood

A unique perspective on the mechanics of filmmaking that I not taken the time to consider, as well as a window on a great artist and the well upon which her masterworks were drawn.