Women have been influential both in front of the camera and behind it, from the early days of the film industry and beyond. One fascinating area of filmmaking to which women have contributed extensively is stuntwork. Among them, Helen Gibson is especially revered for being Hollywood’s first stuntwoman, stunning audiences with her trick-riding abilities and physical feats.
Mallory O’Meara’s Daughter of Daring: The Trick-Riding, Train-Leaping, Road-Racing Life of Helen Gibson, Hollywood’s First Stuntwoman tells the story of Gibson’s professional achievements, personal life, and legacy today. O’Meara’s narrative style is gripping and entertaining, shining the spotlight on a seldom-discussed Gibson and her impactful contributions during the days of early filmmaking. While skilled, Gibson frequently put herself in harm’s way for her profession, though her work was strategically shot so as not to distract from the star being portrayed.
O’Meara succeeds in delivering this much-needed book highlighting the story of Gibson, from her successes to her challenges throughout her career. This book is sure to entertain film fans, from the classic to the contemporary, and will leave them with a stronger appreciation of Gibson and the many other individuals who often go unsung.
Hometowns to Hollywood 