Dorothy Arzner was a pioneering American film director and screenwriter, active primarily during the 1920s and 1930s. She is notable for being one of the first women to gain recognition in the male-dominated film industry. Arzner directed several successful films, including The Wild Party and Dance, Girl, Dance, and was known for her strong female characters. In addition to her directing work, Arzner was also a skilled editor and contributed to the development of sound in films. She was the first woman to join the Directors Guild of America and has been recognized for her influence on future generations of filmmakers, particularly women in cinema.