Rebellion snares Lady from the Black Lagoon

Rebellion Publishing has snared Mallory O'Meara's award-winning biography of Disney animator and movie monster creator Milicent Patrick.

Commissioning editor Michael Rowley acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Brady McReynolds at the JABerwocky Literary Agency. The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick will be released in in paperback and e-book on 4th February 2021.

O'Meara embarked on the book after discovering Patrick, designer of the monster in the movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon”, had been largely forgotten, her career cut short and her contribution claimed by a jealous male colleague.

The blurb explains: “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' [from the Black Lagoon]’s success, and where she went.”

The book was released in the US in 2019 by Hanover Square Press and went on to win the 2019 SCIBA Book Award winner for biography, also becoming a Hugo and Locus Award finalist

O'Meara, an author, screenwriter and a producer for independent film company Dark Dunes Productions, said: "I'm thrilled to have Rebellion bring The Lady from the Black Lagoon to a UK audience."

Rowley added: “I'm overjoyed that Rebellion will be publishing this thrilling, fascinating tribute to Milicent Patrick, rightfully restoring her place in motion picture history with wit, passion and insight. A truly marvellous book from an important new writer.”