The Green Girl

The Green Girl is a captivating and enlightening documentary that pays homage to the life and career of Susan Oliver, an overlooked Hollywood icon of the mid-twentieth century. Directed by George Pappy and released in 2014, the film delves deeply into the multi-faceted life and chronicles the career of this distinguished actress, director, and pioneer aviator. The narrative reveals a provocative tale of an ambitious performer, a relentless innovator, and an influential woman who's often unrecognized for her profound contributions to the stage, screen, and aviation.

Viewers will immediately recognize Susan Oliver as the title character, 'Vina', a green-skinned Orion slave girl from the 'Star Trek' pilot episode, 'The Cage'. However, many may not know she was so much more than that. Boasting film roles opposite actors like Clint Eastwood and Andy Griffith and including iconic performances on television shows like 'Peyton Place', 'The Twilight Zone', and 'Wagon Train', Oliver made her indelible imprint in the acting world.

The Green Girl extensively and expertly uses archival footage, personal photographs, interviews, and other media to craft a compelling narrative that traces Oliver's life from her troubled childhood, through her illustrious acting career, right up to her untimely death. Hers is a tale of range, resilience, and ambition underlined by brilliant achievements in male-dominated fields.

Alongside stunning footage and candid interviews are insights from other notable industry personalities including Lee Meriwether, David Hedison, and Roy Thinnes. They share their personal memories of Susan Oliver, touch on her multifaceted legacy, and shed light on her impact in Hollywood and beyond. Their heartfelt recounts add depth to the narrative, offering intimate glimpses into Oliver's psyche that leave viewers amazed and touched.

The film also explores Oliver's feats beyond acting — her daring pursuits in aviation that made her one of the first women to fly a single-engine aircraft solo across the Atlantic. This dimension of her life opens a window into an audacious and remarkable woman's pursuit of the extraordinary, further shaping the contours of her intricate life for the viewers.

The Green Girl manages to spotlight Susan Oliver the 'Star Trek' initially green girl, the Emmy-nominated actress, the selfless humanitarian, and the record-breaking aviatrix, all the while painting a complete portrait of a passionate woman who constantly battled societal norms and expectations to create a vibrant, multi-dimensional life.

Highlighted throughout the film is Oliver's relentless spirit of defiance and her persistent refusal to be boxed in by societal expectations, gender bias, or limiting stereotypes. Her journey of breaking down barriers, both in her professional and personal life, serves as an inspiring testament to multi-faceted women, making The Green Girl a powerful tribute to feminism, risk-taking, and self-discovery.

Amid a sea of biographical documentaries, The Green Girl stands out for its exploration of a forgotten yet remarkable personality from Hollywood's Golden Age. It's not just about celebrating Oliver's undeniably appealing screen presence or her gutsy off-screen ventures. It's also about unraveling the complexities that made her a fascinating entity who could slip effortlessly from a Hollywood set to an aircraft cockpit, or from a blonde beauty to a green alien, all without missing a beat.

Overall, The Green Girl is an engaging tribute to a pioneering woman who broke gender norms and etched her name in various fields. It's an intimate examination of Susan Oliver's life, her pursuits, and ambitions. Moreover, it's a poignant reminder of an era marked by resilience and transformation, driven by individuals who dared to rise above and transcend the common path. Prepare to be gripped by this one-of-a-kind journey of an extraordinary woman, a tale that is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking.