Betty Tells Her Story

“Betty Tells Her Story” was the first independent film of the women’s movement to explore the issues of body image, self-worth and beauty in American society – and to explore the ways in which clothing and appearance affect a woman’s identity. The film is a poignant tale of beauty, identity and a dress. It is the saga of Betty’s search for “the perfect dress”- how she found just the right one, felt absolutely transformed, and never got to wear it. Betty tells her story twice, and the difference in the wistful second telling is haunting. Made in 1972, it is now considered a classic of American documentary filmmaking. “Betty Tells Her Story” has won many awards was restored with a grant from the Women’s Film Preservation Fund.