The early days of cinema saw women largely confined to stereotypical roles, often defined by their relationships with men. The "dame in distress" trope was a common narrative device, where women were depicted as helpless and dependent on male characters. However, as women's rights movements gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, cinema began to reflect these changes. Actresses like Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, and Ingrid Bergman paved the way for future generations of women in film, taking on more substantial roles and demonstrating their range as performers.