The 1950's in film marked an era of evolution, innovation and glamour. The entire platform of how film was created was advancing and movies were becoming something bigger than just entertainment. The world began to grasp the idea of pop culture .

This era was also an important time for women. Before this time women were caged into a single expectation. It was the first ladies of the 50s who dared to break the mold and scream freedom of sexuality, strength and most importantly change. Here are the top 13 ladies of the 1950's film era that changed the world.

13 Theresa Harris-'I Walked with a Zombie' and 'Babyface.'

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Theresa Harris broke down the many barriers of a society un-accepting of a black actress with an outpouring of talent. It was hard enough to be a woman with a career during this time, let alone a black woman in film. Harris could act, dance, sing and take a movie role to the next level.

Theresa shared the big screen with more stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood than any other actress in a supporting role at the time. Although she was stereotyped into maid roles most of her career, Harris' glamour and grace was undeniably beyond her limitations. Say what you like, but her way of "stealing roles" and maneuvering her way to the top was admirable on its own.

12 Katharine Hepburn-'Little Women' and 'The Rainmaker.'

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The beautiful and talented daughter of a doctor and a suffragette, Katharine Hepburn was always taught to speak her mind and stand by her decisions. Hepburn reached success through Broadway and then film, winning her first Academy Award in 1933.

But shortly after, she was blacklisted by Hollywood and her own audience. Hepburn refused to conduct interviews; take photos or even wear makeup outside of the film stage. Her "mischievous" behavior was soon publicized by tabloids and Hollywood closed its doors to her. As she was taught, Hepburn found an alternate way back into the film world by purchasing rights to her work and negotiating movie roles. After a short while she was back on top and is now known as a legendary actress.

11 Jayne Mansfield-'The Match Game' and 'The Girl Can't Help it.'

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The talent that was Jayne Mansfield is a Hollywood story of becoming a slave to your own beauty. She was said to have an I.Q of 163 and was often compared to Marilyn Monroe. What people don't immediately understand about the comparisons, is that like Marilyn, Mansfield was as intelligent as she was gifted.

Known as a sex symbol, Mansfield played instruments, modeled and was a great actress. Although her career in film mostly subjected her to "dumb blonde" roles, she is remembered as a cinema legend. She lost her life in a car accident when she was 34-years-old, but her legacy lives on through her films and her 4th born daughter, Mariska Hargitay, NBC's Olivia Benson on 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

10 Doris Day-'Pillow Talk' and 'Please Don't Eat the Daisies.'

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Doris Day was one of the most popular actresses of the 50s and 60s. She started dancing when she was 14-years-old, winning $500 dollars in a talent contest with her dance partner, Jerry Doherty. Her single mother gave her permission to travel to Hollywood with the money she had earned, to pursue a career in dancing there.

After realizing that Hollywood was a good idea, she came back home to pack her stuff and make her move. Unfortunately, a car accident changed her plans and ended her dancing career. But Day had a fighter's attitude and was determined to make it, joined a band and eventually made her way into acting. Aside from several successful records, Day became one of film's biggest success stories.

9 Silvia Pinal-'Viridiana' and 'The Exterminating Angel.'

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Silvia Pinal is one of the leading ladies of Mexican Cinema. Mexico's contribution in film during those times had a legendary impact in the arts. Pinal's famous marriages seemed to have granted her many of her theater, acting and productional success; but her triumphs are ultimately due to her talent and entrepreneurial mind.

She is respected and admired by those who came after her, as she continues to act in T.V shows and produce. She created 'Mujer: Casos de laVida Real' in 1985, an extraordinary television show that continues to highlight the real life struggles of women in the world today.

8 Nina Mae McKinney-'Hallelujah' and 'Pink.'

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Nina Mae McKinney is best known for her role in the very first all-black, all-sound musical, Hallelujah. She faced the same obstacles as Theresa Harris, who was also a talented and beautiful black actress unable to play someone other than a maid in movies. At this time, the film industry was too afraid to allow an African-American woman to become a symbol of beauty like Marilyn or Jayne.

McKinney was a singer, dancer and performer and did push her way into theatrical roles which allowed her to share her talents with the world. She made our list for being a powerful contribution to acting in the 50s. For her strength and courage to shine in Hollywood during a time of barricaded opportunities, she is a legend.

7 Sophia Loren-'El Cid' and 'Two Women.'

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Sophia Loren known as "Sophia Lazzaro," a nickname she was jokingly given due to her stunning beauty being capable of raising Lazzarus from the dead, became a legendary movie star. The Italian actress got her start in film after being discovered by Carlo Ponti, (producer whom she would later marry) at a beauty pageant she was a finalist in.

She began her acting career in Italy in the early 50s starring in films like 'Favorita and 'Aida.' She then made a successful transition into American film becoming one of the biggest movie stars of her time. Hard work and determination paid off for Loren who became an international actress starring in films all over the world. In 1991 she was awarded an Honorary Academy Award and has been declared "one of world cinema's greatest treasures."

6 Ruby Dee-'Guiding Light' and 'A Raisin in the Sun.'

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Ruby Dee was an actress, poet, screenwriter and activist. "I didn't have the kind of talent or personality that kept me dreaming about Hollywood," Dee once said. They don't hire little colored girls to do this or that." Her rebel attitude and outstanding talent makes her a memorable woman of her time.

Before her death in 2014, Dee completed her last hit film in 2007's 'American Gangster.' Her wise words and strong demeanor paved the way for many actresses after her. She will be remembered as a brilliant woman.

5 Maria Felix-'Enamorada' and 'Messalina.'

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The most important female figure of The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. Her incomparable beauty and her chilling presence made her not only one of the best actresses in history, but one of the most intriguing people in the world. Her diva antics had nothing to do with fame and success, that was just who she was.

After being discovered in the 40s and shortly after being offered a film career in the United States, Felix was adamant about starting her journey in her own country. After having rapid success in Mexico, Maria became an international actress. La Doña, as she is known due to her role as "La Doña Barbara," was always well aware of her worth, something most women during that time didn't dare to recognize.

4 Lucille Ball-'I Love Lucy' and 'The Magic Carpet'

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One of the most beloved and popular actresses of the 50s, Lucille Ball paved the way for the independence and respect of women in film. She wasn't a sex symbol nor an actress known for her glamorous behavior, she was a brilliant comedian.

Lucille was the first woman to own her own television studio, Desilu Productions, created the style of a 3-camera technique used in filming sitcoms and established the concept of the syndication of T.V programs. This red head with the big blue eyes didn't only pioneer female empowerment in Hollywood, she created what we know today as television programming.

3 Audrey Hepburn-'Roman Holiday' and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'

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Known for her innocent beauty, elegance and style; Audrey Hepburn's frame hangs in the homes of women all over the world today. Her most memorable role as Holly Golightly, which got the Belgian actress her second Oscar nomination, made her one of the most extraordinary characters in movie history.

Hepburn's classic aura and grace created a standard that women adored. Audrey decided to retire in the late 60s while she was still on top. She went on to become an ambassador for the United Nations UNICEF in 1988 to help children in Africa and Latin America. She will be remembered as the role model that she was.

2 Elizabeth Taylor-'Giant' and 'Cleopatra.'

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Elizabeth Taylor's violet eyes were as enchanting as her prominent presence. The star of one of the world's biggest films, 1963's Cleopatra, the actress being paid $1,000,000 (the largest sum of money paid to an actress at the time) was a big deal. It's difficult to really describe what Elizabeth did for women in film as her legacy has such an impact even today.

Taylor's numerous marriages and many diamonds defined the meaning of modern women before it's time. No longer were women trained to think that they could only be housewives, Liz inspired us to strive for a glamorous life obtained through our own hard work. An unforgettable woman she was and her strength lives on today.

1 Marilyn Monroe-'How to Marry a Millionaire' and 'Some Like it Hot.'

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Norma Jean changed the world. In her short 36-years on earth, Marilyn Monroe revolutionized the times with her picture-perfect curves, her charisma and her dedication to being simply great.

While many argue that Monroe was a bit too "free," her courage to play a man's game in an unaccepting society was her best role. Marilyn was an actress, singer, dancer and performer and is the most celebrated actress of her time. Her influences live on not only through film but in American culture itself. "Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world."

Sources: Imdb.com-Harris, Imdb.com-Hepburn, en.wikipedia.org

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