Which women contributed significantly to the emergence of the "female gangster" during the 1920s?

The correct answer highlights the contributions of Mae West and Thelma Todd to the emergence of the "female gangster" during the 1920s. This era marked a significant shift in the portrayal of women in film, with these actresses embodying strong, independent, and often rebellious characters that broke traditional gender roles. Mae West, in particular, was known for her charismatic and provocative performances, which often included themes of empowerment and defiance against societal expectations.

The portrayals of female gangsters in the media during the 1920s reflected broader societal changes, including women's increased visibility in the labor force and their fight for rights, such as suffrage. West's characters often played with the notion of women's sexuality and power, while Todd also contributed to this dynamic through her roles that depicted women asserting themselves in a male-dominated world.

In contrast, the other choices list actresses known for different genres and eras of film that do not align with the gangster theme prevalent in the 1920s. Judy Garland and Bette Davis are primarily associated with other significant film movements and roles, while Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe became icons of later decades, largely moving away from the female gangster archetype. Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn also represent a different