I just watched a documentary entitled “Bombshell” about the life of the film actress Hedy Lamarr. Lamarr was not only a talented actress, but she invented a system to use radio frequencies to guide torpedos in the early days of World War II. While the U.S. Navy rejected her invention, it later was used in all kinds of modern technologies, although Lamarr received no financial reward and not even any recognition until the 1990s.
What the War Department did use Lamarr for was to sell war bonds and make bad movies to entertain the troops.
This was a depressing documentary, not only because women were so ill-treated in Hollywood and in society during the 40s and 50s, but today as well. Look at orthodox religions. The attitude of Trump. The U.S. military. The tech industry. Medical care. Reproductive rights. It never ends.
“Any girl can be glamorous. All you have to do is stand still and look stupid.” Hedy Lamarr
Saw this also. We can have a lively discussion about this subject
ReplyDeleteHad she been a man, her contributions would have been recognized. As a woman (and movie star), no one took her seriously.
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