This week Great Old Movies looks at the beautiful film star Hedy Lamarr (1914 - 2000), reviewing several of her movies as well as a biography written about her. We look at the film that first brought her to international attention, Ecstasy, and later films in which she did fine work, such as H. M. Pulham, Esq. and I Take This Woman. You can learn more of the biographical facts of the lady's life by reading the review of the book below.Lamarr was often unfairly considered just a gorgeous manikin, but she could act, even if you might not have considered her for a role in, say, O'Neill or Williams. With the right part and director and sympathetic co-stars, she could often be quite adept and effective, and she could play romantic scenes with the best of them. A documentary of her life is entitled Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story and goes into her considerable scientific achievements (she was no dummy). Several of her films have already been reviewed on this blog -- just type in her name in the search bar on the above left and they will come up.
Hi Bill - She was soo beautiful. I have her in my collection in just one film--Ziegfeld Girl with Garland, Lana Turner and Jimmy Stewart. She plays a mournful character, but beautifully, with that lovely lilting accent.
ReplyDeleteShe was just profiled in an episode of American Masters on PBS, I think, mostly focused on her scientific research that led to the breakthroughs in bluetooth, wifi and GPS technologies. So much more than a pretty face!
-Chris
Yes, she was a completely fascinating woman. Just when you think you've figured her out, there comes another surprise.
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