image via wikimedia.org
Fans of old movies know Hedy Lamarr, star of 1930s and 40s American films, such as Ziegfield Girl, and Samson and Delilah. She was dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world,” and worked with such Hollywood greats as Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Jimmy Stewart, Lana Turner, Judy Garland, Louis B. Mayer, and Cecil B. DeMille.
Ah, but you know there’s more, right? Apparently, Lamarr was one smart cookie, and loved to tinker. Did you know that, during World War II, she co-invented a frequency-hopping torpedo guidance system? It was designed to evade the enemy’s jamming devices. She received the patent for it in 1942. If you think about it, it’s a precursor to what we now call spread-spectrum communication technology, used in wifi and cell phones.
So how did this come about, and why didn’t the U.S. Navy jump on it when she offered to give it to them during the war? Check out the following video clip (under 9 minutes) for the fascinating story:
My thanks to Joanie, a dear friend of my mom’s, for sending this along. Hi, Joanie! *waves*
So what do you all think: was the device not taken seriously because one of its inventors was a beautiful, wildly successful actress, or the idea itself seemed too weird? What about today’s Hollywood celebrities: do they struggle to “cross over” in the public sector, and be taken seriously in other endeavors? I’d love to hear from you!
For anyone who’s interested, The Atlantic website has an index of links to more celebrity patents. Check it out here: Celebrity Invention. My fave? That’s a tough one: I’m torn between Lawrence Welk’s accordion ashtray and Bill Nye’s ballet slipper. LOL!
Until next time…keep tinkering!
Kathy
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Hi Kathy
Heddy Lamar is one of the people I use when I’m doing career day talks at school. I think was was undervalued because of her reputation, but I love to see kids amazed when you tell them that frequency hopping wasn’t a 1930s dance move!
Cheers!
Cool stuff, Nigel! I’d love to sit in on one of those talks someday!
Loved learning this about her. Hubby and I are huge classic movie fans. Hedy was beautiful. I love that she was a real smart cookie too!
Wasn’t she breathtaking? Thanks, Loree!
Hedy Lamarr was not given credit for her acting skills either since she was such a pretty face. Not taking her patent seriously, however, is such a shame because she clearly knew her stuff and she desired to help the cause of freedom in the war against the Nazis. I find it fascinating that certain celebrities are incredibly intelligent but are only known for their entertainment value.
What a fascinating post! And I’m thrilled to learn that Nigel uses her as an example in class!
Interesting, isn’t it? Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Thanks, Julie!
Boy, there was a lot about Hedy Lamarr that I did not know. It is too bad that she took a wrong turn down the cosmetic surgery path later in her life. And she does have an impressively long list of husbands.
The Atlantic piece had some good stuff about other unlikely inventors. Lawrence Welk’s ashtray might not have been completely on the up-and-up, but I was aware of Abe Lincoln’s boat patent. He is the only president to hold a patent. (Style question: Why does The Atlantic refer to Lincoln as “the former President” in the teaser? That seems almost diminutive — kind of like referring to Moses as “the former Hebrew leader.” It leads me to wonder what Lincoln has done recently. Okay, just a nit)
And Mark Twain’s bra-clasp? That would have come in handy in the recent Fashion Friday blog. No loose stays with Mark’s “adjustable and detachable elastic strap.” No siree.
Hahaha, Bill! Some interesting inventions, that’s for sure. Didn’t pick up on the “former President” bit, LOL. Thanks for stopping by.
Well that’s very interesting. I’m sure her Hollywood success and good looks had something to do with it, especially given the era.
I think that Dolly Parton is a very savvy business woman who doesn’t get enough credit. Anyone who hears her name usually thinks of one thing (well 2 things) and it’s not her business mind. She can act and she can sing, but she also very clever and smart underneath all that make-up and fake hair.
Fun post!
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Thanks, Patricia. Dolly Parton is a great example, and it’s not just her figure, but her high-pitched voice and genteel Southern accent, too. Amazing what stereotypes we all carry around, isn’t it?
“Anyone who hears her name usually thinks of one thing (well 2 things) …”
I’m sorry. Am I missing something here? Her face. Her voice. [maintaining composure with puzzled countenance and a stupid grimace] Was there something else?
I’m off to Wikipedia.
I know – she wasn’t that busty. Hope you find more cool stuff on Wikipedia!
Great post, Kathy! Very interesting, and sad that the Navy didn’t take her seriously.
I know; an opportunity wasted.
I saw a segment on Sunday Morning (tv digest show) on Hedy and her off-screen activities. I remember thinking at the time what a shame it was that such a brilliant mind was dismissed and kept in the shadow simply because of gender. My wife agreed, in somewhat more vehement terms. Good to see that the truth about this incredible woman is finally coming to light.
Great post, Kathy
In terms of alternate timeline stories, this would make an interesting one, don’t you think, Gene? Thanks for visiting!
“I am Tondelayo. I make you tiffin?”
Many pleasant fantasies have sprung from that movie.
Thanks for writing about her, Kathy!
I found out that was a very popular line! Glad you got to enjoy her films, Perry!
This is very cool, I had no idea. My first theory is that yes, she wasn’t taken seriously as a beautiful actress.
Just goes to show how easily we fit folks into compartments. It’s a good reminder today, because I don’t think we’re immune to doing that even now. So glad to see you here, Nancy!
What an absolutely outstanding story. I had no idea. Sad that she wasn’t taken seriously. Likely do in part to her gender and station…which is so sad!! But I am thrilled to see that she is now getting the acknowledgement and recognition she deserves. Hopefully she is smiling down from heaven…
She was actually given an award (forget exactly what) for her contribution. It was a few years before her death. Thanks, Natalie, for stopping by!
Oh, I love Hedy Lamarr! I wish she had received the accolades & respect she deserved while still around to appreciate it. Thanks for sharing her story!
Dating advice to a misguided missed connection – Natalie Hartford
[...] really enjoyed this post by Kathy Owen on Hedy Lamarr and how she was much more than just an actress. Reminds me to always look beyond the [...]