The Silent Era of Film was over with the advent of this sound thing. It was 1927 when Hollywood introduced “Talkies” to America as The Jazz Singer, the first feature-length sound movie created and promoted in the U.S., changed cinematic history.
Three years later, a young woman from Vienna, Austria left people awestruck in the states. She was exotic, brilliant, mesmerizing, and unlike anyone any nubile cinephile had ever seen before.
She was Hedy Lamarr.
In 1933, she pushed the ultimate envelope — she appeared nude. Granted, it was the ’30s so she was bountifully covered. We’re not talking pasties and strategic shots of side boob, but there was enough skin and sex appeal to have her movie Ecstasy banned in the states.
Her reputation was a hypnotizing beauty with a steel stare and ice in her veins. She didn’t fear a thing. And by the time she starred in Samson and Delilah, she was Hollywood’s first-ever “sex symbol.”
Ten years later, she left the movies blazing a trail for empowered women who do more than bat their eyelashes to get attention. She went on to lead one of the most fascinating lives in the history of Tinseltown.
And now, the leading lady who inspired the look and demeanor of Catwoman (and Snow White) will have Wonder Woman portraying her in a Showtime limited series.
Behind the Scenes
The fascinating aspect of this news is that the series will cover Lamarr’s life — from Europe to Hollywood…to the Inventor’s Hall of Fame.
Wait, what?!
Gal Gadot is not only the doppleganger for one of the most alluring and bewitching women in cinematic history, but also one of the most influential minds ever.
After leaving her acting career, Hedy Lamarr invented the patented technology that led to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS services. This will surely test the diversity and versatility of Gal’s dramatic acting skills because Lamarr was torn to leave acting and follow her true passion of science.
The untitled series will look at feminism during Hollywood’s golden age and World War II through Lamarr’s life and work, Showtime said.
The series will also be executive produced by Gadot, which will be helped fromHouse of Cards and The Affair co-creator/executive producer Sarah Treem, The Handmaid’s Tale producer Warren Littlefield and Endeavor Content.
“The life of Hedy Lamarr was a truly fascinating one. She stood at the forefront of many issues that challenge women and our society today,” said Showtime’s President of Entertainment Jana Winograde. “In Gal Gadot, we have found the transcendent actress to portray the deeply complex Lamarr. And with the award-winning talents of Sarah Treem and Warren Littlefield, this is going to be a special series.”
And, in case you’re wondering how Lamarr has been rewarded for her literal genius contributions to the society we know all enjoy and take for granted, this from an article in Forbes:
To this day, neither LaMarr nor her estate have seen a cent from the multi-billion-dollar industry her idea paved the way for, even though the U.S. military has publicly acknowledged her frequency-hopping patent and contribution to technology.
If Showtime pans the entire life and legacy of Lamarr, Gadot will need Amazonian strength to bend convention and make this role her own and portray this real-life Wonder Woman.
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