Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

An insightful look into the life of a Hollywood legend who had talents far beyond her acting ability and intellectual attributes equal to her iconic looks, most of which were unknown, overlooked or downplayed by a society not ready to accept a woman who possessed both beauty and brains. Through an excellent assemblage of archive footage, movie clips, and interviews with the protagonist , her family and friends, and historians of many stripes, we learn both about her on-screen achievements, as well as her lesser-known (but perhaps far more significant) scientific accomplishments. Absorbing, entertaining and informative, this documentary finally does justice to someone for whom such accolades often eluded her.

“Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story” is a documentary written and directed by Alexander Dean. It is, as the title indicates, the story of the life of movie star and inventor, yes inventor, Hedy Lamarr. Born of 2 Jewish parents in Vienna in 1914, Ms. Lamarr soon became a film favorite there and later in America due in no small part to her incredible beauty. But unbeknownst to her audiences, she was, in her own right. also an inventor including the development of a frequency hopping system insuring safe communications. Her know-how and patent served as the basis, not only for FM transmissions but, more importantly, for wi-fi, GPS and Bluetooth technology. Originally aired as a PBS special, this 90 minute film is now being exhibited theatrically. No screenwriter could write a more compelling drama than the story of Ms. Lamarr’s talents, history and unjust treatment by the country she adopted and loved. Despite her loyalty and efforts resulting in the sale of millions of dollars of US Bonds during World War II, her patent was confiscated by the government who labelled her a hostile alien. I give this documentary an 8.0 for it relates, in a truly jaw dropping manner, a story that needed to be told.