'Bombshell': LA premiere for doc on Hedy Lamarr, classic beauty with brilliant mind

She developed "frequency hopping" technology still in use today, but got far more credit for looks than intelligence

Actress Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000) in the 1941 film "Ziegfeld Girl." Photo from MGM

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There has never been much dispute about Hedy Lamarr's pulchritude -- in the 1930s and 40s she was often referred to as "the most beautiful woman in the world." 

While she never lacked attention for her physical appearance, she struggled to gain recognition for the beautiful mind behind the beautiful face. The new documentary Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story explores the contributions she made to science in the midst of her movie career.

She belongs "in the pantheon of great inventors," according to director Alexandra Dean, especially for her work on spread spectrum frequency hopping, a secure communications system with military and civilian applications. In fact it is central to Bluetooth technology, as well as early iterations of WiFi and GPS.

New York Times critic Manohla Dargis named Bombshell one of the best films of the year. It's now playing in New York and opens at the Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday (December 8). Nonfictionfilm.com attended the LA premiere on Sunday, followed by a party at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, which Lamarr frequented in her early Hollywood days. Below are some of our photos from Sunday.

A poster for "Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story" at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California, where a party was held after the film's LA premiere. Sunday, December 3, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

The party following the LA premiere of "Bombshell." L-R: Anthony Loder (Hedy Lamarr's son), director Alexandra Dean, scientific advisor Nino Amarena, associate producer Aaron Duffy, producer Adam Haggiag, music supervisor Raife Burchell. West Hollywood, Sunday, December 3, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Actress Freida Pinto attends the party for "Bombshell" at the Chateau Marmont. West Hollywood, Sunday, December 3, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Producer Adam Haggiag speaks with guests at the party for "Bombshell" at the Chateau Marmont. West Hollywood, Sunday, December 3, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Guests at the party for "Bombshell" at the Chateau Marmont. West Hollywood, Sunday, December 3, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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The LA premiere of "Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story" at the AMC Dine-in Sunset 5 theaters in West Hollywood. L-R Anthony Loder (Hedy Lamarr's son), scientific advisor Nino Amarena, director Alexandra Dean, producer Adam Haggiag. Sunday, December 3, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Nino Amarena, who served as a scientific advisor on "Bombshell," attends the party for the film at the Chateau Marmont. West Hollywood, Sunday, December 3, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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The "Bombshell" party at the Chateau Marmont. Seated at right, facing camera, is publicist David Magdael, in conversation with associate producer Aaron Duffy. West Hollywood, Sunday, December 3, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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