Pinup Girls Helped Win The War

If you knew anyone who fought in World War II, they will most likely tell you they had a picture of Betty Grable pinned somewhere in their locker.  She was the dear of every fighting man.

During the 1940's she was the highest paid actress in Hollywood.  In her movies she flirted, sang, and danced her way through the movies, appealing to the men overseas.

Her most famous poster showed her looking over her shoulder at the audience, grinning at the audience.  She wears a one piece suit with high heels and you see her wonderful long legs.  At one point, she insured her legs at one million each.

Her name is the one that pops up as the number one pin-up girl of the time but there were others, some real, some created by artists and each one added something to the look that kept men going.

Rita Hayworth, another Hollywood actress posed for a pinup picture showing her in what looks like her bedroom while wearing a lacy one piece teddy perhaps.  She grins at the camera while looking sexy and inviting.  This picture was the most requested one until Betty Grable released hers.

The shot of Jane Russell in "Outlaw" was one of the most requested pinup pictures during the war.  Its the one where she lays on a bed of straw with her shirt slipping down her shoulder and her skirt up, showing her knees.

Then there was Ava Gardener who is posed on a blanket covered sofa in a two piece swimsuit. She is leaning her head on her hand, raised slightly, turned toward the camera with a mischievous look on her face as she glances at the camera.

Finally, Veronica Lake often had her picture requested by fighting men. Her look with one eye covered by her hair gave her a unique look.  She paritially inspired Jessica Rabbit in the movie "Who Framed Roger Rabbit".

These four women were the most requested pinups of the real women but there were some fantasy women who were equally appealing.

One artist, Alberto Vargas, created beautiful women for Esquire Magazine. The women wore figure hugging clothing that barely covered the body. Men fighting overseas were thrilled to get the magazine so they could check out the latest figures guaranteed to perk them up.

Another artist, George Petty, who worked for Esquire and True Magazines drew cartoon like females who were featured on the nose of bombers.  The most famous, the 'Memphis Belle' was on the nose of a bomber which complete 25 bombing mission before going on tour to help raise money for the war effort.

One female artist, Zoe Mozert, who created a series of Victory Calendars filled with females based on her.  She wanted the military men to know what they were fighting for.

Another female artist, Elvgren, created drawings of females which appeared regularly on the sides of B-17 bombers.  This artist is known as the one who launched a 1000 B-17's.

Art Frahm provided art in which women were caught in predicaments such as having hands full so when their skirt flies up, they can't grab it.  He made a name creating this naughty drawings.

Each and every one of these women both real and fantasy contributed to the morale of the fighting men who helped to win World War II.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.