Angie V. Kubessi, Writer 

Sloan Grant(s) Received: 2024, UCLA, Screenwriting Award

Project Type: Feature 

Genre: Drama

Length: 120 pages 

Field of Science: Physics

Stage: Sales and Distribution

Synopsis: 

Hedy is a biographical drama that chronicles the extraordinary, tumultuous life of Hedy Lamarr, a glamorous film star whose contributions to technology have been largely overlooked by history. Set against the backdrop of the mid-20th century, the story delves into Hedy’s rise to fame as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, juxtaposed with her groundbreaking achievements as an inventor. Central to her story is her development of frequency-hopping technology—a precursor to technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS—which would eventually change the world, but initially went unrecognized.

The narrative begins in 1930s Austria, where a young Hedy Keisler dreams of escaping the rigid confines of her aristocratic life. Adding a layer of complexity to Hedy’s personal life is her marriage to Fritz Mandl, a wealthy Austrian arms dealer with Nazi ties. As a Jewish woman married to a man whose business dealings align with Nazi interests, Hedy finds herself in a dangerous and volatile position. The marriage is fraught with emotional and physical abuse, but it also forces her to navigate a precarious existence as both a victim and a survivor. Her time with Mandl becomes a haunting chapter in her life, symbolizing the tension between her Jewish heritage and the ideological world of her husband.

Discovered by Hollywood mogul Louis B. Mayer, Hedy is thrust into the glitzy world of Hollywood and quickly becomes an international star. But as Hedy rises to fame, she becomes increasingly disillusioned with the superficiality of the film industry and the objectification of women in the studio system. She is typecast in stereotypical roles as the exotic victim and struggles with the lack of recognition for her talents beyond her beauty. Seeking an escape from her frustrating circumstances, Hedy contemplates her future.

At the same time, Hedy’s inventive mind is quietly at work. She partners with avant-garde composer George Antheil to develop a revolutionary communication system designed to prevent enemy forces from intercepting torpedo guidance signals during World War II. Their invention—a frequency-hopping spread-spectrum technology—was decades ahead of its time, forming the foundation of modern wireless communications. However, when Hedy and George present their technology to the U.S. Navy, their groundbreaking work is dismissed. Despite its potential, the military rejects the invention, and Hedy’s role in its creation is largely ignored. This rejection highlights the prevailing sexism of the time, as Hedy is dismissed not only for her fame as a glamorous actress but also because of the military’s reluctance to acknowledge a woman’s intellectual contributions.

The screenplay transitions to Hedy’s later years, where her personal and professional life begins to unravel. After a series of failed marriages and mounting frustration with Hollywood’s treatment of her, Hedy retreats from the public eye. Her passion for innovation remains, but her efforts are overshadowed by a Hollywood industry that continues to undervalue her. It isn’t until the 1990s that Hedy begins to receive some recognition for her contributions to technology, though it is bittersweet. She is posthumously honored by the Electronic Frontier Foundation for her pioneering work in wireless communications, but by then, she is estranged from the world that once idolized her.

The screenplay further delves into Hedy’s partnership with George Antheil, her intellectual partner in the creation of the frequency-hopping technology. George, an avant-garde composer, serves as both a sounding board and an advocate for Hedy’s invention, supporting her efforts to get the technology recognized. Together, they forge a path through the scientific community that was fraught with gendered discrimination and resistance. The chemistry between Hedy and George, both intellectually and emotionally, is key to their development of a concept that would shape the future of wireless communications. Their collaboration, however, was not without challenges, as both faced systemic barriers in their respective fields.

Hedy is a poignant exploration of the complex journey from being a misunderstood movie star to becoming a technological innovator whose impact was only recognized decades later. It sheds light on the contributions of women in science and technology, particularly during World War II, when their work was often overshadowed by male counterparts and societal biases. The film underscores how history often fails to credit women for their genius, even as their innovations quietly shape the future.

Ultimately, Hedy is a tribute to Hedy Lamarr’s brilliance, resilience, and determination to be more than the stereotype imposed upon her. It is a reminder that genius cannot be confined to a single role or definition and that the most significant contributions often come from the most unlikely of places. Through Hedy’s story, the film highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the talents of those who challenge the expectations placed upon them, especially when the world fails to see them for who they truly are.