What makes someone a “true legend”? Untold Legends gives legendary status to those who deserve it – and tells their story. NEW season: You may well have heard of the Austrian-born US actress Hedy Lamarr - a Jewish refugee who escaped the Nazis to become a Hollywood star. However, for most of her life, she didn’t receive proper recognition for her role as an inventor. She was known for starring in dozens of films, including Algiers, Samson and Delilah, Ecstasy, Boom Town and My Favourite Spy. ...
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Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil’s visionary invention fails to make an impact with the US Navy. The actress decides it’s time to quit MGM Studios to explore new avenues as an independent movie producer. She loses a fortune, and divorces her third husband. Then, there’s a twist in Hedy’s invention tale. What makes someone a “true legend”? Untold Lege…
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The Hollywood star wants to help defeat Hitler, so Hedy Lamarr comes up with an invention. Troubled by what is happening in the Second World War, Hedy works with the avant-garde composer, George Antheil on an idea. France has been invaded and there are torpedo attacks on the ships, SS Volendam and SS City of Benares. Hedy and George want to stop Na…
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Hedy’s new life in Hollywood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The party lifestyle isn’t for her and she struggles to make her MGM debut. Eventually though, the film offers start rolling in, starting with Algiers - Hedy’s big Hollywood break. But while Hedy’s living the Hollywood highlife, across the Atlantic, Europe is descending into World War II.…
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A Hollywood deal transforms Hedy Kiesler into Hedy Lamarr - her greatest invention yet? After a daring escape from her husband and the advance of Hitler’s Nazis into Austria, Hedy Lamarr arrives in London broke and alone. She still has a plan to hit the big time. After a last-minute dash to France she blags her way onto the Normandie, a luxury line…
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A wealthy arms dealer and a world on the brink of war. After the scandal of the Ecstasy movie, Hedy gets married. The threat from the growing influence of the Nazi Party is intensifying in Austria and across Europe. Hedy’s new marriage is soon in trouble, as she becomes a “trophy wife”. As her husband discusses ammunition deals with men like Benito…
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A scandal in Vienna: Hedy Lamarr’s debut movie is considered so sexual; it is banned in several countries. Hedy has dreams of becoming a star, but are those dreams over before they’ve even really begun? The 1933 film Ecstasy features one of cinema’s first depictions of a female orgasm. However, away from acting, Hedy has another passion. She is cur…
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A refugee who escaped the Nazis, a feminist filmmaker and beauty icon, and one of Hollywood’s most famous golden-age stars. You might think you already know her story, but there’s another side to Hedy Lamarr - a genius history overlooked and a true untold legend of invention. This is the amazing story of how one of the most recognisable faces of he…
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“Possibly the best female athlete” of her era – why was Ora Washington forgotten? And we meet her family, who are relieved that their Aunt Ora’s achievements are now being acknowledged: “I felt so good that now, even though this is 2022, she's still being recognised”. Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #Untol…
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Cracks appear after two decades at the top of black tennis. A new generation of elite athletes want her crown. But is Ora ready to retire? Her hair is greying now and she wears glasses on court. Can she pull off one more victory – against future great Althea Gibson - under the hot Alabama sun? Please note, this episode contains some outdated langua…
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Ora Washington: 5. Playing like a ‘real woman’
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Ora is at the peak of her sports, but off the court, stars are expected to appear “sufficiently feminine”. If you didn’t, you faced prejudice.Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend.This episode was updated on 29 September 2022, to correct some information about the basketball coach, Joe Rainey #UntoldLegends…
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Basketball beckons. The elite tennis player tries a new sport – and it’s a crowd puller. Ora’s quickness and agility translate to the basketball court, as her career takes off in tandem with tennis. But does America have room for a true queen of two courts? Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #UntoldLegends…
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Can she beat the best? Ora is the underdog against the crowd favourite, the formidable Isadora “Izzy” Channels of Chicago. It’s a brutally hot day in Harlem and the mood is tense. Everything is at stake. If Ora wins, she joins the black tennis elite. Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #UntoldLegends…
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“She loved to compete”: Ora takes her first tennis lesson. But race, sex and class prejudice stand in her way. It’s the 1920s and Ora has gone north to Philadelphia – a city of opportunity and danger. Racial tensions are high in her neighbourhood. What motivates her to start playing the so-called ‘gentleman’s game’? Please note, this episode contai…
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Who was Ora Washington? The southern farm girl who wanted more. But recognition came too late – why was the guest of honour at a star-studded event missing? Ora was a brilliant tennis and basketball player who fought to make her name in racially segregated America. We find out about her early life in Virginia. Please note, this episode contains som…
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The Queen of two courts. Ora Washington is the star the world ignored. It’s time everyone knew her name. Ora was a black tennis champion in the era of racial segregation in the United States. She was a basketball star too. Hosted by Renee Montgomery, former basketball player, the co-owner of the WNBA team, Atlanta Dream and a self-described “sports…
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