Pin-Up Goddesses and their Signature Films

Pin-up girls have been a part of American culture for a very long time, setting the standard for trends in fashion and beauty for decades, reverberating even today. Whether in photographs or in illustrations, they have appeared in magazines, calendars, and, during WWII, on the noses and sides of fighter planes. But what about movies? Below is a list of the biggest pin-up stars of the classic age, and the key movies to see them in.

Marilyn Monroe

One of the most recognized icons in the world, along with Superman, Elvis Presley, and Mickey Mouse, Marilyn Monroe made her place in history as a timeless beauty before dying tragically at the age of 36. While she was in several key films, including "Some Like it Hot" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," the one she is most known for is likely "The Seven Year Itch," including its famous sidewalk scene.

Jayne Mansfield

Looked at as the next Marilyn Monroe, Mansfield did seem to be on that trajectory after Monroe's death, including rumored affairs with both JFK and RFK and multiple high-profile marriages before her untimely death at the age of 34. Two of Mansfield's key films are "The Girl Can't Help It," which features performances from many early rock 'n' roll and rockabilly artists, and "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?"

Mae West

An early pin-up star, Mae West got her start in Vaudeville before transitioning to films. Her place in culture can't be overestimated. Specializing in comedies, many of West's lines have appeared in other productions, such as "West Side Story," while her image and name has appeared all over, from Cole Porter songs to the cover of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Life vests used in WWII were nicknamed after her because of the way they made soldiers wearing them look like they had large breasts. West's biggest film is probably "My Little Chickadee," co-starring comedy legend W.C. Fields.

Brigitte Bardot

Still alive at 87, but retired from films since 1973, Bardot moved on to become an animal rights activist. Before her political career she racked up 47 films and was considered one of the most beautiful women to ever grace the screen. Like many of the other pin-up legends she was known for her many affairs before, during and after her several marriages. She had a lasting impact on both fashion and modelling, with the "Bardot" neckline of sweaters, and "the Brigitte Bardot pose", which has been used by models and actresses from Elle Macpherson to Lindsay Lohan. Her most famous role is possibly, "...And God Created Woman."

Sophia Loren

Also still alive at 87, Loren is the only actress listed on AFIs list of Greatest Stars of Classic Cinema still living today. At one time she was one of the most popular stars in the world, particularly in the 1960s, when she was recognized for both her acting talent and her beauty. Identifying just one key film of hers is difficult, but from the pin-up perspective it may be "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow."

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth is such an iconic pin-up that her name is mentioned in the title of the original novella "The Shawshank Redemption" is based on, "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption." In the story, the hole dug out of the prison cell is covered by a pin-up poster of Rita Hayworth. As the years roll by, other posters cover the hole, the last one being of Raquel Welch. Known as a great actress, model, and dancer, Hayworth was at one time married to legendary actor and director Orson Welles. Without a doubt her most iconic role was in "Gilda."

Raquel Welch

While she has had many films in her career, including the science-fiction classic "Fantastic Voyage", a poster made from one image in one of Welch's earliest films became one of the best-selling pin-ups of all time. With only one line of dialogue, Welch's role in "One Million Years B.C.", in which she wore a skimpy prehistoric costume made of doe skin, made her a superstar.

Bettie Page

Bettie Page is unique in this list in that she undoubtedly is a superstar among pin-up girls. She has graced countless magazine pages and her iconic haircut and style has influenced generations. And while she did a number of films, few were on the big screen. She made many 8mm films and was the first model to be popular for bondage style. She did, however make some big-screen films, including the schlock film "Striporama" and its two sequels. A biopic of Page's life, "The Notorious Bettie Page," was released in 2005, starring Gretchen Mol as Page.

Veronica Lake

While she did films in a number of genres, Veronica Lake became known mainly for noir films, and her signature "peek-a-boo" hair. Her career declined due to alcoholism, but her impact was so significant she was referenced as part of the plot of the film "L.A. Confidential," with Kim Basinger starring as an actress who had surgery to make her look like Veronica Lake. Lake's popularity peaked in the 1940s, particularly as a pin-up girl, and she travelled to help raise money for war bonds.

Lana Turner

Lana Turner was an icon of glamour for more than 50 years, often referenced in Bob Hope's standup routines while entertaining troops, he would mention Turner's name and immediately receive cheers and howls. Late in her life she continued to act, moving from the big screen to television with a recurring role on "Falcon Crest." While she had several noteworthy films, the one that made her a pinup legend was the original "The Postman Always Rings Twice."

Jane Russell

One of the great sex symbols of the 40s and 50s, Russell was a popular pin-up girl in WWII. She alternated her career focus between acting and music, working regularly as a jazz and gospel singer and even having a solo show at The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Russell is most known for her first film, "The Outlaw", which defined her as a sex symbol, and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," in which she costarred with Marilyn Monroe

Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow, nicknamed "The Blonde Bombshell," "The Platinum Goddess," and "The Laughing Vamp" was one of the most popular actresses of the 1930, dying tragically at the age of 26 of kidney failure. Her biggest film was her last, "Saratoga," which was completed after she died. But her most pin-up worthy film may have been "Bombshell."

Grace Kelly

The interesting thing about Grace Kelly is that while she remains a Hollywood legend, she only did 11 films before she retired to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco and become Princess Grace. Still considered one of the most beautiful women in history, several of her films were noteworthy, particularly the three she made with Alfred Hitchcock, "Murder," "Rear Window," and "To Catch a Thief." Sharon Stone's costumes and hair in "Basic Instinct" were all modelled after Grace Kelly.

Betty Grable

Betty Grable was one of the biggest stars of the 30s and 40s, but also the #1 pin-up girl. Her swimsuit pin-up was the most popular among American GIs in WWII, even more than Rita Hayworth. At one time earning more than Hollywood's biggest male stars, her best-known film may be "Springtime in the Rockies", though her poster will always make her "The Girl with the Million-Dollar Legs."

Vivien Leigh

Known as one of the most beautiful actresses of the 30s and 40s, Leigh is most well-known for her legendary role as Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind," a role that was controversial because Leigh was British and many thought the role should only be played by an actual Southerner, such as Ava Gardner. Leigh also won acclaim for her role as another Southerner, Blanche Dubois, in "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Carole Landis

One of the greatest pin-up girls of the 30s and 40s, Landis was nicknamed "The Curve Girl." She made her debut as an extra in the original "A Star is Born" before moving on to bigger roles. Managing to marry 5 times, including twice to the same man long before Liz Taylor did the same, she died by suicide at age 29. Similar to Raquel Welch, she was made a star by portraying a scantily clad cave girl in the similarly named "One Million B.C."

Marlene Dietrich

One of the biggest stars to transition from silent films to "talkies", Dietrich was one of the most highly-paid and sought after stars of her era, known for her glamor. Known for many films, she may be most known for "Blonde Venus."

Greta Garbo

One of the biggest stars of the 20s and 30s, and ranked one of the biggest stars of all time, Garbo was known for portraying beautiful, tragic characters, and for pursuing a mysterious, private life. She retired early from films at age 35. Known for many performances, her biggest film may have been "Camille."