Bombshells: Alexandra Bastedo

While English actress Alexandra Bastedo (1946–2014) really burst onto the scene after the heyday of the Blonde Bombshell in cinema, we all know the Blonde Bombshell never really went away. Survey any point in cinematic history and you’ll find scads of bodacious blondes lighting up movie screens with their incandescent beauty. Speaking of incandescence, Bestado … Continue reading Bombshells: Alexandra Bastedo →

Bombshells: Vera Day

English bombshell Vera Day (August 4, 1935) was once touted as Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe. The absurdly photogenic and stunningly buxom blonde was certainly a looker during her prime acting years in the 1950s. Like many bombshells, Day eventually segued out of acting, but reappeared over the years here and there, most notably in Lock, … Continue reading Bombshells: Vera Day →

Bombshells: Mara Corday

Born Marilyn Joan Watts on January 30, 1930 in Santa Monica, California, Mara Corday was an American showgirl, model, actress, Playboy Playmate and, as Wikipedia says, a “1950s cult figure.” That’s probably thanks to Playboy and the various westerns, horror, and science fiction B-movies she made during the fifties. The raven-haired Corday, who turned 94 … Continue reading Bombshells: Mara Corday →

Marilyn Monday

As American icons go, Marilyn Monroe is the alpha and the omega. Like millions of others people, I’ve been obsessed with her since childhood—her incandescent beauty, inside and out, positively bowled me over—and that obsession is built for the long haul. I could post about her every single day and still never lose an ounce … Continue reading Marilyn Monday →

Barbarella, Space Babe

I once read a review of Barbarella (1968), from some long-forgotten blog, that called the titular heroine a “space slut.” That blogger seemed to mean it as a negative thing. Well, we’re decidedly slut-positive around here at the Starfire Lounge, so let’s make it clear we see “space slut” as a positive. There’s been a … Continue reading Barbarella, Space Babe →

The Art of the Ad: Choose Your Vice

Mid- to late-twentieth century advertisements for alcohol, tobacco, and other legal(ish) vices offer some of the most entertaining—and groan-worthy—time capsules of their era. Here are a few groovy examples. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the two newest members of the Mile High Club. It’s always Fishnet Friday with Passport Scotch! She definitely makes Genny a little … Continue reading The Art of the Ad: Choose Your Vice →

Bombshells: Hold the (Virginia) Mayo

This was written for my old blog years ago, but never actually published. It was in my drafts folder for a month or so before I shut that blog down in April 2020. Recently, I revised and expanded it. Why Virginia Mayo, you ask? Well, in the final days of my old blog I had … Continue reading Bombshells: Hold the (Virginia) Mayo →