Four Hollywood stars model the new fashions in this November 1944 Photoplay spread. Laraine Day shows the Women Marines uniform on the far left. Next to her is Jeanne Crain in the uniform of a SPAR, which was the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve. Next is Gloria DeHaven as a WAC -- Women's Army Corps. On the far right is Joyce Reynolds in a WAVES uniform - Women's Naval Reserve (or Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).
Women were encouraged to do their bit in many civilian endeavors during World War II, and for the first time, also encouraged to join the military. Perhaps Photoplay thought they might like to choose a branch of service based on the style of uniform. It has been well documented that war movies usually increased recruitment among the men. We don't know the effect this feature article might have done for female enlistment, but the ladies look swell.
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Our greatest gift from the Greatest Generation was freedom from fascism. Relive, and celebrate, how evil was faced, discussed, dramatized...and fought. Classic films were the weapon.
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Jacqueline T. Lynch is the author of Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. and Movies in Our Time - Hollywood Mirrors and Mimics the Twentieth Century and Hollywood Fights Fascism and Christmas in Classic Films. TO JOIN HER READERS' GROUP - follow this link for a free book as a thank-you for joining.
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