Vintage 4th of July: 13 Pinups to Give Your Holiday Retro Flair

The 4^th of July instantly conjures up images of American flags and fireworks, and from the ’20s to the ’60s, Hollywood often used this patriotic iconography for fun pinup photos of movie stars. In the World War II period in particular, patriotic pinups boosted morale and made celebrating the country look glamorous.

We’ve gathered 13 fabulous vintage 4^th of July pinups featuring classic leading ladies — sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

1. Marion Davies

Marion Davies with American flag, 1920s — Marion Davies (circa 1920s)Getty

Silent film actress Marion Davies was known for her turbulent personal life (which allegedly inspired the character of Susan Alexander Kane in Citizen Kane), but here she makes a wholesome ’20s-era patriotic pinup.

2. Lillian Bond

MGM actress Lillian Bond with an armload of fireworks for a Fourth of July celebration, Hollywood, California, late 1920s or early 1930s — Lillian Bond (circa 1930s)Getty

Lillian Bond, who acted in films like The Old Dark House and The Westerner in the ’30s and ’40s, looks surprisingly charming considering that she’s holding an armload of potentially dangerous 4^th of July explosives!

3. Joan Blondell

American actress Joan Blondell (1906 - 1978) in a patriotic pose, wearing an Uncle Sam outfit and standing in front of cutouts of the US flag and the Statue of Liberty, circa 1930 — Joan Blondell (1930)Getty

Pre-code star Joan Blondell was well-known for her bright smile and sassy presence. Her, she shows her singular charm while posing in an over-the-top patriotic costume in front of a flag and the Statue of Liberty.

4. Claudette Colbert

Portrait of actress Claudette Colbert (1903-1996) wearing flower earrings and brooch, in front of the American flag, for Paramount Pictures, 1941 — Claudette Colbert (1941)Getty

The Oscar-winning actress Claudette Colbert, who starred in classics like It Happened One Night and The Palm Beach Story, appears to be solemnly contemplating the true spirit of the 4^th of July in this shot.

5. Ann Blyth

Actress Ann Blyth as the Statue of Liberty standing in front of an American flag, Hollywood, California, 1947 — Ann Blyth (1947)Getty

Ann Blyth is well-known for her performance as Joan Crawford‘s vicious daughter in the 1945 classic Mildred Pierce, and at 95, she’s one of the few Golden Age actresses who’s still alive today. In this photo, she makes a lovely Lady Liberty.

6. Joan Dixon

Joan Dixon, in a two piece bathing suit, lights fuse on an oversized firecracker under an American flag, 1940s — Joan Dixon (circa 1940s)Getty

’50s actress Joan Dixon rocks a very of-the-era bikini as she lights a comically oversized firecracker.

7. Marilyn Monroe

Actress Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait wearing a bikini with some oversized fireworks and a sign that reads "Beware of Danger, July 4th" in circa 1951 — Marilyn Monroe (1951)Getty

It wouldn’t be a true collection of retro pinups without Marilyn Monroe! In this pinup, the iconic star warns us of firecracker-related danger — while wearing a stylish swimsuit and platform sandals, of course.

8. Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno posing in a firecracker in 1954 — Rita Moreno (1954)Getty

Rita Moreno is a living legend, and she always brought a fiery energy to the screen. Here, she makes that quite literal as she poses inside a firecracker.

9. Joan Collins

Joan Collins, British actress, holding the Stars-and-Stripes flag of the United States in a studio portrait, circa 1955 vintage 4th of July — Joan Collins (1955)Getty

Joan Collins may be British, but that didn’t stop the glamorous Dynasty diva from posing with an American flag.

10. Maggie Pierce

Maggie Pierce posing with July 4 firecrackers, 1960s vintage 4th of July — Maggie Pierce (circa 1960s)Getty

Seven Minerals, Pure Magnesium Oil Spray

Deal of the Day

Save 20% on Magnesium Spray, One of the Best Natural Remedies for Sore Muscles! View Deal

Maggie Pierce, the star of the ’60s TV show My Mother the Car, is all smiles as she lights fireworks and poses with the Liberty Bell.

11. Paula Prentiss

Paula Prentiss posing with a flag and cannon. 1962 vintage 4th of July — Paula Prentiss (1962)Getty

Paula Prentiss, the star of ’60s comedies like Where the Boys Are, What’s New Pussycat? and Man’s Favorite Sport? makes shooting a cannon look downright fun.

12. Sally Field

Promotional portrait of American actor Sally Field sitting on a wooden surfboard with an American flag and eating a watermelon, for the television series, 'Gidget,' circa 1965 vintage 4th of July — Sally Field (1965)Getty

In her Gidget days, Sally Field showed off the dream summer look with a watermelon, a surfboard, a flag and a backdrop of festive fireworks.

13. Barbara Eden

American actress Barbara Eden celebrates the fourth of July up a purple stepladder with a giant firecracker, circa 1965 vintage 4th of July — Barbara Eden (1965)Silver Screen Collection/Hulton

I Dream of Jeannie star Barbara Eden looks perfectly ’60s mod in this spirited vintage 4^th of July photo shoot.

Tags:

July 4th

Conversation

All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.