Documentary Review: "Bombshells and Dollies" (2020)

These pinups will definitely hold your attention!

I’ve always said that if I could choose one time to go back to and truly immerse myself in it would be the ‘50s. The cool factor is just so damn high, you know? The cars, the clothes, the music, the style; there was an attention to detail and a flair that’s never been replicated. The Rockabilly scene is synonymous with America, and in these days of “everything old is new again” it’s getting new life and exposure at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend.

Now in its 23rd year, the festival is a massive gathering and the Miss Viva Las Vegas contest is billed as the “Miss America of Rockabilly Culture”. It’s a crazy scene that I’d heard of before, so when I was offered a chance to screen Daniel Halperin’s documentary, Bombshells and Dollies, I was pretty stoked. I love me some documentary action, after all, and who doesn’t love to look at pinup girls?

Bombshells and Dollies tells the story of 12 finalists and their journey to be the face of the Rockabilly community. The women are a diverse group from all over the world- the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Africa. They all have a story to tell and a unique road to where they are now, facing obstacles and overcoming insecurities of all types. Gorgeous women all, they also showcase a variety of talents and skills with resumes bursting with accomplishment and advocacy. It’s empowering and inspiring stuff wrapped up in one lovely package.

The film is much more than just the girl’s stories, though. There are segments profiling the different aspects of the whole culture: the pinup girl as an icon, the vintage fashion, the cars as works of art, new school and old school blending with tattoo art, and (of course) the Rockabilly music. While the main focus is on the pinups, the connecting cultural segments offer depth without overstaying their welcome.

There’s a theme that runs throughout, too- finding your niche by discovering who you really are and then joining that family is classic feel-good stuff. In the totally connected world we live in now, we see more and more of these communities/families celebrating their passions. I’m an all around horror nut (journalist, critic, and writer) as well as an avid D&D player and pro wrestling fan, so I can tell you firsthand how important these groups are to my daily life. It’s really cool and connective to see how this particular culture works, and Bombshells and Dollies does a thorough and heartfelt job of promoting the culture and the pinup girls. The inclusivity is definitely making the world a better place. There’s a lovely irony to seeing that societal expectation of the size zero woman obliterated by old school fashion and style; they make sure that you get that message. Style points for that.

You’ll find a favorite or two to pull for, too. Whether it’s Ivy Fox, Victory Violet, Brittany Jean, Marilia Skraba, Angie Honeyburst, Pinup Little Bit (my personal fave), The Blue-Haired Betty, HellCath, Dixie Delight, Lulu Devine, Ruby Red, or Jayne Dean, you really can’t make a wrong choice. The nuts and bolts of how the selection process works and what it takes to be a finalist is a nice touch. You get an honest look at a fascinating show and end up being invested in these powerful women. That’s never a bad thing.

Now I ask myself: do I have room for one more type of nerdiness in my life? I’ve never had a strong personal style. Maybe I’d look great with a duck’s ass pompadour. It could work.