The Vamp: Theda Bara, Cinema’s First Sex Symbol – Halloween Special – Women’s History, American History

In the early 20th century, the word "vampire" was used to mean something quite different: a female sexual predator. And no one struck more fear into the hearts of men than cinema's first sex symbol, silent film actress Theda Bara. Happy Halloween. Featuring piano music by Kevin MacLeod, used by Creative Commons License Attribution 3.0. Be sure to support us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/deadideaspod to get your portrait drawn! Theme music and graphic design by Rachel Westhoff. Find pics, references, and more at www.deadideas.net.

Om Podcasten

We explore ideas and practices once believed to be true but no longer. Each dead idea is explored in all its glorious eccentricity. For example, discover miasma, the theory that plague comes from stinky air; or the medical diagnosis of hysteria, which holds that women's wombs wander around their bodies causing trouble. Join us on a fun romp through the history of ideas that didn’t quite stand the test of time.