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

The 4th 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 4th of July pinups featuring classic leading ladies — sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

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1. Marion Davies

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

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 4th of July explosives!

3. Joan Blondell

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

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 4th of July in this shot.

5. Ann Blyth

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

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

7. Marilyn Monroe

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.

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8. Rita Moreno

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.

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9. Joan Collins

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

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10. Maggie Pierce

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.

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11. Paula Prentiss

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

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.

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13. Barbara Eden

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