Marie Benedict’s work of historical fiction, The Only Woman in the Room, tells the life story of Hedy Lamarr, a famed actress of the 1930s and 1940s. The 2019 novel rewrites Lamarr’s legacy by focusing on her path towards inventing a frequency-hopping radio technology that anticipates wi-fi. Benedict uses the political machinations of WWII and Hedy’s experiences to explore performativity, guilt, and sexism.

Content Warning: The source material and this guide contain instances and discussions of domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence, sexism and misogyny, and antisemitism.

Plot Summary

In 1930’s Austria, Hedy Kiesler gives an astounding performance as Empress Elizabeth, earning her a standing ovation and the affections of Friedrich “Fritz” Mandl. She soon learns that the man sending her hundreds of roses after every performance is a powerful arms dealer, known as the “Merchant of Death” (9). Because he has great influence over Austria’s leaders and a reputation for cruelty, Hedy’s parents urge her to entertain his feelings.

Hedy grows to care for Fritz. He is handsome, mysterious, and she is admittedly drawn to his power. Her parents argue for the benefit of their match; aside from being rich and powerful, Fritz has direct connections to Austria’s leaders and Mussolini. As a Jewish family, the Kieslers understand the significance of the rumors coming from Germany and begin to see Fritz’s attention as an advantage. When Fritz proposes, Hedy is compelled—by duty and fondness—to accept. His only condition is that she give up acting forever. As the wedding approaches, Hedy notices Fritz’s inclination to control. He plans the entire wedding, insists on choosing her dress, and demands that she convert to Christianity for the ceremony. Hedy acquiesces to all, trying to keep her family safe.

Marriage to Fritz is not how Hedy imagined it; he is controlling, private, and abusive. He punishes her for interacting with men and expects her to spend every second of her day heightening her beauty. Her only role in their house is to attend dinner parties on his arm and to wait for him each night in their bed. One evening, though, when Hedy overhears information relevant to Fritz’s political interests, Fritz comes to value Hedy’s opinions. For the next few years, Hedy sits in on her husband’s meetings with powerful men—weapons manufacturers, politicians, and even Hitler and Mussolini. By listening to those meetings, Hedy learns that her husband is not only working with fascists but is supporting the antisemitic efforts made in both Italy and Germany. After the death of her father, she endeavors to escape. It takes two attempts, but Hedy flees Austria for London.

In London, Hedy is discovered by MGM executive Louis B. Mayer. After negotiating a higher salary, Hedy follows him to Hollywood and enjoys success in the film industry. However, her success is always tainted by her guilt for not doing more to protect Austria and European Jews. To assuage her guilt, she dedicates her free time to searching her mind for information to use against the Third Reich. She remembers hearing Fritz discussing solutions for the German torpedo system, knowing that the Nazis couldn’t create a secure radio-controlled system. She struggles to find an effective solution until she meets composer George Antheil; while playing a duet with him, she is inspired to create a radio frequency that adapts to other frequencies like musicians adapt to a melody. Together, they work tirelessly to make this a reality.

In a few months, Hedy and George have invented a radio hopping system that functions as an “unbreakable code” (213). Though the system is an immense improvement to the existing torpedo system, the US Navy rejects it. Unwilling to accept their refusal, Hedy and George arrive to Washington DC to meet with a council directly. There, Hedy represents her findings. When she finishes, the lead officer reiterates their refusal; they suggest that Hedy focus on making films. Dejected, Hedy knows that they only refused her invention because she made it. Having faced prejudice her entire life, this final refusal breaks Hedy’s spirit. She gives up trying to be seen for who she is—as more than just beautiful—and sinks back into her role as an actress. Instead of inventing, she uses her position to raise money for the war effort.