Betty Page, sometimes called Bettie Page, emerged as a modeling sensation in the 1950s, eventually becoming one of the most popular pinup girls in history. She is rumored to be among the most photographed and desired women of the last century, even ranking with Marilyn Monroe at her peak. Although Page's star has since faded compared to Monroe's, Betty Page is still a recognizable and alluring figure.

Popular attention has returned to the famous pinup with the 2006 release of The Notorious Bettie Page, a feature film starring Gretchen Mol in the title role. Today, one can find both pictures and movies of Betty Page taken during her 50s glory days. Many prize the images for being kitschy, old-fashioned, and titillating all at once.

Known as a nice, pleasant girl out of the limelight, Betty Page came from a poor background in Nashville. After struggling as an actress and secretary in New York City, she hit it big with nude and semi-nude photographs in men's magazines, including Playboy. Her trademark was her set of thick bangs, which extended from a traditional 50s coif of dark, black hair.

Although they appear harmless today, Betty Page's more lurid images caused a scandal in the 1950s. Indeed, a large part of her fame derived from her series of bondage photos, which became an underground sensation and were widely banned. Page retired from modeling shortly after her photographer and promoter, Irving Klaw, was investigated by the Senate for producing photos considered too risqué for the time.