Beauty and the Beer

About This Movie

Beauty and the Beer dives into the Miss Rheingold contest, a fascinating slice of American marketing history that ran from ’41 to ’64. Anne Newman Bacal’s personal touch adds warmth to the documentary, weaving interviews with former contestants alongside archival footage that gives you a real sense of the era. The pacing is reflective, allowing those nostalgic vibes to settle in. It also touches on themes of femininity and commercialism, making it more than just a visual archive. The candid stories shared by the women really bring the character of the contest to life, revealing not just the glitz but also the challenges behind the scenes.

Beauty and the Beer is an intriguing find for collectors, especially those interested in documentary filmmaking and Americana. The film's rarity stems from its limited initial release, making it a less common title in collections. There's growing interest as it captures a unique moment in advertising history, and its intimate look at the Miss Rheingold contest provides a different lens on women's representation in media during that period.