Mata Hari was a professional dancer and mistress who became a spy for France during World War I. Suspected of being a double agent, she was executed in 1917.
However, mystery continues to surround Mata Hari's life, her alleged German connections and her betrayal of France. In many ways she has become a legend. Her life has inspired biographies and cinematic portrayals. The 1931 film, Mata Hari, had Greta Garbo playing the lead role. Essentially, she was the sort of woman we should all recognise today, a celebrity, a kind of early 2oth century Madonna. In other words Mata Hari was a very modern woman
Mata Hari was executed by firing squad on October 15, 1917. She arrived at the execution site dressed in a blue coat and a tri-corner hat. She strode to the spot where she was to be shot, waved away her blindfold and span round to face the firing squad. She then lifted her hand to her lips and blew the soldiers a kiss.
Comments