Betty Boop, now on Broadway, was once forced by Hollywood to be less sexy

nypost.com:

the Journal of Design History, Betty evolved from a “flapper-secretary-adventurer” to a “middle-class homemaker.” By 1935, gone was the garter, and the shoulder-less dress was swapped for a less revealing frock.

Betty was made taller and older with a new hairdo.A 1938 article in the Central New Jersey Home News headlined “Betty Boop Goes Modern” describes the toon’s transformation.“Before swing came, Betty Boop, a product of the ‘jazz age,’ embraced all the qualities of the era — curls, bangs, earrings, bracelets and curves,” it began.“But times have changed and with it Betty’s appearance.

The Fleischer Cartoon Studios, creators of Betty Boop, animated movie character, have revamped their star. She’s lost most of her curls, the jewelry — and the curves.

She dresses more modestly — censors, you know — and she personifies the typical ‘swing’ fan.”She no longer lived in an apartment or traveled to tropical locales.