Women boxing on a roof, 1938.

The photo was taken on the top of Ball Building, Paramount lot, Hollywood. Before that particular lot was the Paramount studio, it was the Desilu studio, and before that, it was RKO (Radio-Keith-Orpheum).

They are all wearing dance shoes so they are probably performers for a variety show. Since no one had decent air conditioning back then, practicing their acts outside on the roof was better than in a stuffy theater.

Someone must of thought it’d make a good candid photo. The blonde girl is probably hitting her, but more of a stunt punch than a real one.

Via Rare Historical Photos.
Colorization via TheMateo.