Lecture Notes: Dark Secrets of Old Hollywood

Introduction

• Theme: The hidden dark secrets of old Hollywood.
• Focus on addiction, abuse, and scandal behind the glamour.

15. The Crawford Family Feud

• Joan Crawford: Known as queen of the silver screen.
• Family Issues: Dysfunction and controversies around adopted children.
• Mommy Dearest Memoir: Christina Crawford's revelations.
• Adoption Rumors: Questionable processes and potential mistreatment.

14. Clark Gable’s Secret Daughter

• Clark Gable: Famous actor known as the king of Hollywood.
• Affair with Loretta Young: Resulted in a secret daughter, Judy Lewis.
• Secret Kept: Judy unaware of her parentage until adulthood.

13. Bette Davis's Sister Rivalry

• Bette Davis: Notable actress with a hidden family feud.
• Sister Barbara (Bobby) Davis: Mental health struggles and financial instability.
• Public and Private Conflicts: Including lawsuits and threats to sell family secrets.

12. The Hepburn Family Tragedy

• Katherine Hepburn: Strength and independence overshadowed by family tragedy.
• Brother’s Suicide: Profound impact on her life.

11. Elizabeth Taylor’s Disowned Father

• Elizabeth Taylor: Known for beauty and romances.
• Father’s Struggles: Alcohol and estrangement issues.

10. Judy Garland’s Troubled Mother

• Judy Garland: Legendary entertainer with a controlling stage mother, Ethel Gum.
• Mother’s Influence: Controlled Judy’s career and personal life.

9. Cary Grant’s Hidden Daughter

• Cary Grant: Renowned actor with familial complexity.
• Daughter Jennifer Grant: Strained relationship due to custody battles.

8. Ingrid Bergman’s Secret Child

• Ingrid Bergman: Career affected by affair and secret child with Roberto Rossellini.
• Scandal’s Impact: Blacklist from American films.

7. Lana Turner’s Mob Ties

• Lana Turner: Iconic actress with scandal involving daughter Cheryl Crane.
• Johnny Stompanato’s Death: Justifiable homicide ruling but rumors of deeper conspiracy.

6. John Wayne’s Illegitimate Children

• John Wayne: American masculinity icon with rumors of secret children.
• Studio Protection: Contracts and hush money to maintain image.

5. Lucille Ball’s Family Exile

• Lucille Ball: Famous for I Love Lucy but distanced from family.
• Reasons for Estrangement: Family exploitation and old wounds.

4. Marilyn Monroe’s Unknown Siblings

• Marilyn Monroe: Actress with complex family history.
• Half-siblings: Discovered later in life, influencing her personal struggles.

3. Fred Astaire’s Controlling Sister

• Fred Astaire: Connection with sister Adele, impacting his career.
• Early Rivalry: Shaped Fred’s work ethic and personal relations.

2. Errol Flynn’s Secret Son

• Errol Flynn: Actor with hidden family issues.
• Paternity Battle: Over son Arnella Roma and refusal to acknowledge publicly.

1. Greta Garbo’s Hidden Heartbreak

• Greta Garbo: Iconic actress with private family tragedy.
• Loss of Sister and Father: Shaped her reclusiveness and public persona.

Conclusion

• Reflection: Hollywood's golden era was filled with untold scandals and secrets.
• Engagement: Encouraged audience interaction and feedback.

Key Takeaways

• Old Hollywood harbored many dark and hidden family secrets.
• Scandals often involved familial relationships and personal struggles.
• These revelations reveal the gap between public personas and private lives.