How synchronization changed technology forever
During her adolescence, before achieving stardom, Joan Crawford purportedly appeared in an adult film entitled 'Velvet Lips.' Subsequently, after signing with MGM Studios, efforts were made to locate and eliminate the movie in order to prevent any harm to her burgeoning career.
According to reports, MGM producer Eddie Mannix, a well-known figure in the industry, collaborated with the mob to acquire the movie. There were claims made by extortionists, who promised to deliver the movie in exchange for a significant amount of US$100,000 (an enormous sum at that time). According to one account, Mannix straightforwardly gave the money to the extortionists. However, another version suggests that he offered the extortionists US$25,000 for the movie, with a warning that if they refused, the mob would take action against them. Ultimately, the movie never made it to the public eye.
In 1932, Jean Harlow's husband, producer Paul Bern, was found dead in their home. It was believed that he had taken his own life. The police discovered a strange note addressed to Harlow, in which Bern apologized for the harm he had caused her. The note ended with the line, "You understand that last night was only a comedy." The police were puzzled by this statement and Harlow refused to comment on it.
Bern had previously been involved with a woman named Dorothy Millette before tying the knot with Harlow. Unexpectedly, Millette fell into a coma one day, leading doctors to conclude she would never regain consciousness. Fast forward ten years, Bern had established a fresh life alongside Jean Harlow. However, news reached him that Millette miraculously awoke from her comatose state and desired to reunite with him.
Bern organized for Millette to visit his home, and it is speculated that he persuaded his wife to go out the evening—possibly by provoking an argument. The following day, Bern was discovered deceased, next to a firearm and the mysterious letter. Nine days later, Millette's lifeless body was recovered from a river, leading to the supposition that she had taken her own life. The whole situation is stranger than fiction.
Howard Hughes is known for his achievements as a pilot, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the film 'The Aviator' which was released in 2004. He was also a filmmaker, credited for directing 'Hell's Angels,' a war drama from 1930. He was determined to get the most realistic and exciting flying footage that had ever been seen.
Hughes achieved his goal, but at a great cost. The movie took three years to make and cost US$4 million, which was astronomical at the time. Yet, the toll on human lives was even greater. Hughes relentlessly pushed the stunt pilots to execute increasingly risky and dangerous maneuvers, resulting in the unnecessary deaths of three pilots.
Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, despite their shared backgrounds of coming to Hollywood from Europe around the same time and at a similar age, harbored no affection for each other. A major disagreement arose concerning a lost film titled 'The Joyless Street' (1923). While Garbo appeared in the movie, some speculate that Dietrich also featured in it, a claim staunchly refuted by Dietrich herself.
A film historian conducted extensive research of the surviving footage and believes that Dietrich did appear in the movie. She also believes that the reason she lied is that the two women had an intense but short-lived affair while filming 'The Joyless Street,' which left them both bitter towards each other for the rest of their lives.
According to Turner's daughter, she acted in self-defense in an effort to protect her mother from Stompanato's violent behavior. Turner personally testified to recount the details of that dreadful night. Ultimately, the jury deemed her actions as justified self-defense. Speculations emerged later, suggesting that Turner was the one who ended his life and manipulated her daughter into shouldering the blame.
In 1938, Disney invited Nazi filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl to Disneyland for a tour. This was shortly after Kristallnacht, and Riefenstahl's most famous propaganda film, 'Triumph of the Will' (1935), was already in circulation. Disney was the only studio head to welcome Riefenstahl when she visited Hollywood.
Judy Garland joined MGM as a teenager, but faced immediate pressure to maintain a slim figure and work long hours. When she was 14, producers and crew members would cruelly criticize her looks, using derogatory language and comparing her to a "fat little pig with pigtails."
At 18 years old, Louis B. Mayer, founder of MGM, encouraged her to follow an intense diet primarily consisting of coffee, cigarettes, and diet pills. These pills, referred to as "pep pills," were administered to maintain Garland's slender figure and keep her alert during work hours. To ensure she received some rest, they would later provide her with sleeping pills, followed by a wake-up dose of pep pills. It's evident that she was being administered amphetamines and barbiturates, which ultimately led to her developing a severe drug addiction that tragically caused her death at 47 years old.
Judy Garland wasn't the sole casualty of this unhealthy management. According to Debbie Reynolds, MGM Studios sent her to a doctor for "vitamin shots" since her health was deteriorating from the extensive work hours. However, these shots were actually amphetamines, secretly aiming to regulate her weight. Thankfully, she declined.
Some of Hollywood's biggest stars like Judy Garland, Jean Harlow, and Joan Crawford were pressured into having abortions by the studios they were signed with. Studios controlled the lives of their actors to a degree that is unimaginable today.
Countless stars had abortions arranged by the studios against their wishes. If an actress was unmarried or having an affair, she would be sent to the hospital under a pseudonym to have the procedure.
Ingrid Bergman, a Hollywood star, portrayed herself as a happily married and virtuous actress to maintain the support of her fans. During the production of the film 'Stromboli' in 1949, Bergman engaged in a relationship with Roberto Rossellini, an Italian director. Despite being married, they eventually left their respective spouses for one another, partially due to Bergman's pregnancy.
Bergman's reputation was severely damaged by this incident, resulting in the loss of many of her fans. In line with the prevailing customs, politicians and public figures felt compelled to condemn her actions, with one even describing her as "a significant force for malevolence." Despite the backlash, Bergman married Rossellini and they had two children together. Eventually, they divorced, but Bergman continued to create remarkable films, with the scandal fading into obscurity in the public's memory.
George Reeves, who portrayed Superman, passed away in 1959. While the official narrative claimed he committed suicide, speculation regarding possible foul play circulated. Recent analysis indicates that his suicide is improbable. Reeves was involved in an extramarital affair with the spouse of influential Hollywood executive Eddie Mannix. It is worth noting that Mannix, known for his connections to the mob, had his share of scandalous dealings as seen in the case of Joan Crawford, among others.
Charlie Chaplin had a total of four marriages throughout his life. During his initial marriage, he was 29 years old, whereas for his final marriage, he was 53. Surprisingly, his wives remained relatively consistent in age for each of these unions. The ages of his first two wives were both 16 years old, with the second marriage taking place in Mexico because she was too young to be legally married in California.
On September 16, 1932, Entwistle departed from her residence, mentioning a trip to the drug store. However, she veered towards the renowned Hollywood sign, scaled the letter 'H' at its summit, and tragically took her own life. At the age of 24, she became notorious as the Hollywood sign girl. Netflix's drama 'Hollywood' touched upon aspects of her narrative, solidifying her enduring legacy.
Ted Healy, a vaudeville entertainer, comedian, and the mastermind behind The Three Stooges, met a tragic demise in 1937. He was mercilessly attacked outside the Trocadero nightclub in LA. Varying reports of his death have caused speculation of influential individuals' involvement and an organized concealment of the truth.
According to certain reports, it is suggested that the individuals responsible for Healy's demise were actor Wallace Beery, future 'Batman' producer Cubby Broccol, and a New York mobster. There is speculation that influential figures in Hollywood, such as Louis B. Mayer and Eddie Mannix, concealed this information.
Spade Cooley, a renowned country music artist, achieved great success with his own TV show. However, his quick-tempered nature and personal flaws worsened as he gained more fame. Gradually, he became paranoid and developed a tendency to squander his money.
He became convinced that his second wife, Ella Mae, was involved in an extramarital affair, and completely lost his mind. He physically assaulted her for hours in front of their daughter, eventually killing her. He was found guilty of his wife's murder, but his influential acquaintances successfully approached then-governor Ronald Reagan to request a pardon for Cooley. Surprisingly, Reagan granted their request. Before the formal pardon could be issued, Cooley passed away due to a heart attack.
See also: Places with a history of unexplained disappearances
Lana Turner had a penchant for risky relationships. In 1958, she was romantically involved with Johnny Stompanato, a well-known mobster. Tragically, Stompanato was discovered fatally stabbed at Turner's residence, resulting in the arrest of her 14-year-old daughter for the crime.
Chaplin tied the knot with his third spouse at the age of 47, while she was 20, a promising step forward. However, he regressed with his fourth and last wife, who was merely 18 years old.
There is a common belief that Walt Disney could have been anti-Semitic, although there is limited concrete evidence to support this claim. Regardless, he had no problem associating himself with proud and outspoken anti-Semites!
Peg Entwistle, a young British actress, made the journey to the United States in pursuit of her dream to become a star. She achieved some success by appearing in a play alongside Humphrey Bogart and securing a few minor roles. However, her luck soon faltered as the Great Depression set in, making it increasingly difficult to find acting opportunities. Ultimately, she lost her contract with RKO studios, leaving her with little optimism for her future stardom aspirations.
Curious? Take a look through this gallery to discover the forgotten Hollywood scandals that were truly shocking in the past.
Old Hollywood scandals that you forgot (or never knew about)
From forced diets to abortions and teen brides
CELEBRITY Controversies
Believe it or not, the Hollywood scandals of times gone by were even wilder than today's. Society was more traditional back then, allowing powerful studios and men to escape consequences for their actions, maybe even murder... However, female stars were just as involved in extramarital affairs and drinking, so it wasn't a one-sided situation. The Golden Age of Hollywood spanned from the 1920s to the 1960s, but not everyone experienced its golden glow.
Curious? Take a look through this gallery to discover the forgotten Hollywood scandals that were truly shocking in the past.