Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Stars of the Golden Age: An Old Hollywood Podcast

Hot Off the Press! In this episode, we dive into the pages of the September 1953 issue of Modern Screen Magazine. We'll learn what the rest of Hollywood thought about Elizabeth Taylor as she settled into life as a mother... we'll hear about Dick Powell's surgery, Frank Sinatra & Ava Gardner's heated tiffs, Clark Gable ditching the Queen of England, Jerry Lewis's funny business, Bob Hope's orchid-filled birthday party, and so much more!

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Episode Source: September 1953 issue of Modern Screen Magazine

JOAN BLONDELL (Part Two:) The conclusion of Joan Blondell's story. Please listen to Part One first. In this episode, hear about the amazing woman Joan Blondell was in her adult life... her triumphs, her challenges, and her heartbreaks. But through it all, strength and optimism. She has an amazing story! Listen now.

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Episode Sources: Joan Blondell: A Life Between Takes by Matthew Kennedy; A Tale of Two Dogs by Joan Blondell; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

JOAN BLONDELL: The stunning actress who busted onto the Hollywood scene in 1930, making the world fall instantly in love with her. She went through a lot of pain and trauma to get to that point, though... AND she had already been working in show business for most of her life. Listen to the story of Joan Blondell's early life and first few years in Hollywood, and then check back in with Part Two to hear the rest of her story.

Support the show on PATREON! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Joan Blondell: A Life Between Takes by Matthew Kennedy; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Sir Laurence Olivier (Part Two:)

Please visit Part One before proceeding with this episode. In this episode, we talk about the marriage of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh and the ups and downs that occurred within it. We talk about the second half of Laurence Olivier's career, his other romantic relationships and marriage, and the obstacles he endured that tried to keep him down only to be shown just how tough Sir Laurence Olivier was.

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Episode Sources: Olivier by Terry Coleman; Sir Larry: The Life of Laurence Olivier by Thomas Kiernan; Love Scene: The Story of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh by Jesse L. Laskey Jr. and Pat Silver; Laurence Olivier: A Biography by Donald Spoto; vivandlarry.com; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Sir Laurence Olivier (Part One:) Sir Laurence Olivier brought Shakespeare's stories to life in legendary ways on London's West End and on Broadway, and he (reluctantly) shared his great gifts on the silver screen as well. He was a man fueled by passion, with the great love of his life being Vivien Leigh. In this episode, learn about Sir Laurence Olivier's early life, his rise to fame on the stage, his early relationships and first marriage, the early days of his relationship to Vivien Leigh, and just get to know him as the man he was. In the next episode, we will dive more into that relationship with Vivien Leigh, and I will tell you the rest of his story.

Support the show & receive great BONUS content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Olivier by Terry Coleman; Sir Larry: The Life of Laurence Olivier by Thomas Kiernan; Love Scene: The Story of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh by Jesse L. Laskey Jr. and Pat Silver; Laurence Olivier: A Biography by Donald Spoto; vivandlarry.com; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Advice from Bette Davis?! YES, PLEASE!! During WWII, Photoplay Magazine handed over the great honor of providing advice to its readers to the one and only Bette Davis. In true Bette Davis style, she is blunt, honest, and real. And by 1943 standards, often very progressive. In this episode, I will read to you some of the questions sent into Photoplay in the summer of 1943, accompanied by Bette's responses.

Also in this episode, Cal York's celebrity gossip from the July 1943 issue of Photoplay, and Judy Garland and Olivia de Havilland's Hollywood horoscopes! You don't wanna miss it.

Straight from the pages of the July 1943 issue of Photoplay Magazine, I present to you HOT OFF THE PRESS! From Stars of the Golden Age.

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Source: Photoplay Magazine, July 1943

JEAN SPANGLER: Jean Spangler was a young woman with big dreams who was working hard to fulfil her dreams of Hollywood stardom. Her young adult life was rocky, but she was strong and her future was looking bright... Until the day she disappeared, leaving behind a heartbroken family and one of Old Hollywood's biggest mysteries. Hear the story here in this special crossover episode of Stars of the Golden Age and The Wanted Files.

Learn more about the Wanted Files: THE WANTED FILES - Home

Support Stars of the Golden Age and receive bonus content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: The Disappearance of Jean Spangler: The History of One of Hollywood’s Most Enduring Unsolved Mystery by Charles River Editors; an episode of Hollywood Chronicles titled The Mystery of Jean Spangler; an episode of Mysteries and Scandals; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Take the journey through the lives of three wonderful actors who helped make the hit 70s sitcom Three's Company extra special... and a whole lot funnier! Norman Fell, Audra Lindley, and Don Knotts (best known as Mr. & Mrs. Roper and Mr. Furley) all had rich careers for decades prior to joining the cast of Three's Company. Listen to their stories now!

SUPPORT Stars of the Golden Age! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Behind the Laughter: The True Story of Norman Fell by Oscar Starr; an interview with Norman Fell with the US American Forces Network; a segment from NPR’s Morning Edition with Neda Ulaby from September 18, 2024; playbill.com; IMDB; brittanica.com; and Wikipedia.

Image Source: IMDB

GRETA GARBO (Part Two:) The conclusion of Greta Garbo's story. In this episode, hear about Greta Garbo's career after her initial splash in Hollywood, her friendships and romances, and her life after her film career. Learn what made the Divine Greta Garbo one of the most fascinating, mysterious, and impressive women in Hollywood history.

SUPPORT the SHOW on Patreon! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman by Scott Reisfield; Greta Garbo: A Life Apart by Karen Swenson; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

More information about Scott Reisfield's book: Greta Garbo - The Real Story

GRETA GARBO: In this 100th episode of Stars of the Golden Age, what better way to celebrate than by talking about THE star of the golden age... Miss Greta Garbo. In this episode, hear about her childhood and early life in Sweden, and her first months in Hollywood. Check back in for the conclusion of Greta Garbo's story with our next episode.

Please check out Greta Garbo's grand-nephew Scott Reisfield's new book, Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman. You can find it at the following links, but please consider supporting your locally-run bookstores!

WEBSITE: https://scottreisfield.com/

US: https://www.amazon.com/Greta-Garbo-Rise-Modern-Woman/dp/197205998X

UK: https://tinyurl.com/35wnzzuj

SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT PODCAST: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman by Scott Reisfield; Greta Garbo: A Life Apart by Karen Swenson; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

BASIL RATHBONE: Known mostly for being THE Sherlock Holmes on screen and on the radio, Basil Rathbone began as a classical theater actor, and that is where his heart always remained. Beyond that, his first years of life were filled with adventure, and he became a war hero during WWI. And, of course, had a little drama sprinkled in behind the scenes. Listen to his story now!

SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT PODCAST: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Source: The Curse of Sherlock Holmes: The Basil Rathbone Story by David Clayton

Image Source: IMDB

Enjoy this special Sherlock Holmes episode from our friends at Madison on the Air! Follow Madison on the Air so you don't miss any fun content.

Learn more at https://www.madisonontheair.com/

VERONICA LAKE (Part Two:) The conclusion of Veronica Lake's story. Her fame as 1940s siren of the screen and the path her life took after her Hollywood career.

Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Veronica Lake’s autobiography, Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake by Veronica Lake with Donald Bain; the book After the Applause: Veronica Lake, A Hollywood Reckoning by Michael J. Power; a Vanity Fair article titled Veronica Lake’s Long Escape: A Deeply Sad Page from Hollywood History by Hadley Hall Meares from December 23, 2022, IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

VERONICA LAKE (Part One:) One of the most popular screen sirens from 1940s Hollywood, Veronica Lake endured her share of obstacles on her road to stardom. She experienced more trauma by the age of 21 more than many experience in a lifetime. Still, she became an overnight sensation in Hollywood in 1940, thanks partly to her sultry peek-a-boo hairstyle. In this episode, hear about her childhood, her early adulthood, her early traumas, and her quick rise to stardom.

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Episode Sources: The book Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake by Veronica Lake with Donald Bain; the book After the Applause: Veronica Lake, A Hollywood Reckoning by Michael J. Power; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Enjoy Part Two of the amazing story of Sarah Bernhardt by Grace Anna of the ArtMuse Podcast! Please listen to part one first (available on this feed.)

Follow ArtMuse to hear more amazing stories of the women who inspired some of the most recognized pieces of art. Learn more at https://www.artmusepodcast.com/

Enjoy Part One of the amazing story of Sarah Bernhardt by Grace Anna of the ArtMuse Podcast!

Follow ArtMuse to hear more amazing stories of the women who inspired some of the most recognized pieces of art. Learn more at https://www.artmusepodcast.com/

HOT OFF THE PRESS! Hear all the juicy gossip dished out by the one and only Louella Parsons in December of 1961... hot off the press in that month's Modern Screen Magazine. The Rat Pack, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Natalie Wood... get the insider info on them all from December of 1961!

BONUS CONTENT/Support the Show: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Source: December 1961 issue of Modern Screen magazine

JACK PALANCE: Professional boxer turned Hollywood actor, Jack Palance graced the silver screen beginning in 1950, offering up his rugged image in mostly noirs and westerns.

FUN BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: The book American Legends: The Life of Jack Palance by Charles River Editors; an interview with Elaine Palance on the talk show The Girls from 2013; an article from the Hill Country Community Journal from July 2, 2017; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

HOT OFF THE PRESS! Hear all the juicy goods dished in the March 1930 issue of Photoplay magazine. Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr's marriage, a tour of the Spanish home of Milton Sills and Doris Kenyon, some gossip about the transition to talking films, and some fun vintage advertisements.

FUN BONUS CONTENT! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: The March 1930 issue of Photoplay Magazine; stacker.com

Image Source: Photoplay Magazine

JUDY GARLAND (Part Four:) Please listen to Parts 1-3 first. And then get your tissues ready for the conclusion of Judy's story. We discuss her final comebacks, both on screen and on the stage with her powerful voice, and the inner demons that haunted Judy through her entire life... and ultimately ended with her leaving this world much too soon. And we leave Judy's story summing up her life and legacy.

If you are struggling with substance abuse or mental illness, please reach out for help here... YOU ARE NOT ALONE: https://988lifeline.org/

SUPPORT THE SHOW on Patreon: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: The book Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland by Gerald Clark; the book Judy by Gerold Frank; Information I acquired from the Judy Garland Museum and Childhood Home in Grand Rapids, MN; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

JUDY GARLAND (Part Three:) This is Part 3 of Judy Garland's story, so please listen to Parts 1 & 2 before listening. In this episode, hear about Judy's life after MGM and after her marriage to Vincente Minnelli. Her highly-applauded live performances, her movie comeback, her romances and children, and the demons she fought every single day of her life. And we will say goodbye to Judy's story by shining a huge light on her extraordinary legacy.

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Episode Sources: The book Get Happy: The Life and Career of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke; the book Judy by Gerold Frank; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

JUDY GARLAND (Part TWO) The next chapter of Judy Garland's life. Please listen to Part One before proceeding. In this episode, learn about Judy's first years at MGM and what life was like for her inside the studio gates. And learn about her early romantic life and her early struggles with self-love and self-esteem, and what caused those struggles.

BONUS CONTENT! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: The book Get Happy: The Life and Career of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke; the book Judy by Gerold Frank; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Judy Garland: She needs no introduction! Judy Garland is a legend. But becoming that legend came with a lot of difficulty and a lot of sacrifices. In this episode, learn about Judy Garland's early life leading up to her Hollywood career. It wasn't a very easy childhood for her, but her mother knew her magical singing voice was destined for stardom, so she did everything she could to make that happen. The rest of Judy's story will following in the next episodes.

SUPPORT THE SHOW! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Get Happy: The Life and Career of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke; Judy by Gerold Frank; The Judy Garland Museum and Childhood Home in Grand Rapids, MN

Image Source: IMDB

SIDNEY POITIER: The man who changed the course of history for black actors in Hollywood. He came from very humble beginnings and rose to become one of the most celebrated individuals of his time. Listen now!

SUPPORT THE SHOW! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier.; American Legends: The Life of Sidney Poitier by Charles River Editors; an article from NPR by Alisha Harris from January 7, 2022; IMDB.

Image Source: IMDB

BUTTERFLY McQUEEN: Best known for playing Prissy in Gone with the Wind, Butterfly McQueen spent most of her adult life trying to free herself from racially stereotypical roles like the one that made her a star... and what seemed like the only kind of roles she and her fellow black Hollywood actors were being offered. She stood up for herself, but more importantly she stood up for others. Butterfly McQueen was a force who lived her life helping and advocating for others. A true hero.

BONUS CONTENT! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Butterfly McQueen Remembered by Stephen Bourne; a 1990 interview of Butterfly McQueen with Del Ward of WMAZ of Macon, Georgia; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

This episode is quite different from our usual journeys through the lives of our favorite Old Hollywood celebrities... but we are still taking a little gossipy journey through a few! This episode takes you inside the cover of the February 1954 issue of Screenland Magazine. I'll read you an article on Rock Hudson and the big 1954 mystery on why he isn't woman crazy... I'll read you an article about Terry Moore living the Hollywood high life... and I'll ready you a really saucy article about Lili St. Cyr and her spicy burlesque background. A fun little trip back in time!

BONUS CONTENT! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Source: Screenland Magazine, February 1954

Image Source: Screenland Magazine, February 1954

Dorothy Dandridge: Performing since she was a small child, Dorothy Dandridge was the first black actress to be nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. But that wasn't the only "first" she contributed to history. Dorothy Dandridge was a trailblazer, and she paved the way for every black actor who came after her. She endured racism and was denied opportunities because of the color of her skin. Her story is not a very happy one, but it is an important one.

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: The book Dorothy Dandridge: A Biography by the great Donald Bogle; the book Dorothy Dandridge: The Life and Legacy of One of Hollywood’s First Successful Black Actresses by Charles River Editors; the A&E Biography documentary, Dorothy Dandridge: Little Lost Girl from 1998; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

GENE KELLY: A dance legend! He devoted most of his life to his art of dance, and it turned out he could act, too! He left behind some unforgettable classic film performances and truly unique dance numbers within them. Listen to his story now.

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled He’s Got Rhythm: The Life and Career of Gene Kelly by Cynthia Brideson and Sara Brideson; an article from PBS titled The Star Perfromers: Gene Kelly; the January 1946 issue of Photoplay magazine; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

VIVIEN LEIGH: Vivien Leigh changed Hollywood forever with her dynamic portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. She was a beloved figure on the London stage. But life wasn't easy for Vivien Leigh. She attained a lot of success in her life, but she also suffered a lot of distress. Listen to her story now.

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Dark Star, A Biography of Vivien Leigh by Alan Strachan; a book titled Vivien Leigh: A Biography by Hugo Vickers; a Washington Post article by Eve Auchincloss from July 17th, 1977, titled The Two Faces of Vivien Leigh; Harper's Bazaar article by Chanel Vargas from October 9th, 2017, titled A Timeline of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier's Tragic Love Story; an article from Bravo Magazine from February 15, 2025 titled A Legend in Two Acts: The Life and Complexity of Vivien Leigh by MiscelAna; biography.com; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

FRED MacMURRAY: The underrated leading man of Hollywood's golden age, Fred MacMurray was the wholesome guy next door who all of the hottest leading ladies of the 1930's and 1940's wanted to play opposite. But he didn't always hold up that wholesome image on screen... he showed us a darker side in two iconic classic films. Double Indemnity and The Apartment. Listen now to Fred MacMurray's story!

BONUS CONTENT!! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Fred MacMurrary: A Biography by Charles Tranberg; a documentary titled Fred MacMurray: The Guy Next Door by The Hollywood Collection; an article from the LA Times by Sam Watters from October 1, 2011; The Walt Disney Archives; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

NATALIE WOOD (Part Three:)

The conclusion of Natalie Wood's story. Please listen to parts one and two first. In this episode, Natalie's relationship with Robert Wagner, her dreams coming true, becoming a mother, and the fateful weekend that marked the tragic end of her life.

PATREON Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Natalie Wood: The Complete Biography, by Suzanne Finstad; an article from Los Angeles Magazine by Suzanne Finstad; a 48 Hours documentary titled Death in Dark Water, Season 31, episode 14; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

NATALIE WOOD (Part Two:)

Please listen to Part One first. In this episode, you will hear about Natalie's transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, and the struggles she faced along the way. You will learn about her early loves and her first marriage, and what led to the end of that marriage. Our story will conclude with Part Three next week.

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Episode Sources: The book Natalie Wood: The Complete Biography by Suzanne Finstad; an article from Los Angeles Magazine by Suzanne Finstad, from May 21, 2020; an article from BBC News from November 5, 2021; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

NATALIE WOOD: The little girl who's childhood was stripped away so she could fulfill her mother's dreams of her being a star. The child star who made the difficult transition from a successful childhood acting career to a successful adult acting career. And a woman who's life was cut tragically short. This episode is dedicated to Natalie's childhood... the years before stardom, the experiences leading up to her Hollywood career, and her family dynamics. Part two and part three will cover her adult life and her mysterious death.

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

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Episode Sources: A book titled Natalie Wood: The Complete Biography by Suzanne Finstad; the documentary Intimate Portrait: Natalie Wood; IMDB.

Image Source: IMDB

Dick Van Dyke: In celebration of his 100th birthday, this episode dives into the long, remarkable life of this one-of-a-kind TV and film legend. He gave the world iconic beloved characters, and he is a role model for positivity and humanitarianism. 100 years of greatness, and he doesn't seem to be ready to stop quite yet. Happy Birthday, Dick Van Dyke!

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

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Episode Sources: Dick Van Dyke: My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business, A Memoir by Dick Van Dyke; Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore: The Premiere Sitcom Stars of the 60s and 70s by Charles River Editors; an article from People Magazine by Carly Tagen-Dye and Liz McNeil from November 26, 2025; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Edward G. Robinson: A tough guy on the silver screen but a surprisingly different character in his real life. He immigrated to the land of dreams at the turn of the century, and he succeeded at making those big dreams come true. Best yet, he used his success to help others.

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

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Episode Sources: A book titled Legends of Hollywood: The Life and Legacy of Edward G. Robinson by Charles River Editors; an article from the Library of Congress titled Immigration and Relocation in U.S. History: The Lower East Side; an article from the USO from March 12, 2015, titled Everyone’s Favorite Gangster; an article from the New York Times from January 27, 1973; an interview with Tony Thomas from 1964; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Jeanne Crain: A beloved presence on the silver screen in the 1940s and 1950s, Jeanne Crain brought joy to millions. But behind the scenes, her life was often filled with heartache and tragedy. She may have had one of Hollywood's longest-lasting marriages, but that doesn't mean it was easy. Listen now to hear all about it!

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

MERCH STORE: Stars of the Golden Age Podcast Merch Store | Spreadshop

Episode Sources: A book titled Girl Next Door: The Life and Career of Jeanne Crain by Rupert Alistair; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

George Burns: Together with his soul mate, Gracie Allen, George Burns provided the world with decades of laughs. He entertained audiences from the age of 7 to 100. The best years of his life and career were spent alongside his comedy partner and wife, Gracie. Their brand of humor and chemistry was beloved by everyone who heard or saw them. They worked their way up the vaudeville circuit, they did radio, they did television, and they did movies. This is a story of strength, endurance, determination, positivity, humor, and most of all... love.

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

MERCH STORE: Stars of the Golden Age Podcast Merch Store | Spreadshop

Episode Sources: All My Best Friends by George Burns; Gracie: A Love Story by George Burns; A Conversation with George Burns from1989; The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast of George Burns from 1978; an article from The University of Arizona titled George Burns and Gracie Allen: Vaudeville’s Greatest Comic Duo by David Soren; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Thelma Todd (Part Two:)

She was one half of one of the funniest comedy duos of the early 1930s and the positive energy behind Thelma Todd's Sidewalk Cafe. She was beautiful, unique, funny, and kind. But she endured unimaginable tragedy in her life, too. Please visit PART ONE before indulging in this episode, where you will hear about her early life, her road to stardom, her film career, and her romances. In this episode, you will hear about her life as a proud restauranteur, her tragic death, and the circumstances and theories surrounding it. And, of course, the legacy she left behind.

SUPPORT THE SHOW & Receive Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

MERCH STORE: Stars of the Golden Age Podcast Merch Store | Spreadshop

Episode Sources: A book titled The Ice Cream Blonde: The Whirlwind Life and Mysterious Death of Screwball Thelma Todd by Michelle Morgan; a book titled Testimony of a Death: Thelma Todd: Mystery, Media, and Myth in 1935 Los Angeles by Marshall Croddy and Patrick Jenning; an article from the New York Times from December 18, 1935; an article from PBS by Hadley Meares from October 8, 2014; Dawe’s Kakaput Store on Ebay; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Thelma Todd (Part One:)

She was one half of one of the funniest comedy duos of the early 1930s. She was beautiful, unique, funny, and kind. But she endured unimaginable tragedy in her life, too. In this episode, you will hear about her early life, her road to stardom, her film career, and her romances. In part two, you will hear about her life as a proud restauranteur, her tragic death, and the circumstances and theories surrounding it. And, of course, the legacy she left behind.

SUPPORT THE SHOW & Receive Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

MERCH STORE: Stars of the Golden Age Podcast Merch Store | Spreadshop

Episode Sources: My primary source for this episode was the book The Ice Cream Blonde: The Whirlwind Life and Mysterious Death of Screwball Thelma Todd by Michelle Morgan; an article from PBS by Hadley Meares from October 8, 2014; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Boris Karloff: The original Monster of Frankenstein! He departed from the path his family wanted for his life and set forth into the world of acting. But it wouldn't be until he was in his 40s when he saw success and fame. He never lost faith in his dreams, and as a result he went down as one of the most iconic horror stars of all time.

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Boris Karloff: The Biography by Brian Schell; a documentary titled Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster by Thomas Hamilton and Ron MacCloskey; an article on the Monsters of Makeup website by Luke Munson from November 12, 2020 at monstersofmakeup.com; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

https://www.podpage.com/stars-of-the-golden-age/

Bea Arthur: She built a very successful theater career and transitioned to television in the 1970s and 1980s, starring in two of the most popular shows of those decades... Maude and The Golden Girls. Her talent was strong and her heart was big, and that showed in her generous advocacy work.

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Lifetime Intimate Portrait of Bea Arthur from 2002; an article from the Reserve & National Guard Magazine by Kari Williams from 2021; an article from Biography by Sara Kettler from March 16, 2020; an article from the New York Post by Barbara Hoffman from January 28, 2002

Image Source: IMDB/Wikipedia

Theda Bara: Part Two

Please listen to Part One before listening to this episode. In this episode, you will hear about the second half of Theda Bara's silent film career and what her life held after it was over, including the legacy she left behind.

BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Source: A book titled Vamp: The Rise and Fall of Theda Bara by Eve Golden

Image Source: IMDB; Vamp by Eve Golden

Theda Bara: One of the biggest stars of the silent film era... until she wasn't. In this episode, you will hear about her childhood, the chase to her dreams, her overnight fame, and the careful image the studio curated for her.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Vamp: The Rise and Fall of Theda Bara by Eve Golden; rottentomatoes.com; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB; Vamp by Eve Golden

This is a special crossover episode with The Wanted Files Podcast. Two shows come together to discuss the life and mystery of Marilyn Monroe. Erin brings you through Marilyn's early life, rise to stardom, struggles, and her last days. A.C. talks about the events of the day of her death and the theories surrounding her death.

You can expect a deeper dive of Marilyn's Life from Stars of the Golden Age sometime in the future.

Episode Sources: A book titled Marilyn Monroe: A Life from Beginning to End (Hourly History Series;) a Netflix documentary titled The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes; IMDB

James Cagney: A kid from a large poor family in turn-of-the century New York City who made it to the big time in Hollywood. In his time there, he continually stood up to the studio and made sure he was being compensated fairly for what he was providing for them. And then he did the same for others. Listen to his story now!

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled American Legends: The Life of James Cagney by Charles River Editors; sagaftra.org; an article from Martha’s Vineyard Magazine by Karla Araujo; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

RITA HAYWORTH: The Love Goddess... The stunning femme fatale. She was raised in a world of dance and made it big as a huge Hollywood movie star. But she was stripped of choice, love, peace, and her Spanish heritage. Most people probably thought she had it all... but Rita Hayworth never felt she had the simplest things she wanted.

RAINN: https://rainn.org/

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/

PATREON Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled American Legends: The Life of Rita Hayworth by Charles River Editors; a book titled Rita Hayworth: Legacy of a Leading Lady; a TCM documentary titled Rita; a Vanity Fair article by Hadley Hall Meares from September 23, 2020; the US Naval Institute; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

MYRNA LOY: One of MGMs biggest stars of the 1930s, Myrna Loy brought a wide range of characters to life on the big screen. But it was her pairings with William Powell in the Thin Man movies that really made her stand out. Aside from her work on the silver screen, Myrna Loy was a fierce advocate for the causes she believed in and held strong her political beliefs. She was a woman who made things happen. Listen now to hear her amazing story!

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: Being and Becoming: A Memoir by Myrna Loy; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

RICKY NELSON: One-fourth of the beloved Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet show, Ricky Nelson grew up in the spotlight. America loved his boyish charm on the family show, and teenage girls went wild for him when he became a pop star as a teenager in the mid-1950s. What may be most talked about, though, is his death. A death that was clouded in misinformation. Listen now to hear Ricky Nelson's story!

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: An A&E Biography special from June 21, 1998; Episode 250 of Flight Safety Detectives from December 18, 2024;; caseygerry.com; Wikipedia

Image Source: IMDB

SPECIAL EPISODE! This episode is a fun sneak peak into what kind of content you can find in our Stars of the Golden Age Patreon community! Learn all about the history of ocean liner travel, and how the race for speed and luxury impacted transatlantic travel from the mid-1800s through the 1950s. Hear about Cunard, White Star Line, and more... and get a sneak peak into how some of our favorite golden age stars traveled abroad and even what they may have eaten on one of these luxury liners!

If you want to hear more interesting stories like this, plus SO MUCH more, please consider joining the Stars of the Golden Age Patreon community! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Join the fun today! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A documentary titled Great Liners by Absolute History; a documentary titled Big Old Boats; a documentary titled The Golden Age of Cruising by Ritzy Travel Guide; a documentary titled From Atlantic to Titanic: The Evolution of Ocean Liners by Oceanliner Designs; cunard.com; queenmary.com; and ggarchives.com

GINGER ROGERS (Sensory-Sensitive... no background/transition music added)

The story of the dance goddess, Ginger Rogers. Part of the hottest dance duo of Hollywood's golden age. Her childhood was far from typical, and she began working years before adulthood. Her life was devoted to her career, her faith, and her beloved mother. Listen to the story of Ginger Rogers now!

If you would like to enjoy this episode without background/transition music, please visit the "sensory-sensitive" version, which is released the day following this episode.

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: Ginger Rogers’ autobiography, My Story by Ginger Rogers; an article from Vanity Fair by Hadley Hall Meares from August 17, 2023; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB