RKO's latest horror movie, 'The Body Snatcher', based upon a dark legacy of crimes from another time, is proving to be Val Lewton's most challenging project yet. Seemingly determined to have his way, Lewton's boss, Jack Gross has agreed to finally give Lewton and his team an "A-List" budget. But this promise comes with a set of conditions... It isn't long before Gross's demands are dragging Lewton's possible masterpiece into exploitation territory. With the budget as a bargaining chip, will Lewton be forced to ruin his own reputation in order to get the film made? Or will a solution present itself from the most unlikely of places? If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits CONTENT WARNING BELOW A significant part of the episode deals with the story of Burke and Hare. This was necessary to the overall story, as the film this episode deals with, 'The Body Snatcher', was based heavily upon their crimes. It was very important to me to tell their story honestly, as there has been an unfortunate tendency in recent years to paint Burke and Hare as a pair of somewhat goofy miscreants, instead of the abominable creatures they were in reality. As such, there are certain details that some may find upsetting or disturbing. Burke and Hare murdered many people of all ages. The details of these crimes are more than likely unsuitable for younger ears, and may also cause distress to you, the listener. If you feel that you would like to skip over this section, then it begins at 52:12 and runs through to 1:36:00. The episode also contains a brief history of the science of anatomy, which is not particularly graphic, but it still might not be something you feel easy listening to. It begins at 29:51, and runs to the end of the Burke and Hare section at 1:36:00 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Val Lewton’s salvation has arrived in the form of Universal Horror star, Boris Karloff, a long-time admirer of Lewton’s new brand of horror cinema. For their first project together, Lewton must draw upon the darkest piece of his childhood; the place where his imagination grew up. And so begins a journey into the past, and to a place where dreams go to die…   If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Val Lewton's chance to prove himself outside the horror genre has arrived. If he and his team can turn the nationwide problem of juvenile delinquency into a dramatic hit, then it may mean his graduation from the "B-Division" and his escape from the oppressive executive producer who seems intent on thwarting his creative freedom. But as the pressure begins to mount, Lewton will find himself facing a new threat; one that may put an end to not just his career, but his life... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Special thanks to Mark Gatiss and Brook Darnell Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Val Lewton has finally agreed to create a sequel to his biggest hit, 'Cat People'. But rather than produce a conventional continuation, Lewton has decided to delve into his own past, and to tell his most personal story yet, that of a childhood cut short by an over-zealous guardian. But in doing so, will he repeat the mistakes of his own past? Aiding him in his quest is a new director, whose meticulous plans for the film may be at odds with his own... Featuring Mark Gatiss If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is a time of change at RKO. Val Lewton's horror movie unit is being widely imitated by Hollywood at large, all hoping to attract the kinds of audiences flocking to Lewton's modern brand of horror. But Lewton himself is facing an insurmountable problem: how to create RKO's first "Monster Rally". The answer will come from the most unlikely of places: the Lewton family's private collection of letters... At the same time, RKO boss Charles Koerner is demanding an interim movie, a horror set upon the seas to be called 'The Ghost Ship'. In order to bring it to life, Lewton will have to circumvent the attentions of an uncompromising new supervisor, as well as survive the eccentric excesses of his new technical advisor... Meanwhile, at the Pasadena Playhouse, two writers have just staged an original play that will have a devastating effect on Lewton's career... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits A very special thanks to the peerless Mark Gatiss, and to Brook Darnell of the Library Of Congress for her tireless research into the private papers of Val Lewton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Val Lewton's wildly ambitious plan for his fourth film, 'The Seventh Victim', is to create a New York fairytale; a fractured picture of his beloved Greenwich Village distorted by underlying evil and populated by an eclectic assortment of bruised characters. But in order to find the right story, Lewton will have to send his writer, DeWitt Bodeen, into uncharted, and somewhat Satanic territory... Featuring Mark Gatiss If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'The Leopard Man', Val Lewton's third horror film for RKO Studios, is to be an adaptation of Cornell Woolrich's shocking murder mystery novel, Black Alibi. But in Lewton's hands, the project has become an opportunity to not only express his dark creativity, but also to tap into the childhood fears of its director, Jacques Tourneur, and to introduce the serial killer into American cinema. But Lewton's team has more at stake than a simple movie. Should the film become a success, then the creative partnership at the helm of their endeavours will be broken apart. And should that happen, Val Lewton will be forced to make a terrible choice... Featuring Mark Gatiss WARNING: This episode may contain stories that some listeners find upsetting or disturbing. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the success of 'Cat People', Val Lewton has been assigned to create a film entitled 'I Walked With A Zombie'.  RKO's B-movie boss, Lew Ostrow, is insistent that the film should follow the formula being employed by the horror department at Universal Pictures. But Lewton's plans for the film are far more ambitious... Featuring Mark Gatiss If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 2 Val Lewton has been hired by RKO Studios to oversee the creation of their new horror division. However, the job has come with a set of curious conditions... Having had the name of his first movie, 'Cat People' decided for him in advance, Lewton must assemble a story that fits the title. But perhaps the solution to the problem lies in an almost forgotten story from Lewton's past. As well as adhering to RKO's peculiar directives, Lewton must also contend with the demands of his new boss, Lew Ostrow, who is expecting an altogether different type of horror movie... Featuring Mark Gatiss If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once upon a time, horror cinema was changed forever by the fiercely inventive imagination of a remarkable man... In Part One of 'Shadows: The Val Lewton Story', hear the curious beginnings of a cinematic legend, whose uniquely terrifying creations were influenced by the dark brand of folklore upon which he was raised... Featuring Mark Gatiss If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cary Grant's relationship with the troubled, self-destructive Barbara Hutton has taken on a disturbing new shape in the wake of her father's death. Will Grant be able to live up to the promise he has made to Lance - Barbara's son? In his professional life, Grant is about to reunite with a co-star who may mean more to him than any other... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits A quick warning - this episode does contain some strong language Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cary Grant has found love with society heiress, Barbara Hutton. But Barbara comes with her own set of personal demons, and the road to happiness is growing ever more complicated. Meanwhile, his cinematic roles are beginning to more-and-more resemble the characters that he has played in real life; including would-be father, society plaything, and... American citizen? Elsewhere, there's the small matter of the war and how the world will view a man who does not take up arms, as well as the ever-nearing circle of gossip-hungry sharks... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits A quick warning - this episode does contain some strong language Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a devastating personal tragedy, Cary Grant has begun to focus upon his career as an escape, still in search of the elusive hit that will prove his worth to the world. Fortunately, success and superstardom are on the horizon… Meanwhile, Barbara Hutton has begun a very dangerous romance, one that will involve her with a family renowned for preying upon those with wealth. How will she escape? And will the rescue turn out to be worse in the long run? If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After discovering that the mother he thought was dead is actually alive, Cary Grant must reconcile his own guilt, the effects of the revelation upon his own relationships, and the fact that his star in Hollywood seems to be fading. Elsewhere, a shocking new saga has begun among the heights of privilege. But as the story unfolds, it will soon become clear that endless wealth does not necessarily guarantee happiness… (Cary: Part 2 - Vol II will be released on the 20th September, 2021) If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please see content warning below Once upon a time, from the midst of normality, an extraordinary story began... In a time when the world was being shaped on the fields of war, a boy named Archie dared to find his own path by looking to the stars. In Part One of Cary, hear the incredible journey of Archie Leach; one that stretched from broken beginnings, all the way to the heavens of Hollywood itself... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Follow The Secret History Of Hollywood on Twitter Follow The Secret History Of Hollywood on Instagram Follow The Secret History Of Hollywood on Facebook CONTENT WARNING BELOW (contains spoilers): This episode begins with scenes including dramatisations of infant death, domestic conflict and physical abuse. These scenes are not glamourised, but they are essential in that they explain the motivations behind certain people’s actions. However, if you feel that you may be triggered by these subjects, you may wish to proceed with caution, as they could be considered upsetting. If you'd like more information about anything before you proceed, please don't hesitate to contact me through Patreon's messaging service, or by email at adam@attaboyclarence.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the success of The Body Snatcher, Val Lewton has become one of RKO's most valuable and lauded producers. As well as the many opportunities now being presented to him, Lewton has also embarked upon his first true "A-Picture", a dark tale of madness and cruelty set within the walls of the most notorious asylum in the world. But the shadows upon the screen are not the only ones closing in on Lewton... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cary Grant and Barbara Hutton's wedded bliss begins with an adventure upon a lake, and a very starstruck pastor, but it isn't long before the shadows of doubt begin to cast across their happiness, made all the worse by the threat of war, and the spiralling effects of Barbara's vices... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! And for those of you who are waiting - THIN: PART 2 officially releases exclusively on Patreon in November 2024! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To get the whole story, and experience every Secret History Of Hollywood episode, go on over now to ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/attaboysecret⁠⁠ Signing up only takes a moment, and you'll get instant access to an entire world of storytelling! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn came from grand beginnings; the daughter of a Baroness and an English banker. But a dark belief held by her parents will eventually be the root cause of tumultuous times in their household. To hear the entire series, along with every other spellbinding tale from Hollywood's history CLICK HERE and sign up now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey has been flown back to her Dutch family home, in the hopes that the neutral Netherlands will be safe from invasion. But Hitler's promises are hollow… ⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Devastated by the loss of her father, Audrey is taken to England by her mother, The Baroness, in order to heal. But Audrey's father's new job has pitted him directly against the British government, who are determined to silence a fascist uprising at all costs. ⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The German army has arrived in Holland. At the home of Audrey and her family; desperate measures are needed to preserve the family's treasures... ⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey and her fellow ballerinas have become the youngest memebers of the growing Dutch resistance. Elsewhere in the war, a Jewish ballerina will commit an act of defiance that will give hope to her fellow prisoners at Auschwitz... ⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New anti-British measures being implemented by the German army, mean that Audrey, a young British girl, must take drastic steps to hide her true identity… ⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To get the whole story, and experience every Secret History Of Hollywood episode, go on over now to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/attaboysecret⁠⁠⁠ Signing up only takes a moment, and you'll get instant access to an entire world of storytelling! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey has been asked by the resistance to undertake a dangerous mission into the forest of Arnhem, to save the life of a British airman… ⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey's brother and his resistance friends are planning a coup against the occupying German army, but their rebellion will cost the van Heemstra family dearly… ⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allied forces have begun their assault on German forces, sending them back towards Germany. In the fight to liberate Holland, and end the war, Audrey and her family will be forced to leave the city to an uncertain future. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To keep from starving, Audrey has ventured back into the city of Arnhem in search of food. But the Germans are on the hunt for any remaining citizens, and Audrey must use her wits to stay alive… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In order to save Audrey's life, her mother, The Baroness van Heemstra must seek help in the most unlikely of places… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey has arrived to study ballet under the great Marie Rambert, but the after effects of the war are still being felt keenly. Perhaps the future of Audrey Hepburn lies in an altogether more unworthy pursuit? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn has won the coveted stage role of 'Gigi' on Broadway, and is set to become its new star. But how will she adjust to life in America? And what will she do when Hollywood comes calling? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having been accepted as a student by the great Felix Aylmer, Audrey Hepburn has embarked on a career as an actress, losing her heart along the way... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn is the biggest star on the American stage, and her inevitable invitation to star in pictures has arrived from William Wyler, who wants her for his new film: the notoriously unfilmable 'Roman Holiday'. But Audrey's fiancé has other ideas… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices