Stars of the Golden Age: An Old Hollywood Podcast

VINCENT PRICE (Part TWO:) The conclusion of the amazing life of Vincent Price. Please visit Part One before indulging in this episode.

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Episode Sources: A book titled Vincent Price: A Daughter’s Biography by Victoria Price; a book titled Vincent Price Unmasked: A Biography by James Robert Parish and Steven Whitney; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

VINCENT PRICE: One of the kings of classic cinema horror. Behind the scenes existed a man far removed from the frightening characters he portrayed on screen. Vincent Price was a renaissance man. He was an art expert, a teacher of art history, a world traveler, a gourmet cook, and a man who never stopped expanding his knowledge. He did theater, cinema, television, and radio. He believed in following the path that fed his soul and making every moment on Earth count. His story is remarkable... listen now!

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Rest In Peace, Eva Marie Saint (7/4/1924-10/6/2026)

In honor of the great life she lived, please listen to this re-release of the story of Eva Marie Saint. An inspiration to us all.

LINDA DARNELL: She is most often discussed in relation to the way she died, but leading up to that tragic day was a whole life full of love, hardships, successes, and decades of incredibly hard work. She wasn't given the best circumstances in life, but she powered through with her own inner strength. This story will tug at your heartstrings... you'll laugh, you'll cry. Linda Darnell lived a dozen lifetimes in her short life on Earth. She was beautiful inside and out.

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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.

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Episode Sources: Joan Blondell: A Life...

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 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...

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.

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

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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!

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Episode Sources: Behind the Laughter: The True Story of Norman Fell by Oscar Starr; an interview with Norman Fell with the US American Forces...

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.

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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

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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!

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!

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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.

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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.

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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...

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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.

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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: 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.

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Episode Sources: Get Happy: The Life...

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!

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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.

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Episode Sources: A book...

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!<...

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.

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Episode Sources: The book Dorothy Dandridge: A Biography...

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.

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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.

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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...

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!

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Episode Sources: A book titled Fred MacMurrary: A Biography by Charles Tranberg; a documentary titled Fred MacMurray: The Guy Next Door by...

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.

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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...

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.

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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!

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Episode Sources: Dick Van Dyke: My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business, A Memoir...

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.

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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...

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!

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Episode Sources: A book titled Girl...