Scandals of Classic Hollywood

Sex, Deviance, and Drama from the Golden Age of American Cinema

By: Anne Helen Peterson

Narrated by: Romy Nordlinger

Believe it or not, America's fascination with celebrity culture was thriving well before the days of TMZ, Perez Hilton, Charlie Sheen's breakdown, and allegations against Woody Allen. And the stars of yesteryear? They weren't always the saints that we make them out to be. Part biography, part cultural history, the stories contained in this book cover the stuff that films are made of: love, sex, drugs, illegitimate children, illicit affairs, and botched cover-ups. Based on Anne Helen Petersen's popular column on the Hairpin, Scandals of Classic Hollywood is sensationalism made smart.

©2014 Anne Helen Petersen (P)2014 Tantor

Not just the headlines!

I very much enjoyed this book and the way it was written. Although most of what it spoke about I already knew, The way the author was able to bring everything into a historical and cultural context of the time really made me think of certain events in different ways than I had before. It wasn't just the headlines of the gossip mags, it helps you understand what was going on in the mind of America at the time these events happened.

Riveting journey

A beautifully written book with wonderful narration by Romy Nordlinger who added so much with her sultry but emotional voice. I was very moved listening to it and can't wait to share it with various friends who know nothing about some of these tragic and brilliant heroes and heroines. I didn't want it to end!

ok book

Mildly amusing book. Story of Errol Flynn's many scandals would have been better than the brief career of James Dean.

Old Stars Never Fade--Nor Do Their Life Stories

If you're under 40 and just getting into The Golden Age of Hollywood and haven't been reading these exposés since the 1970s (like me,) you will find nuggets of "scandal" that will hold your interest. Mostly, it didn't have a lot of new stuff but it is well written and narrated.

I accept that after a certain point, no new information will be surfacing about James Dean, Judy Garland and even especially about the stars from the 20s... but hope springs eternal that some old diary will be found that will enhance these actors private life portfolios and tell me a tale that I haven't run across before...

Sigh.

But, as I mentioned, if you're not already saturated in Hollywood Lore, you will like this book.

excellent

I loved listening to this book. I wish it covered more stars and gave more information. I realize that too much info would have made the book too long. they did a really great job.