Book SummarySecret Hollywood, by Bill O'Neill

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Secret Hollywood

The birth of Hollywood was marked by numerous controversial events and scandals.

The pioneers of Hollywood's film industry faced significant public attention and upheaval in their personal affairs.

The public was captivated by the troubled marriage of Charlie Chaplin and the mysterious death of Olive Thomas in Paris, which made these silent movie stars the center of attention.

O'Neill chronicles the early chaos of the Los Angeles film industry, which was rife with disputes and controversies, especially those related to the personal affairs of its most prominent individuals. O'Neill posits that the personal escapades of cherished cinematic figures were just as enthralling to the public as their on-screen performances, sustaining a constant flow of intrigue in the early decades of the 1900s.

The writer delves into the life of a prominent individual whose personal life frequently ignited public discourse, originating from the era of silent films. Chaplin married Mildred Harris believing she was pregnant, only to discover later that she was not.

The MGM head took advantage of the widespread gossip surrounding their tumultuous marriage by casting Harris in a number of movies, making their brief and scandalous relationship a subject of much speculation.

The author describes a confrontation where Chaplin leveled accusations of exploitation of his stardom against Mayer, which escalated into a physical scuffle. Their professional paths were consistently characterized by mutual hostility. O'Neill delves into the poignant story of Jack Pickford and his spouse Olive Thomas, two luminaries of the silent film era, with Jack recognized as the less famous sibling of a legendary silent cinema star.

Evidently smitten from the beginning, they entered into matrimony a few months later in 1916. Beneath the flawless facade, Pickford's true character, marked by a propensity for excessive alcohol consumption and unfaithfulness, was a significant factor in the breakdown of their marriage, as O'Neill details.

O'Neill documents the disgrace linked to their affair, emphasizing Pickford's disreputable departure from the Navy after it was discovered he tried to pay off officers to avoid combat duty. Olive tragically passed away in 1920 after a night of festivities in Paris, which concluded with her succumbing to the effects of a poisonous substance. Speculation was rife regarding the nature of her demise, with theories ranging from being poisoned to allegations of Pickford's infidelity. Their narrative emerged as the first significant controversy that rattled Hollywood's core. O'Neill narrates these tales to depict the chaotic and frequently somber character of Hollywood's inception, along with the severe scrutiny from the public that its early innovators endured.

Context

• Charlie Chaplin was one of the most influential figures in the film industry, known for his iconic character "The Tramp." His personal life often attracted as much attention as his films, contributing to the public's fascination with his marriage.
• As the industry grew, so did the workforce, leading to labor disputes and the eventual formation of unions to protect the rights of actors, writers, and crew members.
• The fascination with personal lives of stars can be traced back to the early 20th century when Hollywood was emerging as a cultural powerhouse. This era marked the beginning of celebrity culture, where the public's interest in the private lives of actors became a significant aspect of their fame.
• During the early 20th century, societal norms were more conservative, and issues like premarital pregnancy were considered scandalous. The belief that Harris was pregnant added a layer of intrigue and controversy to their marriage.
• Studios frequently used the personal lives of stars as marketing tools. By casting Harris in films, MGM could capitalize on the public's curiosity about her relationship with Chaplin, effectively turning personal drama into a commercial asset.
• Louis B. Mayer was a co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of the most powerful studios in Hollywood. Mayer was known for his shrewd business tactics and often prioritized the studio's interests, sometimes at the expense of individual stars.
• During the time of their marriage, the United States was under Prohibition (1920-1933), which banned the sale and consumption of alcohol. This led to the rise of illegal speakeasies and bootlegging, making alcohol both a symbol of rebellion and a source of social issues.
• During World War I, many Hollywood figures joined the military, either out of patriotism or to boost their public image. Avoiding combat duty through bribery would have been seen as particularly dishonorable during a time when military service was highly valorized.
• Olive Thomas was a popular silent film actress and model in the early 20th century, known for her beauty and talent. She was one of the first "flappers," a term used to describe young, fashionable women in the 1920s who defied traditional norms.
• The early film industry operated with minimal regulation, leading to numerous legal and ethical controversies. This lack of oversight contributed to the chaotic environment, as studios and stars often engaged in behavior that would later be deemed scandalous or inappropriate.

Hollywood experienced significant turmoil due to numerous scandals in the 1920s and 1930s.

The scandal surrounding Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle intensified when a woman died at a party he hosted.

O'Neill emphasizes the continuous controversies that captivated audiences and significantly influenced the film industry throughout the 1920s and 1930s. The book provides a thorough account of the downfall of the once-celebrated figure, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle.

O'Neill portrays Arbuckle as a comedic force of note, having clinched an extraordinary contract with Paramount that encompassed a slate of movies valued at a staggering...

Secret Hollywood Summary Stories of extraordinary occurrences from Hollywood's history.

The Hollywood elite's private customs and lifestyles frequently surprised people.

The audience was amazed by the extreme and frequently discomforting makeup Chaney wore for his role in "Phantom of the Opera."

O'Neill explores the rigorous and occasionally demanding physical techniques utilized by Hollywood's pioneering actors to convincingly enact their parts on screen, often resulting in astonishing portrayals. This dedication is mirrored in the persona of a notable figure from the silent film period, renowned for his expertise in makeup and special effects, and for his role in creating iconic horror characters like the lycanthropic creature and the bell-ringer of Notre Dame.

The writer emphasizes Chaney's commitment to his craft, particularly showcased through his portrayal of the Phantom in the iconic 1925 film "The Phantom of the Opera." O'Neill describes the intricate process the actor employed to create a terrifying visage, which involved placing egg membrane on his eyelids, fish skin on his nose, and using cotton to enhance his facial structure, particularly the cheekbones, complemented by meticulous greasepaint application.

O'Neill describes how Chaney went...

Secret Hollywood Summary Fascinating personalities and their existence within Hollywood.

Hollywood's legendary stars experienced a vast array of events away from the camera.

James Stewart's romantic endeavors were unconventional, nearly culminating in nuptials with Dinah Shore before his lasting marriage.

O'Neill delves into the lesser-known facets of James Stewart's personal experiences, highlighting the contrast between his calm, aloof on-screen persona and the intricate nature of his love life. O'Neill highlights that during the 1930s and early 1940s, Stewart was linked professionally with prominent actresses including Margaret Sullivan, Ginger Rogers, Norma Shearer, and Loretta Young, yet these associations did not culminate in any significant romantic entanglements.

O'Neill explores how Stewart and Dinah Shore's romance blossomed swiftly during the year 1942. Stewart first met Shore while he was offering his time at the popular hangout for American servicemen, the Hollywood Canteen, where she was performing for the soldiers. Their collaboration ended suddenly when they canceled their impending nuptials just as they were about to tie the knot in Las Vegas in 1943. James Stewart's life was forever changed when he encountered Gloria Hatrick McLean at a...