Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s

The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s

by Joseph Egan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24794 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	459 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Mary Astor was one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood during the 1930s. She starred in a number of hit films, including "The Maltese Falcon" and "Dodsworth." However, her career was nearly destroyed by a sensational scandal that involved her, her husband, and her lover.

Astor was born in Quincy, Illinois, in 1906. She began her acting career in the early 1920s, and quickly became one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood. She was known for her beauty, her intelligence, and her talent.

In 1930, Astor married Kenneth Hawks, a film director. The couple had one child, a daughter named Marylyn. However, the marriage was not a happy one. Hawks was a heavy drinker and gambler, and he often abused Astor.

In 1936, Astor began an affair with George Brent, a fellow actor. Brent was a charming and handsome man, and Astor quickly fell in love with him. The affair lasted for several years, and it was eventually discovered by Hawks.

In 1937, Hawks filed for divorce from Astor. He also filed for custody of their daughter. The divorce trial was a sensational affair, and it was widely reported in the press. Astor was accused of adultery, and she was forced to testify about her affair with Brent.

The divorce trial ended in a victory for Hawks. He was granted a divorce from Astor, and he was awarded custody of their daughter. Astor was devastated by the outcome of the trial, and her career was nearly destroyed.

However, Astor eventually rebuilt her life and her career. She continued to act in films, and she eventually became one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood. She died in 1987 at the age of 81.

The Impact of the Scandal

The Mary Astor scandal was one of the most sensational Hollywood scandals of the 1930s. It was a major blow to Astor's career, and it also damaged the reputations of Brent and Hawks. The scandal also had a significant impact on the public's perception of Hollywood.

The scandal showed that Hollywood was not the glamorous world that it was often portrayed as. It was a world of secrets, lies, and betrayals. The scandal also showed that even the most popular and successful stars were not immune to the temptations of Hollywood.

The Mary Astor scandal had a lasting impact on Hollywood. It led to a greater scrutiny of the private lives of stars, and it made the public more cynical about the glamour of Hollywood.

Legacy

Mary Astor was a complex and fascinating woman. She was a talented actress, a loving mother, and a victim of circumstance. The Mary Astor scandal was a defining moment in her life, but it did not define her. Astor went on to have a long and successful career, and she is still remembered as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s

by Joseph Egan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24794 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	459 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE