Mary Astor And The Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal Of The 1930s

When we think of the glamorous era of old Hollywood, scandal is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, the scandal involving legendary actress Mary Astor in the 1930s shocked the nation and captivated the media, making it one of the most sensational stories of the time.

Mary Astor, born on May 3, 1906, in Quincy, Illinois, became one of the most prominent actresses of her generation. She had a natural beauty and undeniable talent that made her a rising star in the film industry. Astor appeared in over 100 movies throughout her career, starring alongside legendary actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable.

But it wasn't just her acting skills that caught the public's attention. Astor had a series of tumultuous relationships and scandalous affairs that added to her allure and ultimately led to the most significant scandal of her career.

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

by Joseph Egan (Kindle Edition)

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

The Marriage That Led to the Scandal

In 1930, Mary Astor married Dr. Franklyn Thorpe, a well-respected doctor. However, their marriage quickly turned sour, and Astor began to seek solace outside her troubled relationship. She had affairs with various men, including George S. Kaufman, a renowned playwright, and John Barrymore, an iconic actor.

Little did Astor know that these affairs would come back to haunt her in a court battle that would expose her private life to the world.

The Scandal Unmasked

In 1936, Mary Astor and Dr. Thorpe filed for divorce, igniting a heated custody battle over their young daughter, Marylyn. As part of the divorce proceedings, Astor's ex-husband presented her personal diary, which chronicled her extramarital affairs.

The public couldn't resist the juicy details contained in Astor's diary. The scandalous revelations brought the case significant media attention, turning it into a sensational tabloid story. Astor's diary entries described her affair with George S. Kaufman in explicit detail, exposing the intimate secrets of their relationship. The diary also hinted at other illicit affairs and betrayed the public's perception of the seemingly innocent and virtuous Mary Astor.

As the diary became public knowledge, it caused a vast scandal that rocked Hollywood and shocked the nation. The media circus and public scrutiny intensified as the story unfolded.

The Trial and Aftermath

During the courtroom battle, Mary Astor was forced to confront her darkest secrets in front of a judge, lawyers, and a curious public. The sensational trial attracted crowds of spectators eager to witness Hollywood's beloved star in the midst of scandal.

The custody battle took an unexpected turn when Astor decided to fight for the rights to her daughter, accusing Thorpe of neglect and mistreatment. Despite the revelations in her diary, the court ultimately granted custody to Astor, considering her ex-husband's behavior towards their daughter.

After the trial, Mary Astor's career took a hit. Although she continued to act, the scandal had tarnished her image, and Hollywood's view of her changed forever. Astor's personal life continued to be a subject of public fascination, but she never regained the same level of admiration and success she had enjoyed earlier in her career.

The Legacy of the Scandal

The Mary Astor scandal of the 1930s marked a turning point in Hollywood's perception of its stars. It shattered the illusion of innocence and virtue that the studio system had carefully cultivated around its actors.

The tabloid frenzy surrounding the Mary Astor scandal showed the public's insatiable appetite for sensational stories and gossip about celebrities. It set a precedent for the invasive nature of media coverage on the private lives of public figures, a trend that continues even in today's modern society.

Despite the scandal, Mary Astor's talent and contributions to film cannot be denied. She starred in many notable films throughout her career, including "The Maltese Falcon" and "Little Women." Astor's ability to captivate audiences with her on-screen presence and her undeniable talent remains a testament to her enduring legacy.

In , Mary Astor's scandal during the 1930s was a turning point in Hollywood's history. It exposed the dark underbelly of the glamorous industry and forever changed the way the public viewed its beloved stars. The scandal created a media frenzy that captivated the nation and established a precedent for the intrusion into the private lives of public figures. Despite the challenges she faced, Mary Astor's legacy in the film industry continues to shine, reminding us of her remarkable talent and the turbulent era in which she lived.

Your thoughts and comments regarding the scandal and its impact on Hollywood are welcome. Leave a comment below!

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

by Joseph Egan (Kindle Edition)

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

The “endlessly fascinating” true story of a custody battle that threatened to expose the seedy secrets of Hollywood’s Golden Age—illustrated with photos (Entertainment Weekly).
 
Most famous for playing opposite Humphrey Bogart in The Maltese Falcon, Mary Astor was one of Hollywood’s most beloved film stars. But her story wasn’t a happy one. Widowed at twenty-four, she quickly entered a rocky marriage with Dr. Franklyn Thorpe in which both were unfaithful. When they finally divorced in 1936, Astor sued for custody of their baby daughter Marylyn, setting off one of Hollywood’s most scandalous court cases.
 
In the ruthless court battle, Thorpe held a trump card: the diaries Astor had been keeping for years. In them, Astor detailed her own affairs—including with playwright George S. Kaufman—as well as the myriad dalliances of some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Studio heads were desperate to keep such damning details from leaking. But speculation of the dairy’s contents became a major news story, stealing the front page from The Spanish Civil War and Hitler’s 1936 Olympic Games in newspapers all over America.
 
With unlimited access to the photographs and memorabilia of Mary Astor’s estate, The Purples Diaries is an in-depth look at Hollywood’s Golden Age as it has never been seen before.