Product Description
by Patrick Downey (Author)
The lives of Hollywood's early movie stars have become the stuff of legend; the glitz and the glamour, the conspicuous consumption, the never ending carousel of parties and premieres. Rarely discussed is the dark side of their stardom; the constant fear that at any time they could become victims of gunmen, kidnappers, or extortionists. In these pages are the stories that normally get left out of the Hollywood history books: the armed robberies, home invasions and the threats of abduction, maiming, and murder that plagued Tinseltown throughout the early years. Whether it was "America's Sweetheart" Mary Pickford or sex siren Mae West - no star was immune. Hollywood on the Spot brings to light the nightmares inside the Dream Factory.
Author Biography
Patrick Downey specializes in Prohibition era and Depression era crime. His other books include: Legs Diamond: Gangster, Gangster City: History of the New York Underworld 1900-1935, and Bad Seeds in the Big Apple: Bandits, Killers, and Chaos in New York City 1920-1940.
