The Shadow of 'Good Time Charlie'

This chapter explores the tumultuous life of Charles Crawford, a notorious figure in the Los Angeles underworld, and the intriguing history of the Crossroads of the World shopping center. It highlights Crawford's rise during the Klondike Gold Rush, his connections with the local mafia, and the intertwining narratives of political corruption and popular culture in the roaring twenties. The chapter also delves into the scandalous events following Prohibition, the complexities of a controversial trial, and the societal challenges faced by the widow of a murder victim, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era.