Explore the fascinating life of Lana Turner, Hollywood’s glamorous yet tumultuous star. Discover her rise to fame as the 'Sweater Girl' and the surprising career resurgence in the late 1950s. Delve into the shocking scandal involving her daughter and the murder of her boyfriend, which captivated the nation. Unravel Turner's complex relationships and struggles as a single mother amidst the glitz and gossip of Hollywood. This story intertwines triumphs and tribulations, shedding light on the challenges women faced in the film industry.
Lana Turner’s transition from a mere sex symbol to a respected actress in the late 1950s highlighted her surprising depth and talent.
The tragic murder of Johnny Stompanato by Turner’s daughter reveals the intertwining of personal turmoil and public drama in Hollywood life.
Deep dives
The Impact of 'The Girl with the Needle'
The episode highlights the premiere of 'The Girl with the Needle,' a film directed by Magnus von Horn, acclaimed for its gripping narrative and visual aesthetics. This dark fairy tale delves into the life of Caroline, a young factory worker in post-World War I Copenhagen, who endures the hardships of unemployment and an unwanted pregnancy. The film's unique storyline, combining elements of tenderness and morality in a harsh environment, resonates deeply with audiences, especially considering its real-life inspirations. With nominations for both the Golden Globes and the Oscars, the film underscores the significance of exceptional storytelling in contemporary cinema.
MGM Stories: A Flashback to Lana Turner
This episode serves as a flashback to the rich narrative surrounding Lana Turner's life, particularly her performance in 'The Bad and the Beautiful,' directed by Vincent Minnelli. It explores the duality of Turner's on-screen persona and off-screen real-life turmoil, emphasizing how the Hollywood machine often crafted narratives around her tumultuous relationships. The podcast reflects on her marriages and the tragic events leading to her daughter's involvement in the death of her mother’s boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato. This interplay of personal and professional struggles offers a compelling look into the life of a woman who became a captivating figure in Hollywood history.
The Complexities of Lana Turner's Personal Life
Lana Turner's romantic escapades, including her numerous marriages, paint a vivid picture of her search for love amid fame and public scrutiny. The episode discusses the 'Sweater Girl' reputation that followed her, focusing on how her relationships often became tabloid fodder rather than genuine connections. It emphasizes the contradictions in her life, where glamorous appearances were often overshadowed by heartbreaking realities, including abuse and turmoil at home. These personal battles reflect a complex individual whose life frequently mirrored the dramatic roles she portrayed.
The Aftermath of a Family Tragedy
The podcast segments dive into the day of the tragic incident involving Cheryl Crane and Johnny Stompanato, which irrevocably changed both their lives. Cheryl's act of defense against Stompanato's aggression is presented not just as a moment of chaos, but as a culmination of pervasive fear and familial strife. The subsequent media frenzy and the legal battles illustrate the harsh reality faced by both mother and daughter as they navigated public scrutiny and personal shame. This exploration underscores how their lives, fraught with challenges, became entangled in a narrative much larger than themselves, affecting their futures in profound ways.
This episode was originally released on December 1, 2015. Listen to help prep for the next episode of our new season, The Old Man is Still Alive.
Lana Turner, the legendary "Sweater Girl" was one of MGM’s prized contract players, the epitome of the mid-century sex goddess on-screen and an unlucky-in-love single mom off-screen who would burn through seven husbands and countless affairs. After nearly twenty years as a star not known for her acting prowess, Turner's career suddenly got interesting in the late 1950s, when the hits The Bad and the Beautiful, Peyton Place and Imitation of Life sparked a reappraisal of her talents. In the middle of this renaissance, Turner became embroiled in one of Hollywood history’s most shocking scandals: the murder of Turner’s boyfriend Johnny Stompanato at the hand of her 14 year-old daughter, Cheryl Crane.