10 Shocking Rumors From Old Hollywood That Were Actually True

TLDRDiscover the truth behind 10 shocking rumors from Old Hollywood, including million-dollar voice insurance, the inspiration behind Citizen Kane, tragic stories of Hollywood stars, scandalous feuds, and more.

Key insights

💰Hollywood stars like Marlene Dietrich and Betty Grable had their body parts insured for millions of dollars.

🎥The character of Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane was based on real-life media mogul William Randolph Hearst.

🎭Actress Peg Entwistle tragically took her own life by jumping off the Hollywood Sign.

📰Gossip columnists in Old Hollywood often protected the image of the stars, maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the studios.

🤝Walt Disney welcomed Nazi filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl to his studio, possibly screening her films.

Q&A

Did Marlene Dietrich really insure her voice for $1 million?

Yes, Marlene Dietrich's unique and raspy voice was insured for $1 million, highlighting the value of distinctive features for Hollywood stars.

Is it true that Citizen Kane was inspired by a real-life media mogul?

Yes, the character of Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane was heavily inspired by the life of powerful publisher and producer William Randolph Hearst.

Did actress Peg Entwistle really commit suicide by jumping off the Hollywood Sign?

Yes, Peg Entwistle ended her life by jumping off the Hollywood Sign, and her tragic story became a legend of Old Hollywood.

How did gossip columnists in Old Hollywood maintain their relationships with the stars and studios?

Gossip columnists like Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons had mutually beneficial relationships with the studios, often protecting the image of the stars while maintaining their own relevance and influence.

Did Walt Disney really welcome Nazi filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl to his studio?

While it is debated how much Walt Disney knew about Leni Riefenstahl's background, there are accounts that suggest she visited his studio, possibly for a film screening.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the topic of shocking rumors from Old Hollywood that were actually true.

00:17Marlene Dietrich insuring her voice for $1 million, showcasing the value of distinctive features for Hollywood stars.

01:37The inspiration behind Citizen Kane, which was based on real-life media mogul William Randolph Hearst.

03:09The tragic story of Peg Entwistle, who committed suicide by jumping off the Hollywood Sign.

04:17The close relationship between gossip columnists and the studios in Old Hollywood, often protecting the image of the stars.

06:43Controversial interactions between Walt Disney and Nazi filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl.

08:57Highlighting the tension between actresses Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine.

11:42Loretta Young's hidden pregnancy and adoption, leading to the shocking revelation of Clark Gable as the biological father.