Old Hollywood Gossips

[ClassyCo]

A thread dedicated to the Old Hollywood gossips that had their own columns, including -- but not limited to -- Hedda Hopper, Louella Parsons, Elsa Maxwell, Dorothy Kilgallen, and so forth.

 

[Crimson]

I have a fondness for the TV-movie MALICE IN WONDERLAND (1985), starring Liz Taylor and Jane Alexander. Jane is well cast, but Liz was in one of her relatively svelte periods, so she was an odd choice for the dumpy Louella. The movie is a pretty frivolous recounting of the Louella & Hedda feud, being essentially a light drama/comedy; Liz may have been oddly cast but the role brings out the farceur in her acting repertoire. The dramatic backbone of the film is essentially a feminist revenge tale: two women overcome 'the System'. There's probably truth in that in regards to Louella and Hedda, but the film avoids a key component: they were both terrible women.



Not only were they a pair of spiteful old bags who used their power for personal and business vendettas, but Hedda added to that a political hackery; she was a big supporter of HUAC and a confidential informant to her chum J. Edgar Hoover. Hedda, a former actress, did a good job ingratiating herself into pop culture (appearances in SUNSET BLVD; I LOVE LUCY; etc), but she's a strong contender for the worst person to ever come out of Hollywood.

All of this is much better covered in the YMRT podcast season, Gossip Girls. This is a fascinating account of their careers, their rivalry, and how how rotten they both were.

You Must Remember This: Gossip Girls

 

[ClassyCo]

I have a fondness for the TV-movie MALICE IN WONDERLAND (1985), starring Liz Taylor and Jane Alexander.

I've often wanted to see this movie. I've heard you mention it before in other threads. I didn't on YouTube or Amazon, but eBay has it on DVD for over $35 (US), and that's a little steep for a fluffy TV movie.

You Must Remember This: Gossip Girls

I'm going to check this out. This might be what I listen to on my lunch break today (time permitting).