Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s

Mary Astor was one of the most popular actresses of the 1930s. She starred in a number of hit films, including "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and "The Great Lie" (1941). But her career was nearly destroyed by a sensational scandal in 1936.

In 1936, Astor was accused of having an affair with a young doctor named George Preston Marshall. Marshall was married, and Astor was still married to her husband, Kenneth Hawks. Hawks filed for divorce, and the trial became a media circus.

The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s

by Joseph Egan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24794 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	459 pages
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The trial was sensationalized by the press, which portrayed Astor as a homewrecker. Astor was vilified by the public, and her career was in jeopardy. But she eventually cleared her name and went on to have a long and successful career.

The Trial

The trial began in Los Angeles on March 30, 1936. Hawks accused Astor of having an affair with Marshall, and he produced letters and other evidence to support his claims. Astor denied the affair, but she admitted that she had been seeing Marshall socially.

The trial was a media circus, and the press was quick to portray Astor as a homewrecker. The jury was unable to reach a verdict, and the judge declared a mistrial.

A second trial was held in April 1936. This time, the jury found in favor of Astor. The judge granted her a divorce, and she was awarded custody of her daughter.

The Aftermath

The scandal had a devastating impact on Astor's career. She was dropped from several films, and her public image was tarnished. But she eventually cleared her name and went on to have a long and successful career.

Astor continued to act in films and television throughout the 1940s and 1950s. She also wrote several books, including an autobiography.

Astor died in 1987 at the age of 81. She is remembered as one of the most talented and glamorous actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Legacy

Mary Astor's career was nearly destroyed by the scandal, but she eventually cleared her name and went on to have a long and successful career. She is remembered as one of the most talented and glamorous actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Astor's story is a reminder that even the most famous and successful people can be brought down by scandal. But it is also a story of resilience and triumph. Astor was able to overcome adversity and go on to achieve great success.

Additional Resources

• Mary Astor on IMDb
• Mary Astor official website
• Mary Astor: A Biography of Hollywood's Most Sensational Star of the 1930s

The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s

by Joseph Egan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24794 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	459 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE