https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-hollywood-stories--7289308
Each episode reconstructs one story in full, cinematic detail: the discovery, the manufactured image, the secret the studio spent fortunes to bury, and the moment the machine turned on its own creation. No host chatting between clips, no panel debating gossip. Just one complete story, narrated start to finish, built from studio archives, court records, and the memoirs old Hollywood tried to suppress.

You will walk through old Hollywood scandals that ended careers overnight, contract battles that changed the industry, fixers who could erase a car crash before the police arrived, and stars who fought the system and paid for it. Some episodes follow a single scandal from rumor to ruin; others trace a career the studios built and then destroyed. All of them treat old Hollywood as what it really was: a dream factory with a basement.

If you are drawn to old Hollywood stories that read like slow-burning thrillers, this is built for you. New episodes drop regularly, each one a self-contained descent behind the silver screen. Subscribe now so the next old Hollywood story lands the moment it goes live.]]>enHistoryCopyright OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENThttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9654b81a717001ae3ac338f9a16826ad.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-hollywood-stories--7289308Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:00:32 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTOBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTcreators@obomedia.comOld Hollywood sold the world perfect faces on silver screens while running one of the most ruthless company towns in American history. Behind the premieres were morality clauses, buried scandals, studio fixers, and stars owned like property. This show...
Each episode reconstructs one story in full, cinematic detail: the discovery, the manufactured image, the secret the studio spent fortunes to bury, and the moment the machine turned on its own creation. No host chatting between clips, no panel debating gossip. Just one complete story, narrated start to finish, built from studio archives, court records, and the memoirs old Hollywood tried to suppress.

You will walk through old Hollywood scandals that ended careers overnight, contract battles that changed the industry, fixers who could erase a car crash before the police arrived, and stars who fought the system and paid for it. Some episodes follow a single scandal from rumor to ruin; others trace a career the studios built and then destroyed. All of them treat old Hollywood as what it really was: a dream factory with a basement.

If you are drawn to old Hollywood stories that read like slow-burning thrillers, this is built for you. New episodes drop regularly, each one a self-contained descent behind the silver screen. Subscribe now so the next old Hollywood story lands the moment it goes live.]]>falsece95b197-af9f-5c26-a971-d94f46e53449episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-titanic-dress-she-wore-onscreen-sold-her-a-fame-she-couldn-t-keep--74591159
The Titanic dress she wore onscreen sold her a fame she couldn't keep

This episode explores the life of Dorothy Gibson, a prominent actress who survived the Titanic disaster and quickly turned her experience into a film. It delves into the complexities of her sudden fame and the challenges she faced in the decades that followed.

Person: Dorothy Gibson
Event: Sinking of the RMS Titanic
Date: April 14, 1912
Location: Fort Lee, New Jersey
Film: Saved from the Titanic

- Dorothy Gibson, one of the highest-paid actresses, was 22 when she filmed "Saved from the Titanic" four weeks after the disaster.
- She wore the same white silk evening dress, cardigan, and polo coat from Lifeboat Number Seven in the film.
- Before the Titanic, Dorothy was "The Original Harrison Fisher Girl," a widely recognized model for illustrator Harrison Fisher.
- She was hired by Éclair film company in Fort Lee, then the center of American film production.
- Dorothy and Jules Brulatour, head of distribution for Eastman Kodak and co-founder of Universal Pictures, became lovers in 1911 while he was married.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591159Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Titanic survivor, already a famous actress, reenacts her escape in the very dress she wore, turning trauma into a sensation. But can she outrun the scandal that follows? The Titanic dress she wore onscreen sold her a fame she couldn't keep...
The Titanic dress she wore onscreen sold her a fame she couldn't keep

This episode explores the life of Dorothy Gibson, a prominent actress who survived the Titanic disaster and quickly turned her experience into a film. It delves into the complexities of her sudden fame and the challenges she faced in the decades that followed.

Person: Dorothy Gibson
Event: Sinking of the RMS Titanic
Date: April 14, 1912
Location: Fort Lee, New Jersey
Film: Saved from the Titanic

- Dorothy Gibson, one of the highest-paid actresses, was 22 when she filmed "Saved from the Titanic" four weeks after the disaster.
- She wore the same white silk evening dress, cardigan, and polo coat from Lifeboat Number Seven in the film.
- Before the Titanic, Dorothy was "The Original Harrison Fisher Girl," a widely recognized model for illustrator Harrison Fisher.
- She was hired by Éclair film company in Fort Lee, then the center of American film production.
- Dorothy and Jules Brulatour, head of distribution for Eastman Kodak and co-founder of Universal Pictures, became lovers in 1911 while he was married.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>902falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-pistol-that-landed-in-her-cadillac-ended-three-careers--74591158
The pistol that landed in her Cadillac ended three careers

This episode explores the dramatic events of a December afternoon in 1951 when a shooting in Beverly Hills irrevocably altered the life and career of actress Joan Bennett. How could an object she never touched derail a career built through three distinct versions of stardom?

Person: Joan Bennett
Date: December 13, 1951
Location: Beverly Hills, California
Event: Shooting in a parking lot
Husband: Walter Wanger

- Joan Bennett was born into a theatrical family in 1910, with her grandfather, father, mother, and sisters all involved in acting.
- By 1933, she had established herself as a blonde ingenue, playing roles like Amy March in "Little Women."
- In 1938, producer Walter Wanger persuaded her to dye her hair dark for "Trade Winds," transforming her image and leading to a new career phase.
- Wanger, who later became her husband, produced her films and shaped her image, leading to iconic roles in film noir like "The Woman in the Window."
- In 1950, she successfully transitioned to a third career phase, playing elegant mothers in films like "Father of the Bride" opposite Spencer Tracy.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591158Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA pistol lands in a Hollywood star's Cadillac convertible, fired by her husband across from the Beverly Hills Police Department. Her career hangs in the balance. The pistol that landed in her Cadillac ended three careers This episode explores...
The pistol that landed in her Cadillac ended three careers

This episode explores the dramatic events of a December afternoon in 1951 when a shooting in Beverly Hills irrevocably altered the life and career of actress Joan Bennett. How could an object she never touched derail a career built through three distinct versions of stardom?

Person: Joan Bennett
Date: December 13, 1951
Location: Beverly Hills, California
Event: Shooting in a parking lot
Husband: Walter Wanger

- Joan Bennett was born into a theatrical family in 1910, with her grandfather, father, mother, and sisters all involved in acting.
- By 1933, she had established herself as a blonde ingenue, playing roles like Amy March in "Little Women."
- In 1938, producer Walter Wanger persuaded her to dye her hair dark for "Trade Winds," transforming her image and leading to a new career phase.
- Wanger, who later became her husband, produced her films and shaped her image, leading to iconic roles in film noir like "The Woman in the Window."
- In 1950, she successfully transitioned to a third career phase, playing elegant mothers in films like "Father of the Bride" opposite Spencer Tracy.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>939falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-night-lana-turner-s-daughter-killed-her-lover--74591155
The Night Lana Turner's Daughter Killed Her Lover

This episode explores the life of Lana Turner, from her humble beginnings to becoming a Hollywood icon, and the events that led to a shocking incident in her Beverly Hills home. It examines the forces that shaped her career and personal life.

Person: Lana Turner
Date: April 4, 1958
Location: North Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills
Event: Killing of Johnny Stompanato

- Julia Jean Turner was born in Wallace, Idaho, in 1921, and her father was murdered when she was nine years old.
- In 1937, while skipping typing class, she was discovered at the Top Hat Malt Shop and signed to Warner Bros.
- MGM later signed her for double the salary, a decision that proved to be one of the studio's most expensive miscalculations.
- Studio executives arranged an abortion for Turner in 1940, performed without anesthesia in a hotel room in Hawaii.
- By 1946, after multiple personal struggles, Turner starred in "The Postman Always Rings Twice," a role that critics noted showed a new depth in her acting.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591155Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTOn April 4, 1958, a teenage girl killed her mother's lover in Beverly Hills. The world's biggest movie star, Lana Turner, was caught in the scandal. The Night Lana Turner's Daughter Killed Her Lover This episode explores the life of Lana Turner,...
The Night Lana Turner's Daughter Killed Her Lover

This episode explores the life of Lana Turner, from her humble beginnings to becoming a Hollywood icon, and the events that led to a shocking incident in her Beverly Hills home. It examines the forces that shaped her career and personal life.

Person: Lana Turner
Date: April 4, 1958
Location: North Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills
Event: Killing of Johnny Stompanato

- Julia Jean Turner was born in Wallace, Idaho, in 1921, and her father was murdered when she was nine years old.
- In 1937, while skipping typing class, she was discovered at the Top Hat Malt Shop and signed to Warner Bros.
- MGM later signed her for double the salary, a decision that proved to be one of the studio's most expensive miscalculations.
- Studio executives arranged an abortion for Turner in 1940, performed without anesthesia in a hotel room in Hawaii.
- By 1946, after multiple personal struggles, Turner starred in "The Postman Always Rings Twice," a role that critics noted showed a new depth in her acting.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>854falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-telegram-that-traded-a-stardom-for-a-pow-camp--74591151
The Telegram That Traded a Stardom for a POW Camp

This episode explores the life of Shirley Ann Richards, an Australian actress whose career took off in Hollywood just as her family faced the harsh realities of World War II. It delves into the silent moment that defined a family's sacrifice and a star's ascent.

Person: Shirley Ann Richards
Date: April 1943
Location: Sydney, Australia
Studio: MGM
Event: Pearl Harbor bombing

- Shirley Ann Richards traveled to the US with only $75, the maximum allowed by the Australian government, days after Pearl Harbor.
- Within a week of landing in the US, she secured an MGM contract and a new name, Ann Richards.
- Her early career in Australia included working as a receptionist at Russell Roberts studio and performing with the Sydney Players Club.
- Ken G. Hall, a dominant figure in Australian filmmaking, cast her in "It Isn't Done" in 1937, leading to a long-term contract with Cinesound.
- Before she sailed for America, Ken G. Hall sent a reel of her footage to Carl Dudley in the US, which was subsequently lost by an aspiring producer.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591151Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTIn 1943 a telegram offered Shirley Ann Richards an MGM role - and another told of her brother as a POW. What would you choose? The Telegram That Traded a Stardom for a POW Camp This episode explores the life of Shirley Ann Richards, an...
The Telegram That Traded a Stardom for a POW Camp

This episode explores the life of Shirley Ann Richards, an Australian actress whose career took off in Hollywood just as her family faced the harsh realities of World War II. It delves into the silent moment that defined a family's sacrifice and a star's ascent.

Person: Shirley Ann Richards
Date: April 1943
Location: Sydney, Australia
Studio: MGM
Event: Pearl Harbor bombing

- Shirley Ann Richards traveled to the US with only $75, the maximum allowed by the Australian government, days after Pearl Harbor.
- Within a week of landing in the US, she secured an MGM contract and a new name, Ann Richards.
- Her early career in Australia included working as a receptionist at Russell Roberts studio and performing with the Sydney Players Club.
- Ken G. Hall, a dominant figure in Australian filmmaking, cast her in "It Isn't Done" in 1937, leading to a long-term contract with Cinesound.
- Before she sailed for America, Ken G. Hall sent a reel of her footage to Carl Dudley in the US, which was subsequently lost by an aspiring producer.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>860falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-kinescope-that-buried-the-first-james-bond--74591147
The Kinescope That Buried the First James Bond

This episode explores the story of the first actor to portray James Bond, Barry Nelson, in a 1954 live television broadcast. It delves into his career before this overlooked role and how the broadcast itself became a lost piece of television history.

Person: Barry Nelson (Robert Haakon Nielsen)
Date: 1954
Network: CBS
Technology: Kinescope
Co-star: Peter Lorre

- Barry Nelson, born Robert Haakon Nielsen in 1917, worked in San Francisco radio to pay for his tuition at the University of California, Berkeley.
- After graduating in 1941, he was signed by MGM and appeared in films like Shadow of the Thin Man and Johnny Eager.
- In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces and made his Broadway debut in Winged Victory, a Moss Hart production.
- The 1954 live television adaptation of Casino Royale aired on a Tuesday evening in October, preserved only by a kinescope recording.
- Nelson accepted the role primarily to share a scene with Peter Lorre, a renowned character actor.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591147Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTIn 1954, a man played James Bond on live television, years before the iconic film franchise. This forgotten broadcast raises questions about how a pivotal pop culture moment vanished. The Kinescope That Buried the First James Bond This episode...
The Kinescope That Buried the First James Bond

This episode explores the story of the first actor to portray James Bond, Barry Nelson, in a 1954 live television broadcast. It delves into his career before this overlooked role and how the broadcast itself became a lost piece of television history.

Person: Barry Nelson (Robert Haakon Nielsen)
Date: 1954
Network: CBS
Technology: Kinescope
Co-star: Peter Lorre

- Barry Nelson, born Robert Haakon Nielsen in 1917, worked in San Francisco radio to pay for his tuition at the University of California, Berkeley.
- After graduating in 1941, he was signed by MGM and appeared in films like Shadow of the Thin Man and Johnny Eager.
- In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces and made his Broadway debut in Winged Victory, a Moss Hart production.
- The 1954 live television adaptation of Casino Royale aired on a Tuesday evening in October, preserved only by a kinescope recording.
- Nelson accepted the role primarily to share a scene with Peter Lorre, a renowned character actor.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>866falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-name-that-hid-a-life-and-lost-a-woman--74591144
The Name That Hid a Life and Lost a Woman

This episode explores the life of Marjorie Main, the actress who became a household name as Ma Kettle, and the hidden identity of Mary Tomlinson. It delves into the choices she made to build her career and the personal cost of her public image.

Person: Marjorie Main / Mary Tomlinson
Born: February 24, 1890
Location: Marion County, Indiana
Occupation: Actress
Father: Reverend Samuel J. Tomlinson

- Mary Tomlinson was born to a minister in the Disciples of Christ, a household where the stage was not sanctioned.
- At 19, after teaching elocution, she began moving towards a life her father disapproved of.
- To protect her father's reputation, Mary Tomlinson adopted the stage name Marjorie Main.
- She performed in Chautauqua circuits, Shakespearean repertory, vaudeville, and on Broadway, appearing with John Barrymore and W.C. Fields.
- In 1921, she married Dr. Stanley LeFevre Krebs, a psychologist and lecturer, describing him later as a friend rather than a romantic partner.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591144Wed, 26 Aug 2026 10:00:03 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Hollywood star saves a studio from ruin, but the woman behind the persona hides her true identity for decades. What did she sacrifice to become Marjorie Main? The Name That Hid a Life and Lost a Woman This episode explores the life of Marjorie...
The Name That Hid a Life and Lost a Woman

This episode explores the life of Marjorie Main, the actress who became a household name as Ma Kettle, and the hidden identity of Mary Tomlinson. It delves into the choices she made to build her career and the personal cost of her public image.

Person: Marjorie Main / Mary Tomlinson
Born: February 24, 1890
Location: Marion County, Indiana
Occupation: Actress
Father: Reverend Samuel J. Tomlinson

- Mary Tomlinson was born to a minister in the Disciples of Christ, a household where the stage was not sanctioned.
- At 19, after teaching elocution, she began moving towards a life her father disapproved of.
- To protect her father's reputation, Mary Tomlinson adopted the stage name Marjorie Main.
- She performed in Chautauqua circuits, Shakespearean repertory, vaudeville, and on Broadway, appearing with John Barrymore and W.C. Fields.
- In 1921, she married Dr. Stanley LeFevre Krebs, a psychologist and lecturer, describing him later as a friend rather than a romantic partner.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>735falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-contract-that-took-everything-he-made--74591140
The contract that took everything he made

This episode explores the improbable rise of a Brooklyn immigrant's son who became a beloved comedy icon. It delves into the early life and career of a man who created an enduring entertainment franchise, only to find his success consumed by the very system he worked within.

Person: Moses Harry Horwitz (Moe Howard)
Date: 1907
Location: Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Event: Vitagraph Studios fire
Status: Married Helen Schonberger

- Moses Harry Horwitz, at age ten, cut his own curls in a shed after being mocked at school.
- He lost his first screen job at thirteen when Vitagraph Studios burned down in 1910.
- Moe worked with aquatic performer Annette Kellermann in a vaudeville water act at fifteen.
- He began a formal comedy act with Ted Healy in 1922, who was known for his talent and volatility.
- Larry Fine joined the act in 1928, recruited by Ted Healy for a Broadway show.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591140Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA comedy legend lost his control of a Hollywood legacy when a contract betrayed him - how did this happen? The contract that took everything he made This episode explores the improbable rise of a Brooklyn immigrant's son who became a beloved...
The contract that took everything he made

This episode explores the improbable rise of a Brooklyn immigrant's son who became a beloved comedy icon. It delves into the early life and career of a man who created an enduring entertainment franchise, only to find his success consumed by the very system he worked within.

Person: Moses Harry Horwitz (Moe Howard)
Date: 1907
Location: Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Event: Vitagraph Studios fire
Status: Married Helen Schonberger

- Moses Harry Horwitz, at age ten, cut his own curls in a shed after being mocked at school.
- He lost his first screen job at thirteen when Vitagraph Studios burned down in 1910.
- Moe worked with aquatic performer Annette Kellermann in a vaudeville water act at fifteen.
- He began a formal comedy act with Ted Healy in 1922, who was known for his talent and volatility.
- Larry Fine joined the act in 1928, recruited by Ted Healy for a Broadway show.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>875falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-unscripted-comic-face-that-toppled-a-career--74591135
The unscripted comic face that toppled a career

This episode explores the early life and career of a quietly consequential Hollywood figure, from his challenging childhood in Oklahoma to his experiences in the Korean War and his unexpected entry into acting. What hidden struggles shaped a man known for his effortless charm?

Person: James Garner
Date: 1928
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Status: Purple Heart recipient
Event: Korean War

- James Scott Bumgarner was the youngest of three boys, born in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1928.
- His mother died when he was five, and he later endured abuse from a stepmother, whom he confronted at age fourteen.
- He enrolled in the Merchant Marines at sixteen and later served fourteen months as a rifleman in the Korean War.
- He received a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds from a mortar round, and later, a second medal for wounds from friendly fire.
- While recovering from the war, he took a non-speaking role in a Broadway play and observed Henry Fonda's acting style.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591135Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:00:03 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Hollywood career built over six decades faces constant studio interference and personal hardship. What is the true cost of fame for a man whose name isn't even his own? The unscripted comic face that toppled a career This episode explores the...
The unscripted comic face that toppled a career

This episode explores the early life and career of a quietly consequential Hollywood figure, from his challenging childhood in Oklahoma to his experiences in the Korean War and his unexpected entry into acting. What hidden struggles shaped a man known for his effortless charm?

Person: James Garner
Date: 1928
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Status: Purple Heart recipient
Event: Korean War

- James Scott Bumgarner was the youngest of three boys, born in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1928.
- His mother died when he was five, and he later endured abuse from a stepmother, whom he confronted at age fourteen.
- He enrolled in the Merchant Marines at sixteen and later served fourteen months as a rifleman in the Korean War.
- He received a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds from a mortar round, and later, a second medal for wounds from friendly fire.
- While recovering from the war, he took a non-speaking role in a Broadway play and observed Henry Fonda's acting style.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>928falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-registry-that-stopped-at-42-erased-the-rest-of-his-rise--74591128
The registry that stopped at 42 erased the rest of his rise

In this episode, we follow Joseph Crehan’s career from stock companies to Broadway to Hollywood to ask how relentless work can render a performer invisible. What does it mean when an official count freezes at forty-two mid-career, and what does that gap reveal about studio labor and recognition?

Person: Joseph Crehan (born Joseph Creaghan)
Date: June 1939
Location: Hollywood / United States
Period: 1907-1939 (early career through checkpoint)
Topic: Performances as Ulysses S. Grant recorded as 42

- Began acting in 1907 at age 23 in a Philadelphia stock company and built a rapid memorization discipline.
- Worked regional theater across Baltimore, Boston, Washington, and with the Morosco Stock Company in Los Angeles.
- Broadway credits include Yosemite (1914), Ringside (1928), Sweet Land of Liberty (1929), Those We Love (1930), and multiple 1932 productions.
- Film work began in 1916 (Under Two Flags) and by 1934-35 he played recurring authority roles across numerous studio films.
- A registry logged he’d played Ulysses S. Grant 42 times by June 1939-31 as general, 11 as president-then the record was never updated.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591128Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:55 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA man who’d played Ulysses S. Grant watches his career vanish into the studio machine-how does a working actor’s rise disappear? The registry that stopped at 42 erased the rest of his rise In this episode, we follow Joseph Crehan’s career from...
The registry that stopped at 42 erased the rest of his rise

In this episode, we follow Joseph Crehan’s career from stock companies to Broadway to Hollywood to ask how relentless work can render a performer invisible. What does it mean when an official count freezes at forty-two mid-career, and what does that gap reveal about studio labor and recognition?

Person: Joseph Crehan (born Joseph Creaghan)
Date: June 1939
Location: Hollywood / United States
Period: 1907-1939 (early career through checkpoint)
Topic: Performances as Ulysses S. Grant recorded as 42

- Began acting in 1907 at age 23 in a Philadelphia stock company and built a rapid memorization discipline.
- Worked regional theater across Baltimore, Boston, Washington, and with the Morosco Stock Company in Los Angeles.
- Broadway credits include Yosemite (1914), Ringside (1928), Sweet Land of Liberty (1929), Those We Love (1930), and multiple 1932 productions.
- Film work began in 1916 (Under Two Flags) and by 1934-35 he played recurring authority roles across numerous studio films.
- A registry logged he’d played Ulysses S. Grant 42 times by June 1939-31 as general, 11 as president-then the record was never updated.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>796falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-punch-he-threw-on-dynamite-that-derailed-his-hollywood-rise--74591125
The punch he threw on Dynamite that derailed his Hollywood rise

This episode explores the tumultuous career of actor Charles Bickford, from his early life as a "wild rogue" to his unexpected entry into acting and the pivotal moment that threatened to end his Hollywood aspirations. It raises the question of what drives a man to persist when every door seems to close.

Person: Charles Bickford
Date: January 1, 1891
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Film: Dynamite
Co-star: James Cagney

- Charles Bickford, born at midnight on New Year's Day, was known as the "wild rogue" of his family.
- At age nine, Bickford was acquitted of attempted murder after attacking a trolley motorman who killed his dog.
- He abandoned plans for an MIT engineering degree after a dare led him to a burlesque job in 1911.
- Bickford served as an engineer lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War One in France.
- He turned down a role in the anticipated film Beau Geste in 1926, believing he could negotiate with Hollywood.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591125Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:51 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Hollywood actor's career is derailed by a single punch on a film set, forcing him to rebuild his life and legacy against all odds. The punch he threw on Dynamite that derailed his Hollywood rise This episode explores the tumultuous career of...
The punch he threw on Dynamite that derailed his Hollywood rise

This episode explores the tumultuous career of actor Charles Bickford, from his early life as a "wild rogue" to his unexpected entry into acting and the pivotal moment that threatened to end his Hollywood aspirations. It raises the question of what drives a man to persist when every door seems to close.

Person: Charles Bickford
Date: January 1, 1891
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Film: Dynamite
Co-star: James Cagney

- Charles Bickford, born at midnight on New Year's Day, was known as the "wild rogue" of his family.
- At age nine, Bickford was acquitted of attempted murder after attacking a trolley motorman who killed his dog.
- He abandoned plans for an MIT engineering degree after a dare led him to a burlesque job in 1911.
- Bickford served as an engineer lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War One in France.
- He turned down a role in the anticipated film Beau Geste in 1926, believing he could negotiate with Hollywood.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>755falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lost-director-hollywood-s-erased-legend--74591124
The Lost Director: Hollywood's Erased Legend

This episode explores the early life and meteoric rise of Marshall "Mickey" Neilan, a filmmaker whose career trajectory defied all expectations. How did a man at the pinnacle of Hollywood success become an erased legend?

Person: Marshall "Mickey" Neilan
Date: April 11, 1891 (birth)
Location: San Bernardino, California
Career: Film director, actor
Event: Founding member of the Motion Picture Directors Association

- Marshall Neilan was pulled from school at age eleven after his father's death, beginning a lifelong drive for survival.
- He started in live theater, taking bit parts before becoming a chauffeur for Biograph Studios executives, observing Hollywood's early formation.
- By 1912, Neilan had his first film credit and rapidly accumulated over seventy acting and thirty directing credits at Kalem Studios.
- At twenty-four, he co-founded the Motion Picture Directors Association alongside industry giants like Cecil B. DeMille.
- Neilan directed Mary Pickford in five films between 1917 and 1919, solidifying her status as a Hollywood icon and his own as a top director.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591124Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:47 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTHollywood director Marshall "Mickey" Neilan helped make Mary Pickford a legend-so why did his career vanish for two decades? The Lost Director: Hollywood's Erased Legend This episode explores the early life and meteoric rise of Marshall "Mickey"...
The Lost Director: Hollywood's Erased Legend

This episode explores the early life and meteoric rise of Marshall "Mickey" Neilan, a filmmaker whose career trajectory defied all expectations. How did a man at the pinnacle of Hollywood success become an erased legend?

Person: Marshall "Mickey" Neilan
Date: April 11, 1891 (birth)
Location: San Bernardino, California
Career: Film director, actor
Event: Founding member of the Motion Picture Directors Association

- Marshall Neilan was pulled from school at age eleven after his father's death, beginning a lifelong drive for survival.
- He started in live theater, taking bit parts before becoming a chauffeur for Biograph Studios executives, observing Hollywood's early formation.
- By 1912, Neilan had his first film credit and rapidly accumulated over seventy acting and thirty directing credits at Kalem Studios.
- At twenty-four, he co-founded the Motion Picture Directors Association alongside industry giants like Cecil B. DeMille.
- Neilan directed Mary Pickford in five films between 1917 and 1919, solidifying her status as a Hollywood icon and his own as a top director.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>995falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-dog-s-name-on-a-1928-poster-pushed-his-billing-down--74591118
A dog's name on a 1928 poster pushed his billing down

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591118Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:43 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTNo description available. A dog's name on a 1928 poster pushed his billing down
A dog's name on a 1928 poster pushed his billing down

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>798falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-days-between-his-divorce-and-his-marriage-that-collapsed-his-stardom--74591113
The three days between his divorce and his marriage that collapsed his stardom

In this episode, we trace the arc of a man who became American cinema’s first male superstar and the industrial fictions that sustained him. We follow the decisions, relationships, and studio practices that set up a public persona-and the three-day interval that exposed its cost.

Person: Francis X. Bushman
Date: January 10, 1883 (birth)
Event: Divorce from Josephine Louisa Fladung followed by marriage to Beverly Bayne three days later (1918)
Location: Essanay Studios; later Metro and other studios; national stage tour (1919-1920)
Topic: Studio-manufactured persona and the collapse of celebrity mystique

- A studio policy erased Bushman’s marriage and five children from the public record to maintain his eligibility as a fantasy figure.
- Bushman’s rise: dozens of films in a single year, name above the title, and unprecedented fan mail that fueled studio marketing.
- The secret affair with costar Beverly Bayne became public in 1918, shifting perception of the carefully maintained bachelor myth.
- Three days elapsed between Bushman’s divorce and his marriage to Bayne-a detail that signaled to audiences the relationship’s prior existence.
- After the revelations, offers changed in quality even as Bushman and Bayne toured successfully in The Master Thief (1919-1920).

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591113Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:39 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA silent-screen idol divorces and remarries in three days-his stardom, built on a studio-crafted bachelor myth, begins to unravel. How do you fall from that high? The three days between his divorce and his marriage that collapsed his stardom In...
The three days between his divorce and his marriage that collapsed his stardom

In this episode, we trace the arc of a man who became American cinema’s first male superstar and the industrial fictions that sustained him. We follow the decisions, relationships, and studio practices that set up a public persona-and the three-day interval that exposed its cost.

Person: Francis X. Bushman
Date: January 10, 1883 (birth)
Event: Divorce from Josephine Louisa Fladung followed by marriage to Beverly Bayne three days later (1918)
Location: Essanay Studios; later Metro and other studios; national stage tour (1919-1920)
Topic: Studio-manufactured persona and the collapse of celebrity mystique

- A studio policy erased Bushman’s marriage and five children from the public record to maintain his eligibility as a fantasy figure.
- Bushman’s rise: dozens of films in a single year, name above the title, and unprecedented fan mail that fueled studio marketing.
- The secret affair with costar Beverly Bayne became public in 1918, shifting perception of the carefully maintained bachelor myth.
- Three days elapsed between Bushman’s divorce and his marriage to Bayne-a detail that signaled to audiences the relationship’s prior existence.
- After the revelations, offers changed in quality even as Bushman and Bayne toured successfully in The Master Thief (1919-1920).

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>672falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-five-year-contract-that-erased-her-name--74591107
The Five-Year Contract That Erased Her Name

This episode explores the story of Sally Phipps, a child star in Golden Age Hollywood, whose career began at age three. It examines the forces that shaped her identity and career, and the questions her story leaves unanswered.

Person: Sally Phipps
Period: Golden Age Hollywood
Location: Niles, California
Studio: Fox Film Corporation
Salary: $600 a week (peak)

- Nellie Bernice Bogdon began performing at age three, winning baby contests and appearing in a short film.
- She had four different names before the age of fifteen, each a revision by others.
- Director Frank Borzage discovered her at Fairfax High School, noting her natural, unguarded quality.
- At sixteen, she signed a five-year contract with Fox Film Corporation, starting at $125 a week and rising to $600.
- In 1927, she was named a WAMPAS Baby Star, a significant industry designation for rising talent.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591107Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:35 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA child star is built by Golden Age Hollywood, given a five-year contract and a new identity. But what happens when the dream factory moves on? The Five-Year Contract That Erased Her Name This episode explores the story of Sally Phipps, a child...
The Five-Year Contract That Erased Her Name

This episode explores the story of Sally Phipps, a child star in Golden Age Hollywood, whose career began at age three. It examines the forces that shaped her identity and career, and the questions her story leaves unanswered.

Person: Sally Phipps
Period: Golden Age Hollywood
Location: Niles, California
Studio: Fox Film Corporation
Salary: $600 a week (peak)

- Nellie Bernice Bogdon began performing at age three, winning baby contests and appearing in a short film.
- She had four different names before the age of fifteen, each a revision by others.
- Director Frank Borzage discovered her at Fairfax High School, noting her natural, unguarded quality.
- At sixteen, she signed a five-year contract with Fox Film Corporation, starting at $125 a week and rising to $600.
- In 1927, she was named a WAMPAS Baby Star, a significant industry designation for rising talent.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>903falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-safety-that-grounded-a-mother-s-gun-and-freed-her-daughter--74591103
The safety that grounded a mother's gun and freed her daughter

This episode explores the early life of June Havoc, a child star whose path was shaped by her mother's relentless ambition. It questions the true cost of her success and who controlled her destiny from the start.

Person: Ellen Evangeline Hovick (June Havoc)
Date: December 29, 1928
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Event: Mother attempts to free daughter's husband from police custody

- Rose Thompson Hovick, June's mother, forged birth certificates to allow her daughters to perform in vaudeville.
- June Havoc's first performances were silent, with her mother manufacturing tears by telling her the dog had died.
- By her teenage years, June was known as Baby June, traveling the vaudeville circuit with a company of child performers.
- At approximately sixteen, June eloped with fellow performer Bobby Reed in November 1928.
- Rose discovered the elopement and confronted police in Topeka, Kansas, where Bobby Reed was under arrest.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591103Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:31 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA mother pulls a gun on police to free her daughter's new husband, but the safety is on. This vaudeville child star's life is about to change. The safety that grounded a mother's gun and freed her daughter This episode explores the early life of...
The safety that grounded a mother's gun and freed her daughter

This episode explores the early life of June Havoc, a child star whose path was shaped by her mother's relentless ambition. It questions the true cost of her success and who controlled her destiny from the start.

Person: Ellen Evangeline Hovick (June Havoc)
Date: December 29, 1928
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Event: Mother attempts to free daughter's husband from police custody

- Rose Thompson Hovick, June's mother, forged birth certificates to allow her daughters to perform in vaudeville.
- June Havoc's first performances were silent, with her mother manufacturing tears by telling her the dog had died.
- By her teenage years, June was known as Baby June, traveling the vaudeville circuit with a company of child performers.
- At approximately sixteen, June eloped with fellow performer Bobby Reed in November 1928.
- Rose discovered the elopement and confronted police in Topeka, Kansas, where Bobby Reed was under arrest.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>952falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-refusal-that-made-francis-ford-quit-and-toppled-her-credit-as-star--74591097
The refusal that made Francis Ford quit - and toppled her credit as star

This episode explores the extraordinary decade of Grace Cunard, a commercially powerful figure in early Hollywood. It delves into her journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a multi-talented force in the burgeoning film industry, and the forces that ultimately led to her disappearance from the credits.

Person: Grace Cunard
Born: April 8, 1893
Birthplace: Paris, France
Education: Eighth grade
Event: Refused reassignment at Bison Studio

- Harriet Mildred Jeffries, born in Paris, France, grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and finished formal schooling at age thirteen.
- At thirteen, she secured a title role in a stage production, marking her early entry into performance.
- She worked in stock companies and vaudeville before trying "canned drama" at Biograph Company.
- In 1912, she moved to California and was cast by Francis Ford in "Custer's Last Fight" at Bison Studio.
- Her refusal to be reassigned led to her firing, prompting Francis Ford to quit Bison and move his entire operation to Universal Pictures.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591097Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:27 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA grocery clerk's daughter from Ohio becomes an early Hollywood powerhouse, writing, directing, and starring in films. But the system that needed her more than she needed it changed its mind. The refusal that made Francis Ford quit - and toppled...
The refusal that made Francis Ford quit - and toppled her credit as star

This episode explores the extraordinary decade of Grace Cunard, a commercially powerful figure in early Hollywood. It delves into her journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a multi-talented force in the burgeoning film industry, and the forces that ultimately led to her disappearance from the credits.

Person: Grace Cunard
Born: April 8, 1893
Birthplace: Paris, France
Education: Eighth grade
Event: Refused reassignment at Bison Studio

- Harriet Mildred Jeffries, born in Paris, France, grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and finished formal schooling at age thirteen.
- At thirteen, she secured a title role in a stage production, marking her early entry into performance.
- She worked in stock companies and vaudeville before trying "canned drama" at Biograph Company.
- In 1912, she moved to California and was cast by Francis Ford in "Custer's Last Fight" at Bison Studio.
- Her refusal to be reassigned led to her firing, prompting Francis Ford to quit Bison and move his entire operation to Universal Pictures.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1055falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/loretta-young-s-secret-the-unspoken-truth-of-hollywood-s-golden-age--74591091
Loretta Young's Secret: The Unspoken Truth of Hollywood's Golden Age

This episode explores the life of Loretta Young, a Hollywood icon whose public image was meticulously crafted while she carried a profound personal secret. It delves into the industry's control over its stars and the hidden costs of fame.

Person: Loretta Young
Date: 1998
Event: Larry King Live broadcast
Location: Hollywood
Career: Actress

- Gretchen Michaela Young began appearing on screen at age three in 1916.
- Her stage name, Loretta, was suggested by actress Colleen Moore, who had a favorite doll by that name.
- By 1928, at age fifteen, Loretta Young was billed in a major production as the studio system tightened its control over stars' public lives.
- In 1935, while filming "The Call of the Wild" with Clark Gable, Young became pregnant.
- Young managed her pregnancy in secret, disappearing from public view and later presenting her daughter, Judith, as an adopted child.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591091Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:23 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTLoretta Young's secret life began to crack when her daughter's ears became a topic of conversation-what was she hiding? Loretta Young's Secret: The Unspoken Truth of Hollywood's Golden Age This episode explores the life of Loretta Young, a...
Loretta Young's Secret: The Unspoken Truth of Hollywood's Golden Age

This episode explores the life of Loretta Young, a Hollywood icon whose public image was meticulously crafted while she carried a profound personal secret. It delves into the industry's control over its stars and the hidden costs of fame.

Person: Loretta Young
Date: 1998
Event: Larry King Live broadcast
Location: Hollywood
Career: Actress

- Gretchen Michaela Young began appearing on screen at age three in 1916.
- Her stage name, Loretta, was suggested by actress Colleen Moore, who had a favorite doll by that name.
- By 1928, at age fifteen, Loretta Young was billed in a major production as the studio system tightened its control over stars' public lives.
- In 1935, while filming "The Call of the Wild" with Clark Gable, Young became pregnant.
- Young managed her pregnancy in secret, disappearing from public view and later presenting her daughter, Judith, as an adopted child.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>828falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-prop-tree-that-broke-her-back-grounded-a-career--74591088
A prop tree that broke her back grounded a career

This episode explores the life of a woman who built an enduring Hollywood career, facing numerous challenges and industry dismissals, and asks how someone could achieve so much and still wait decades for recognition.

Person: Harriette Arlene Lake (Ann Sothern)
Born: 1909
Location: North Dakota
Event: Academy Award nomination at 78
Career span: 60 years

- Harriette Lake's grandfathers included a Danish violinist and an engineer who designed early US Navy submarines.
- At six years old, she sustained severe burns from a fire, requiring six months of skin graft procedures.
- After MGM initially declined to renew her contract, she found success on Broadway with Florenz Ziegfeld.
- Columbia Pictures changed her name to Ann Sothern, a name that would later appear on two stars on Vine Street.
- She inherited the lead role of Maisie Ravier in 1939 after Jean Harlow's unexpected death.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591088Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:19 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Hollywood career spans six decades, yet a single Academy Award nomination arrives only at the very end. This is the story of an actress who gave everything to a system that barely acknowledged her. A prop tree that broke her back grounded a...
A prop tree that broke her back grounded a career

This episode explores the life of a woman who built an enduring Hollywood career, facing numerous challenges and industry dismissals, and asks how someone could achieve so much and still wait decades for recognition.

Person: Harriette Arlene Lake (Ann Sothern)
Born: 1909
Location: North Dakota
Event: Academy Award nomination at 78
Career span: 60 years

- Harriette Lake's grandfathers included a Danish violinist and an engineer who designed early US Navy submarines.
- At six years old, she sustained severe burns from a fire, requiring six months of skin graft procedures.
- After MGM initially declined to renew her contract, she found success on Broadway with Florenz Ziegfeld.
- Columbia Pictures changed her name to Ann Sothern, a name that would later appear on two stars on Vine Street.
- She inherited the lead role of Maisie Ravier in 1939 after Jean Harlow's unexpected death.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>949falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-22-rifle-that-discharged-and-turned-her-life-upside-down--74591084
The .22 rifle that discharged and turned her life upside down

This episode explores the life of Suzanne Carnahan, who became the Oscar-nominated actress Susan Peters, tracing her path from a difficult childhood to Hollywood stardom. It examines how a single, unforeseen event reshaped her existence and the studio's response to her changed circumstances.

Person: Susan Peters (Suzanne Carnahan)
Date: October 23, 1952
Location: Visalia, California
Status: Deceased
Event: Accidental rifle discharge

- Suzanne Carnahan was born in Spokane, Washington, and experienced early hardship after her father's death, leading her family to move frequently.
- She worked various jobs, including training horses, to help her family financially, stating that acting was chosen for money.
- After graduating from Hollywood High, she attended the Max Reinhardt School of Dramatic Arts, where she was scouted by MGM.
- George Cukor mentored her after she fainted on her first film set, comparing her to Katharine Hepburn.
- By January 1944, at age 22, she was an Oscar-nominated star, photographed in the front row with Louis B. Mayer and other MGM stars.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591084Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:15 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Hollywood star, nominated for an Oscar, finds her life irrevocably altered by a .22 rifle accident. Her journey from fame to a hospital bed reveals the fragility of dreams. The .22 rifle that discharged and turned her life upside down This...
The .22 rifle that discharged and turned her life upside down

This episode explores the life of Suzanne Carnahan, who became the Oscar-nominated actress Susan Peters, tracing her path from a difficult childhood to Hollywood stardom. It examines how a single, unforeseen event reshaped her existence and the studio's response to her changed circumstances.

Person: Susan Peters (Suzanne Carnahan)
Date: October 23, 1952
Location: Visalia, California
Status: Deceased
Event: Accidental rifle discharge

- Suzanne Carnahan was born in Spokane, Washington, and experienced early hardship after her father's death, leading her family to move frequently.
- She worked various jobs, including training horses, to help her family financially, stating that acting was chosen for money.
- After graduating from Hollywood High, she attended the Max Reinhardt School of Dramatic Arts, where she was scouted by MGM.
- George Cukor mentored her after she fainted on her first film set, comparing her to Katharine Hepburn.
- By January 1944, at age 22, she was an Oscar-nominated star, photographed in the front row with Louis B. Mayer and other MGM stars.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>885falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-unlocked-door-that-shattered-an-oscar-dream--74591081
The unlocked door that shattered an Oscar dream

This episode explores the life of Sarah Miles, an actress who achieved significant success in British cinema. It delves into the circumstances surrounding a mysterious death in her motel room and the lasting impact it had on her career and public perception.

Person: Sarah Miles
Date: February 11, 1973
Location: Gila Bend, Arizona
Status: No charges filed, no official verdict

- Sarah Miles was born illegitimate in post-war England, a second cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Despite a childhood stammer and dyslexia, she was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and graduated in 1960.
- At 20, she received a BAFTA nomination for Best Newcomer for her role opposite Laurence Olivier in "Term of Trial."
- She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Newcomer in 1970 for her role as Rosy Ryan in David Lean's "Ryan's Daughter."
- In 1973, while filming "The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing," a man named David Lean was found dead in her motel room.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591081Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:13 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTAn Oscar-nominated actress finds a man dead in her Arizona motel room, sparking a public frenzy over whether it was murder or suicide. The unlocked door that shattered an Oscar dream This episode explores the life of Sarah Miles, an actress who...
The unlocked door that shattered an Oscar dream

This episode explores the life of Sarah Miles, an actress who achieved significant success in British cinema. It delves into the circumstances surrounding a mysterious death in her motel room and the lasting impact it had on her career and public perception.

Person: Sarah Miles
Date: February 11, 1973
Location: Gila Bend, Arizona
Status: No charges filed, no official verdict

- Sarah Miles was born illegitimate in post-war England, a second cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Despite a childhood stammer and dyslexia, she was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and graduated in 1960.
- At 20, she received a BAFTA nomination for Best Newcomer for her role opposite Laurence Olivier in "Term of Trial."
- She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Newcomer in 1970 for her role as Rosy Ryan in David Lean's "Ryan's Daughter."
- In 1973, while filming "The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing," a man named David Lean was found dead in her motel room.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>683falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-limerick-that-defined-a-career-then-watched-it-disappear--74591077
The limerick that defined a career, then watched it disappear

This episode explores the career of Patric Knowles, an actor with over one hundred film credits, who found himself consistently recognized just slightly off-center from his ambitions. It delves into the distance between his aspirations and the industry's perception of him.

Person: Patric Knowles
Date: 1960
Location: Hollywood
Status: Walk of Fame star (television)
Topic: Acting career

- Reginald Lawrence Knowles changed his first name to Patric, with one 'k', to acknowledge his Irish ancestry before reaching Hollywood.
- His early film career in Britain included fourteen films over three years, working with director Michael Powell.
- Patric Knowles married Gladys Enid Percival in 1935, a relationship that endured despite the pressures of the film industry.
- An executive from Warner Bros. noticed Knowles performing in a London stage production, leading to a contract with the Hollywood studio.
- Warner Bros. cast Knowles as Errol Flynn's younger brother in "The Charge of the Light Brigade" in 1936, establishing a pattern of secondary roles.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591077Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:07 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA British actor arrives in Hollywood, poised for stardom, but a circulating limerick about his acting ability threatens to define his entire career. The limerick that defined a career, then watched it disappear This episode explores the career...
The limerick that defined a career, then watched it disappear

This episode explores the career of Patric Knowles, an actor with over one hundred film credits, who found himself consistently recognized just slightly off-center from his ambitions. It delves into the distance between his aspirations and the industry's perception of him.

Person: Patric Knowles
Date: 1960
Location: Hollywood
Status: Walk of Fame star (television)
Topic: Acting career

- Reginald Lawrence Knowles changed his first name to Patric, with one 'k', to acknowledge his Irish ancestry before reaching Hollywood.
- His early film career in Britain included fourteen films over three years, working with director Michael Powell.
- Patric Knowles married Gladys Enid Percival in 1935, a relationship that endured despite the pressures of the film industry.
- An executive from Warner Bros. noticed Knowles performing in a London stage production, leading to a contract with the Hollywood studio.
- Warner Bros. cast Knowles as Errol Flynn's younger brother in "The Charge of the Light Brigade" in 1936, establishing a pattern of secondary roles.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>680falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-tin-can-he-held-that-made-him-step-off-a-film-set--74591072
The tin can he held that made him step off a film set

This episode explores the early career of actor Neil Hamilton, from his beginnings as a model to his rise as a silent film star. It delves into the choices he made and the events that shaped his path, leading to a surprising moment of compassion on a film set.

Person: Neil Hamilton
Date: 1926
Location: Germany
Event: Collecting coins for an injured soldier
Status: Silent film star

- Neil Hamilton began his career modeling dress shirts before moving into stock theater.
- His first film, "The Beloved Impostor," was made in 1918 for Vitagraph.
- In 1924, while filming "America," Hamilton and Charles Emmett Mack collected coins for an extra who lost an arm in an accident.
- Paramount signed Hamilton in the mid-1920s, leading to roles in "Beau Geste" and as Nick Carraway in the lost film of "The Great Gatsby."
- By the early 1930s, Hamilton received top billing in films like "Tarzan the Ape Man" and "Laughing Sinners," appearing above Clark Gable.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591072Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:23:03 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA silent film star's career takes an unexpected turn when a tin can, collecting coins for an injured extra, becomes a pivotal moment. This act of kindness sets the stage for a Hollywood journey filled with unseen challenges. The tin can he held...
The tin can he held that made him step off a film set

This episode explores the early career of actor Neil Hamilton, from his beginnings as a model to his rise as a silent film star. It delves into the choices he made and the events that shaped his path, leading to a surprising moment of compassion on a film set.

Person: Neil Hamilton
Date: 1926
Location: Germany
Event: Collecting coins for an injured soldier
Status: Silent film star

- Neil Hamilton began his career modeling dress shirts before moving into stock theater.
- His first film, "The Beloved Impostor," was made in 1918 for Vitagraph.
- In 1924, while filming "America," Hamilton and Charles Emmett Mack collected coins for an extra who lost an arm in an accident.
- Paramount signed Hamilton in the mid-1920s, leading to roles in "Beau Geste" and as Nick Carraway in the lost film of "The Great Gatsby."
- By the early 1930s, Hamilton received top billing in films like "Tarzan the Ape Man" and "Laughing Sinners," appearing above Clark Gable.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>857falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-paperwork-that-freed-a-star-and-ended-a-career--74591069
The Paperwork That Freed a Star and Ended a Career

This episode explores the life of Deanna Durbin, a celebrated actress who vanished from the public eye. It delves into the circumstances that led to her extraordinary retirement and the enduring mystery of her identity.

Person: Deanna Durbin
Date: 1946
Location: United States
Status: Second-highest-paid woman
Event: Retirement

- Deanna Durbin was a major stockholder in Universal Pictures, the studio that owned her image.
- At 27, Edna Mae Durbin, known as Deanna Durbin, received a $200,000 severance check and moved to Paris.
- She gave only one interview in 64 years of retirement, to journalist David Shipman in 1983.
- MGM initially signed Edna Mae Durbin but her contract option expired, making her free before Universal Pictures signed her.
- Universal Pictures changed her first name to Deanna when she was 14 years old.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591069Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:59 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTAt the height of her fame, Hollywood star Deanna Durbin vanished-what was her true identity? The Paperwork That Freed a Star and Ended a Career This episode explores the life of Deanna Durbin, a celebrated actress who vanished from the public...
The Paperwork That Freed a Star and Ended a Career

This episode explores the life of Deanna Durbin, a celebrated actress who vanished from the public eye. It delves into the circumstances that led to her extraordinary retirement and the enduring mystery of her identity.

Person: Deanna Durbin
Date: 1946
Location: United States
Status: Second-highest-paid woman
Event: Retirement

- Deanna Durbin was a major stockholder in Universal Pictures, the studio that owned her image.
- At 27, Edna Mae Durbin, known as Deanna Durbin, received a $200,000 severance check and moved to Paris.
- She gave only one interview in 64 years of retirement, to journalist David Shipman in 1983.
- MGM initially signed Edna Mae Durbin but her contract option expired, making her free before Universal Pictures signed her.
- Universal Pictures changed her first name to Deanna when she was 14 years old.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>915falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-mirror-room-hollywood-s-secret-price-of-survival--74591066
The Mirror Room: Hollywood's Secret Price of Survival

This episode explores the early life and career of Leslie Caron, from her childhood in occupied Paris to her unexpected discovery by Hollywood. It delves into the complex motivations and pressures that shaped her path to stardom.

Person: Leslie Caron
Date: July 1, 1931 (birth)
Location: Boulogne-sur-Seine, France
Film: An American in Paris
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

- Leslie Caron was born to a French chemist father and an American former Broadway dancer mother, who held conflicting visions for her future.
- Her mother, Margaret, saw ballet as the only path to marrying money and becoming a "princess or duchess."
- Leslie joined the Ballet des Champs-Élysées and later Roland Petit's company in occupied Paris, developing discipline from a chaotic home life.
- Gene Kelly discovered Leslie Caron dancing in Paris in 1950, noting her stillness between movements.
- At 19, Leslie Caron signed a seven-year contract with MGM, despite having no acting experience or spoken dialogue on stage.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591066Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:56 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA malnourished dancer from Paris is discovered by Hollywood - can she survive when glamour demands the highest cost? The Mirror Room: Hollywood's Secret Price of Survival This episode explores the early life and career of Leslie Caron, from her...
The Mirror Room: Hollywood's Secret Price of Survival

This episode explores the early life and career of Leslie Caron, from her childhood in occupied Paris to her unexpected discovery by Hollywood. It delves into the complex motivations and pressures that shaped her path to stardom.

Person: Leslie Caron
Date: July 1, 1931 (birth)
Location: Boulogne-sur-Seine, France
Film: An American in Paris
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

- Leslie Caron was born to a French chemist father and an American former Broadway dancer mother, who held conflicting visions for her future.
- Her mother, Margaret, saw ballet as the only path to marrying money and becoming a "princess or duchess."
- Leslie joined the Ballet des Champs-Élysées and later Roland Petit's company in occupied Paris, developing discipline from a chaotic home life.
- Gene Kelly discovered Leslie Caron dancing in Paris in 1950, noting her stillness between movements.
- At 19, Leslie Caron signed a seven-year contract with MGM, despite having no acting experience or spoken dialogue on stage.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1062falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-offhand-joke-at-the-radio-mic-cost-her-the-stardom-she-d-built--74591064
The offhand joke at the radio mic cost her the stardom she'd built

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591064Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:51 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTNo description available. The offhand joke at the radio mic cost her the stardom she'd built
The offhand joke at the radio mic cost her the stardom she'd built

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>772falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-contract-he-walked-from-set-his-burgtheater-fall--74591055
The contract he walked from set his Burgtheater fall

This episode explores the extraordinary life of Arnold Korff, a man who built a world-class acting career entirely on nerve and observation, despite never receiving formal training. It delves into the unexpected turns that shaped his path and the quiet battle he fought against the one wall he could never quite climb over.

Person: Arnold Korff (born Arnold Korff)
Date of birth: August 2, 1870
Place of birth: Vienna
First performance: 1892, Denver, Colorado
Theater: Burgtheater

- Arnold Korff, born in Vienna with American citizenship, trained as a mechanical engineer at Technische Hochschule Wien.
- At 18, he sailed to America, ending up working on a cattle ranch in Kansas and Colorado instead of an engineering office.
- In 1892, at 21, he performed for the first time in a play called Comrades in Denver, Colorado, with no prior acting lessons.
- He moved to Europe in 1894, performing in minor theaters in what is now the Czech Republic and Croatia, learning by doing.
- By 1897, performing as Arnold Korff, he secured a three-year contract at the Carltheater in Vienna but left after two years.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591055Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:47 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Viennese engineer abandons his clear path to become a cowboy, then an actor, defying all norms to reach the Burgtheater stage. How does one rise so high without credentials? The contract he walked from set his Burgtheater fall This episode...
The contract he walked from set his Burgtheater fall

This episode explores the extraordinary life of Arnold Korff, a man who built a world-class acting career entirely on nerve and observation, despite never receiving formal training. It delves into the unexpected turns that shaped his path and the quiet battle he fought against the one wall he could never quite climb over.

Person: Arnold Korff (born Arnold Korff)
Date of birth: August 2, 1870
Place of birth: Vienna
First performance: 1892, Denver, Colorado
Theater: Burgtheater

- Arnold Korff, born in Vienna with American citizenship, trained as a mechanical engineer at Technische Hochschule Wien.
- At 18, he sailed to America, ending up working on a cattle ranch in Kansas and Colorado instead of an engineering office.
- In 1892, at 21, he performed for the first time in a play called Comrades in Denver, Colorado, with no prior acting lessons.
- He moved to Europe in 1894, performing in minor theaters in what is now the Czech Republic and Croatia, learning by doing.
- By 1897, performing as Arnold Korff, he secured a three-year contract at the Carltheater in Vienna but left after two years.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>839falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-wig-he-removed-at-curtain-that-made-the-applause-ask-its-question--74591050
The wig he removed at curtain that made the applause ask its question

This episode explores the life and career of Julian Eltinge, a performer who achieved immense success impersonating women on stage. It delves into the unique challenges and societal expectations he faced as he navigated the entertainment world.

Person: Julian Eltinge (William Julian Dalton)
Born: May 14, 1881
Birthplace: Newtonville, Massachusetts
Broadway Debut: September 1904
Peak Salary: $3,500 a week (by 1918)

- William Julian Dalton began performing female roles at age ten in Boston, with audiences responding with fascination rather than laughter.
- His father, Michael Joseph Dalton, reacted to his son's performances in saloons by striking him and sending him back east.
- William studied textile construction and dance, skills that became integral to his stage persona.
- He made his Broadway debut as Julian Eltinge, a name chosen for its ambiguity, in the production "Mr. Wix of Wickham."
- Julian Eltinge's signature act involved removing his wig at the end of each performance, a gesture that simultaneously showcased his craft and highlighted the completeness of his illusion.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591050Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:43 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA performer becomes a Broadway sensation for his convincing portrayal of women, but his greatest illusion hides a truth that could unravel his career. The wig he removed at curtain that made the applause ask its question This episode explores...
The wig he removed at curtain that made the applause ask its question

This episode explores the life and career of Julian Eltinge, a performer who achieved immense success impersonating women on stage. It delves into the unique challenges and societal expectations he faced as he navigated the entertainment world.

Person: Julian Eltinge (William Julian Dalton)
Born: May 14, 1881
Birthplace: Newtonville, Massachusetts
Broadway Debut: September 1904
Peak Salary: $3,500 a week (by 1918)

- William Julian Dalton began performing female roles at age ten in Boston, with audiences responding with fascination rather than laughter.
- His father, Michael Joseph Dalton, reacted to his son's performances in saloons by striking him and sending him back east.
- William studied textile construction and dance, skills that became integral to his stage persona.
- He made his Broadway debut as Julian Eltinge, a name chosen for its ambiguity, in the production "Mr. Wix of Wickham."
- Julian Eltinge's signature act involved removing his wig at the end of each performance, a gesture that simultaneously showcased his craft and highlighted the completeness of his illusion.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>781falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-single-sentence-that-erased-the-king-of-the-movies--74591047
The single sentence that erased the King of the Movies

This episode explores the rise and fall of King Baggot, the first movie star whose name appeared above a film's title. It delves into the system he helped create and what happens when that system no longer needs its pioneers.

Person: King Baggot
Date: March 1, 1946
Publication: Los Angeles Times
Status: Working as an extra
Industry: Motion pictures

- King Baggot was the first man in motion picture history to have his name placed above a film's title, appearing in over 300 pictures and directing 45.
- Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1879, Baggot left home at 14 for ambition, working as a clerk before pursuing a career on stage.
- In 1909, he met director Harry Solter and began his film career with The Awakening of Bess, co-starring Florence Lawrence, whose name was revealed in a publicity stunt.
- Carl Laemmle's stunt with Florence Lawrence proved audiences watched specific people, not just movies, leading to Baggot's name appearing on marquees.
- By 1912, Baggot was the first president of the Screen Club of New York, an organization for motion picture professionals, and by 1913, he played every character in a film.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591047Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:39 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Los Angeles Times sentence erases the King of the Movies, a man who built the industry. How does a titan fall so far? The single sentence that erased the King of the Movies This episode explores the rise and fall of King Baggot, the first...
The single sentence that erased the King of the Movies

This episode explores the rise and fall of King Baggot, the first movie star whose name appeared above a film's title. It delves into the system he helped create and what happens when that system no longer needs its pioneers.

Person: King Baggot
Date: March 1, 1946
Publication: Los Angeles Times
Status: Working as an extra
Industry: Motion pictures

- King Baggot was the first man in motion picture history to have his name placed above a film's title, appearing in over 300 pictures and directing 45.
- Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1879, Baggot left home at 14 for ambition, working as a clerk before pursuing a career on stage.
- In 1909, he met director Harry Solter and began his film career with The Awakening of Bess, co-starring Florence Lawrence, whose name was revealed in a publicity stunt.
- Carl Laemmle's stunt with Florence Lawrence proved audiences watched specific people, not just movies, leading to Baggot's name appearing on marquees.
- By 1912, Baggot was the first president of the Screen Club of New York, an organization for motion picture professionals, and by 1913, he played every character in a film.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>869falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-haynes-she-bought-a-month-early-that-sped-her-from-star-to-silence--74591043
The Haynes she bought a month early that sped her from star to silence

In this episode, we trace Cleo Madison’s meteoric twelve‑month run directing eighteen films and the personal choices that shaped her rise. We map her path from Lulu Bailey in Illinois to a leading force at Universal and ask what made her stop at her peak.

Person: Cleo Madison (born Lulu Bailey)
Date: born March 26, 1883
Location: Bloomington, Illinois; Los Angeles, California
Event: Directed 18 films in 12 months (1915-1916)
Detail: Purchased a 1915 Haynes automobile one month before release

- Left Illinois State Normal University, moved to Los Angeles and worked onstage at the Burbank Theatre and the Belasco
- Cast in her first lead in March 1912 for When We Were Twenty-One on a touring production in Phoenix, Arizona
- Signed by Universal by 1913 and performed three roles in the 15‑episode serial The Trey o' Hearts (1914)
- In December 1914 bought a 1915 Haynes automobile one month early, a sign of acting ahead of offers
- Lived with and cared for her sister Helen (called Sunshine), who had used a wheelchair since about 1908

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591043Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:35 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA rising Hollywood director buys a 1915 Haynes and, at the peak of her power, walks away-how do you fall from that high? The Haynes she bought a month early that sped her from star to silence In this episode, we trace Cleo Madison’s meteoric...
The Haynes she bought a month early that sped her from star to silence

In this episode, we trace Cleo Madison’s meteoric twelve‑month run directing eighteen films and the personal choices that shaped her rise. We map her path from Lulu Bailey in Illinois to a leading force at Universal and ask what made her stop at her peak.

Person: Cleo Madison (born Lulu Bailey)
Date: born March 26, 1883
Location: Bloomington, Illinois; Los Angeles, California
Event: Directed 18 films in 12 months (1915-1916)
Detail: Purchased a 1915 Haynes automobile one month before release

- Left Illinois State Normal University, moved to Los Angeles and worked onstage at the Burbank Theatre and the Belasco
- Cast in her first lead in March 1912 for When We Were Twenty-One on a touring production in Phoenix, Arizona
- Signed by Universal by 1913 and performed three roles in the 15‑episode serial The Trey o' Hearts (1914)
- In December 1914 bought a 1915 Haynes automobile one month early, a sign of acting ahead of offers
- Lived with and cared for her sister Helen (called Sunshine), who had used a wheelchair since about 1908

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>666falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-night-she-filled-in-for-rioton-that-made-paris-forget-her-fall--74591036
The night she filled in for Rioton that made Paris forget her fall

This episode explores the life of Mary Garden, a soprano who rose to fame in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into her unexpected debut and the unique qualities that defined her career.

Person: Mary Garden
Date: April 10, 1900
Location: Paris, France
Event: Opera debut

- Mary Garden was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1874 and emigrated to the United States at age nine.
- David and Florence Mayer, Chicago patrons, funded her vocal training from 1896 to 1899, sending her to Paris.
- In Paris, American soprano Sibyl Sanderson introduced Garden to Jules Massenet and Albert Carré, director of the Opéra-Comique.
- Carré offered Garden a contract in 1900, but she had not yet performed publicly when Marthe Rioton's voice failed during an opera.
- Garden, who had rehearsed the role of Louise, stepped onto the stage and completed the performance, captivating the audience.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591036Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:31 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA young Scottish soprano, an opera house in Paris, and a voice that suddenly gives out. Her big break is a high-wire act. The night she filled in for Rioton that made Paris forget her fall This episode explores the life of Mary Garden, a soprano...
The night she filled in for Rioton that made Paris forget her fall

This episode explores the life of Mary Garden, a soprano who rose to fame in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into her unexpected debut and the unique qualities that defined her career.

Person: Mary Garden
Date: April 10, 1900
Location: Paris, France
Event: Opera debut

- Mary Garden was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1874 and emigrated to the United States at age nine.
- David and Florence Mayer, Chicago patrons, funded her vocal training from 1896 to 1899, sending her to Paris.
- In Paris, American soprano Sibyl Sanderson introduced Garden to Jules Massenet and Albert Carré, director of the Opéra-Comique.
- Carré offered Garden a contract in 1900, but she had not yet performed publicly when Marthe Rioton's voice failed during an opera.
- Garden, who had rehearsed the role of Louise, stepped onto the stage and completed the performance, captivating the audience.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>962falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-unproduced-screenplay-grounded-a-career--74591032
The unproduced screenplay grounded a career

This episode explores the early life and career of Miriam Battista, a child actress who achieved significant recognition but faced an industry that often overlooked her contributions. It raises the question of how such talent could become invisible.

Person: Miriam Battista
Date: July 14, 1912
Location: New York City
Event: Sleepy Hollow closed
Status: Unproduced screenplay

- Miriam Battista first performed on a Broadway stage at four years old, often uncredited.
- She appeared in films like "Blazing Love" and "Eye for Eye," receiving her first screen credit at six.
- At eight, she was praised by Elinor Glyn, who wrote a screenplay specifically for her that was never produced.
- The industry altered her birth year from 1912 to 1914 without her consent.
- After her mother's death at age eleven, her career went silent for seven years before she returned to Italian-language films.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591032Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:27 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA child actress hailed as a genius watches her custom screenplay vanish-what happens to the girl who once lit up Hollywood? The unproduced screenplay grounded a career This episode explores the early life and career of Miriam Battista, a child...
The unproduced screenplay grounded a career

This episode explores the early life and career of Miriam Battista, a child actress who achieved significant recognition but faced an industry that often overlooked her contributions. It raises the question of how such talent could become invisible.

Person: Miriam Battista
Date: July 14, 1912
Location: New York City
Event: Sleepy Hollow closed
Status: Unproduced screenplay

- Miriam Battista first performed on a Broadway stage at four years old, often uncredited.
- She appeared in films like "Blazing Love" and "Eye for Eye," receiving her first screen credit at six.
- At eight, she was praised by Elinor Glyn, who wrote a screenplay specifically for her that was never produced.
- The industry altered her birth year from 1912 to 1914 without her consent.
- After her mother's death at age eleven, her career went silent for seven years before she returned to Italian-language films.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>802falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-shattered-teacup-that-signaled-spencer-tracy-s-final-fall--74591031
The shattered teacup that signaled Spencer Tracy's final fall

This episode explores the life of Spencer Tracy, a man who achieved unparalleled success in Hollywood but struggled with deep personal turmoil. What was the true cost of his fame and the secrets he kept?

Person: Spencer Tracy
Date: June 10, 1967
Location: Beverly Hills
Age: 67 years old
Profession: Actor

- Spencer Tracy finished the most commercially successful film of his career shortly before his death.
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer issued a false statement about the circumstances of his death.
- Tracy won more consecutive Academy Awards than any other actor in history.
- He spent the last 26 years of his life unable to fully inhabit his marriage, love, and faith.
- His son's deafness led Tracy to a theological interpretation of punishment for his own sins.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591031Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:24 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA teacup shatters in Beverly Hills, revealing a Hollywood icon's death. His studio lies, hiding the truth of Spencer Tracy's final moments. The shattered teacup that signaled Spencer Tracy's final fall This episode explores the life of Spencer...
The shattered teacup that signaled Spencer Tracy's final fall

This episode explores the life of Spencer Tracy, a man who achieved unparalleled success in Hollywood but struggled with deep personal turmoil. What was the true cost of his fame and the secrets he kept?

Person: Spencer Tracy
Date: June 10, 1967
Location: Beverly Hills
Age: 67 years old
Profession: Actor

- Spencer Tracy finished the most commercially successful film of his career shortly before his death.
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer issued a false statement about the circumstances of his death.
- Tracy won more consecutive Academy Awards than any other actor in history.
- He spent the last 26 years of his life unable to fully inhabit his marriage, love, and faith.
- His son's deafness led Tracy to a theological interpretation of punishment for his own sins.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1064falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-two-years-she-subtracted-sank-her-public-image--74591027
The Two Years She Subtracted Sank Her Public Image

This episode explores the early life of Nancy Reagan, born Anne Frances Robbins, and the choices that shaped her public persona. It delves into her childhood, her relationship with her parents, and the pivotal moments that led her to Hollywood and eventually to Ronald Reagan.

Person: Nancy Reagan (born Anne Frances Robbins)
Date: July 6, 1921
Location: Manhattan
Event: Adoption by Loyal Davis
Status: Actress

- Nancy Reagan subtracted two years from her birth year, telling people she was born in 1923 instead of 1921.
- Her mother, Edith Luckett, was an actress whose career required constant movement and left little room for a child.
- At age thirteen, Nancy was adopted by her stepfather, Loyal Davis, a neurosurgeon, and absorbed his politics and discipline.
- She graduated from Smith College in 1943 with a theater degree and moved to Los Angeles for a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1949.
- Nancy Davis met Ronald Reagan on November 15, 1949, at a dinner arranged by the president of the Screen Actors Guild.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591027Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:18 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA First Lady's lavish spending on White House china clashes with proposed school lunch cuts, sparking a public image crisis. How did she fall from that high? The Two Years She Subtracted Sank Her Public Image This episode explores the early life...
The Two Years She Subtracted Sank Her Public Image

This episode explores the early life of Nancy Reagan, born Anne Frances Robbins, and the choices that shaped her public persona. It delves into her childhood, her relationship with her parents, and the pivotal moments that led her to Hollywood and eventually to Ronald Reagan.

Person: Nancy Reagan (born Anne Frances Robbins)
Date: July 6, 1921
Location: Manhattan
Event: Adoption by Loyal Davis
Status: Actress

- Nancy Reagan subtracted two years from her birth year, telling people she was born in 1923 instead of 1921.
- Her mother, Edith Luckett, was an actress whose career required constant movement and left little room for a child.
- At age thirteen, Nancy was adopted by her stepfather, Loyal Davis, a neurosurgeon, and absorbed his politics and discipline.
- She graduated from Smith College in 1943 with a theater degree and moved to Los Angeles for a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1949.
- Nancy Davis met Ronald Reagan on November 15, 1949, at a dinner arranged by the president of the Screen Actors Guild.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1083falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-husband-who-told-her-to-quit-mgm-and-cost-her-hollywood--74591024
The husband who told her to quit MGM and cost her Hollywood

This episode explores the life of Mae Murray, a celebrated silent film actress whose career and fortune unraveled over nearly four decades. It examines the decisions and relationships that led to her dramatic fall from the pinnacle of Hollywood.

Person: Mae Murray (Marie Adrienne Koenig)
Date: February 19, 1964
Location: St. Louis
Status: Disoriented and alone
Film: The Merry Widow

- Marie Adrienne Koenig was born in New York City in 1885 and began her career as a dancer, headlining the Ziegfeld Follies by 1915.
- She transitioned to film in 1916 and co-founded an independent production company with her third husband, director Robert Z. Leonard.
- By 1925, Murray was at the peak of her career, starring in "The Merry Widow," which critics hailed as one of the finest silent films.
- In 1926, she married David Mdivani, who quickly took over as her manager, despite her previous experience in institutional authority.
- In 1927, a lawsuit for unpaid fees from her masseuse signaled financial difficulties, followed by Mdivani advising her to leave MGM.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591024Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:13 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA silent film star is found wandering St. Louis, disoriented and alone, searching for a bus ticket that has been disappearing for decades. How did the "Girl with the Bee-Stung Lips" lose everything? The husband who told her to quit MGM and cost her...
The husband who told her to quit MGM and cost her Hollywood

This episode explores the life of Mae Murray, a celebrated silent film actress whose career and fortune unraveled over nearly four decades. It examines the decisions and relationships that led to her dramatic fall from the pinnacle of Hollywood.

Person: Mae Murray (Marie Adrienne Koenig)
Date: February 19, 1964
Location: St. Louis
Status: Disoriented and alone
Film: The Merry Widow

- Marie Adrienne Koenig was born in New York City in 1885 and began her career as a dancer, headlining the Ziegfeld Follies by 1915.
- She transitioned to film in 1916 and co-founded an independent production company with her third husband, director Robert Z. Leonard.
- By 1925, Murray was at the peak of her career, starring in "The Merry Widow," which critics hailed as one of the finest silent films.
- In 1926, she married David Mdivani, who quickly took over as her manager, despite her previous experience in institutional authority.
- In 1927, a lawsuit for unpaid fees from her masseuse signaled financial difficulties, followed by Mdivani advising her to leave MGM.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>894falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/okinawa-s-secret-the-hollywood-star-who-filmed-hell--74591020
Okinawa's Secret: The Hollywood Star Who Filmed Hell

This episode tells the story of William Lundigan, a Hollywood actor whose career was shaped by his experiences as a combat cameraman in the Pacific theater during World War II. It explores the challenges he faced in an industry that struggled to classify him after his wartime service.

Person: William Lundigan
Date: 1945
Location: Okinawa
Status: Combat cameraman
Career: Actor

- William Lundigan was born in 1914 and began his career in radio dramas at WFBL in Syracuse, New York, while still in high school.
- He earned a law degree from Syracuse University in 1936 but was signed by Universal Pictures in 1937 after a producer heard him on the radio.
- After initial roles at Universal and Warner Bros., he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.
- Lundigan served as a combat cameraman, filming battles at Peleliu and Okinawa, where he was wounded.
- Upon his return to Hollywood in 1947, he was offered supporting roles, despite his wartime experiences and previous career trajectory.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591020Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:09 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Hollywood actor filmed the worst of WWII in Okinawa and returned a changed combat vet - what did the film industry do with him? Okinawa's Secret: The Hollywood Star Who Filmed Hell This episode tells the story of William Lundigan, a Hollywood...
Okinawa's Secret: The Hollywood Star Who Filmed Hell

This episode tells the story of William Lundigan, a Hollywood actor whose career was shaped by his experiences as a combat cameraman in the Pacific theater during World War II. It explores the challenges he faced in an industry that struggled to classify him after his wartime service.

Person: William Lundigan
Date: 1945
Location: Okinawa
Status: Combat cameraman
Career: Actor

- William Lundigan was born in 1914 and began his career in radio dramas at WFBL in Syracuse, New York, while still in high school.
- He earned a law degree from Syracuse University in 1936 but was signed by Universal Pictures in 1937 after a producer heard him on the radio.
- After initial roles at Universal and Warner Bros., he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.
- Lundigan served as a combat cameraman, filming battles at Peleliu and Okinawa, where he was wounded.
- Upon his return to Hollywood in 1947, he was offered supporting roles, despite his wartime experiences and previous career trajectory.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>768falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-girl-barred-from-the-audience-ended-up-with-her-name-on-the-building--74591017
The girl barred from the audience ended up with her name on the building

This episode explores the journey of a performer who started in a segregated club and eventually had a Broadway theater named after her. It asks what it cost to navigate a system designed to make her invisible.

Person: Lena Horne
Club: Cotton Club
Year: 1934
Studio: MGM
Record: 333 Broadway performances

- Lena Horne joined the Cotton Club chorus line at sixteen, a venue where Black performers entertained exclusively white audiences.
- The Cotton Club was one of the few places a young Black performer could build a professional reputation, despite its discriminatory policies.
- MGM signed Horne in 1942, making her the first Black performer with a long-term studio contract in Hollywood.
- Her scenes in MGM films were designed to be easily removed by Southern theater owners without disrupting the narrative.
- Horne recorded songs for the role of Julie in "Show Boat" as reference for other performers, but the role ultimately went to a white actress.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591017Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:07 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA teenage girl sings for strangers in a velvet-roped room where she is barred from the audience. This is the story of a Broadway legend. The girl barred from the audience ended up with her name on the building This episode explores the journey...
The girl barred from the audience ended up with her name on the building

This episode explores the journey of a performer who started in a segregated club and eventually had a Broadway theater named after her. It asks what it cost to navigate a system designed to make her invisible.

Person: Lena Horne
Club: Cotton Club
Year: 1934
Studio: MGM
Record: 333 Broadway performances

- Lena Horne joined the Cotton Club chorus line at sixteen, a venue where Black performers entertained exclusively white audiences.
- The Cotton Club was one of the few places a young Black performer could build a professional reputation, despite its discriminatory policies.
- MGM signed Horne in 1942, making her the first Black performer with a long-term studio contract in Hollywood.
- Her scenes in MGM films were designed to be easily removed by Southern theater owners without disrupting the narrative.
- Horne recorded songs for the role of Julie in "Show Boat" as reference for other performers, but the role ultimately went to a white actress.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>981falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-photograph-in-the-window-launched-her-contract-and-erased-her-voice--74591009
The photograph in the window launched her contract - and erased her voice

This episode explores the unlikely beginnings of a Hollywood legend, tracing her journey from a humble farming settlement to the studio system. It reveals how a single image led to a career that demanded the erasure of her origins.

Person: Ava Lavinia Gardner
Date: Summer 1940
Location: New York City
Event: Photograph displayed in studio window
Studio: MGM

- A photograph intended as a gift for a mother in North Carolina was displayed in a Fifth Avenue studio window.
- A man named Barnard Duhan, a legal employee of Loews Theatres, presented himself as an MGM talent representative.
- Duhan persuaded Gardner's brother-in-law, the photographer, to pass her contact information to MGM.
- MGM's talent department head, Al Altman, conducted a screen test but did not record Gardner's voice due to her accent.
- Louis B. Mayer reportedly sent a telegram stating, "she can't sing, she can't act, she can't talk - she's terrific," leading to a contract offer.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591009Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:22:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA photograph of a young woman in a New York studio window catches the eye of a man who claims to represent MGM. This chance encounter launches her into Hollywood, but at what cost to her identity? The photograph in the window launched her contract...
The photograph in the window launched her contract - and erased her voice

This episode explores the unlikely beginnings of a Hollywood legend, tracing her journey from a humble farming settlement to the studio system. It reveals how a single image led to a career that demanded the erasure of her origins.

Person: Ava Lavinia Gardner
Date: Summer 1940
Location: New York City
Event: Photograph displayed in studio window
Studio: MGM

- A photograph intended as a gift for a mother in North Carolina was displayed in a Fifth Avenue studio window.
- A man named Barnard Duhan, a legal employee of Loews Theatres, presented himself as an MGM talent representative.
- Duhan persuaded Gardner's brother-in-law, the photographer, to pass her contact information to MGM.
- MGM's talent department head, Al Altman, conducted a screen test but did not record Gardner's voice due to her accent.
- Louis B. Mayer reportedly sent a telegram stating, "she can't sing, she can't act, she can't talk - she's terrific," leading to a contract offer.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>938falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/welles-s-words-you-ll-never-make-it-how-a-star-fell-from-the-top--74591005
Welles's Words: "You'll Never Make It" - How a Star Fell from the Top

This episode explores the career of Joseph Cotton, an actor who achieved immense popularity and critical acclaim in cinema's Golden Age but was consistently overlooked by the Academy Awards. It questions why a man so visible never received the industry's highest recognition.

Person: Joseph Cotton
Date: August 3, 1943
Location: Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood
Status: Seventeenth most popular star in the US by 1945
Topic: Hollywood's prize-giving machinery

- In 1943, Joseph Cotton, under the name Jo-Jo the Great, performed free magic tricks for soldiers in a tent on Cahuenga Boulevard.
- Cotton's early life included playing professional football for twenty-five dollars per quarter to pay for acting lessons at the Hickman School of Expression.
- While working at the Miami Herald, Cotton wrote critical reviews of his own performances at the Miami Herald Theatre.
- In 1934, Orson Welles told Cotton he would never make it as an actor but could become a star, distinguishing between a craftsman and a magnetic presence.
- Cotton spent twelve months perfecting a role for the 1939 Broadway production of "The Philadelphia Story," only for Cary Grant to play it instead.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591005Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:58 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTHollywood's most sought-after actor performed free magic tricks for 48,000 soldiers in 1943. He was a star, yet the Academy never nominated him. Welles's Words: "You'll Never Make It" - How a Star Fell from the Top This episode explores the...
Welles's Words: "You'll Never Make It" - How a Star Fell from the Top

This episode explores the career of Joseph Cotton, an actor who achieved immense popularity and critical acclaim in cinema's Golden Age but was consistently overlooked by the Academy Awards. It questions why a man so visible never received the industry's highest recognition.

Person: Joseph Cotton
Date: August 3, 1943
Location: Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood
Status: Seventeenth most popular star in the US by 1945
Topic: Hollywood's prize-giving machinery

- In 1943, Joseph Cotton, under the name Jo-Jo the Great, performed free magic tricks for soldiers in a tent on Cahuenga Boulevard.
- Cotton's early life included playing professional football for twenty-five dollars per quarter to pay for acting lessons at the Hickman School of Expression.
- While working at the Miami Herald, Cotton wrote critical reviews of his own performances at the Miami Herald Theatre.
- In 1934, Orson Welles told Cotton he would never make it as an actor but could become a star, distinguishing between a craftsman and a magnetic presence.
- Cotton spent twelve months perfecting a role for the 1939 Broadway production of "The Philadelphia Story," only for Cary Grant to play it instead.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>939falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-salary-that-disappeared-her-name--74591002
The salary that disappeared her name

This episode explores the life of Constance Bennett, a woman born into a theatrical dynasty who became one of Hollywood's highest-paid stars during the Great Depression. It delves into the contradictions of her public and private life, and the choices that shaped her remarkable, yet forgotten, career.

Person: Constance Bennett
Date: 1931
Salary: $30,000 a week
Studio: Warner Bros.
Event: Great Depression

- Constance Bennett's parents, Richard Bennett and Adrienne Morrison, were established Broadway actors, creating a "working studio" home in New York.
- At 16, Constance eloped with Chester Hirst Moorehead in 1921, a marriage that was annulled two years later.
- In 1925, she married millionaire socialite Philip Morgan Plant, despite her parents' attempts to intervene, leading her to leave Hollywood.
- After her divorce in 1929, Constance gave birth to a son, Peter, whom she later introduced to the public as adopted.
- By 1931, she had rebuilt her Hollywood career, signing major contracts with Warner Bros. and MGM, including a film where her real father played her on-screen father.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74591002Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:53 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTIn 1931, Constance Bennett earned an unprecedented $30,000 a week in Hollywood, yet her name is barely remembered today. How did such a meteoric career fade into obscurity? The salary that disappeared her name This episode explores the life of...
The salary that disappeared her name

This episode explores the life of Constance Bennett, a woman born into a theatrical dynasty who became one of Hollywood's highest-paid stars during the Great Depression. It delves into the contradictions of her public and private life, and the choices that shaped her remarkable, yet forgotten, career.

Person: Constance Bennett
Date: 1931
Salary: $30,000 a week
Studio: Warner Bros.
Event: Great Depression

- Constance Bennett's parents, Richard Bennett and Adrienne Morrison, were established Broadway actors, creating a "working studio" home in New York.
- At 16, Constance eloped with Chester Hirst Moorehead in 1921, a marriage that was annulled two years later.
- In 1925, she married millionaire socialite Philip Morgan Plant, despite her parents' attempts to intervene, leading her to leave Hollywood.
- After her divorce in 1929, Constance gave birth to a son, Peter, whom she later introduced to the public as adopted.
- By 1931, she had rebuilt her Hollywood career, signing major contracts with Warner Bros. and MGM, including a film where her real father played her on-screen father.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>738falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-silent-star-who-walked-away-from-everything--74590999
The Silent Star Who Walked Away From Everything

This episode explores the life of Charles Meredith, a Broadway actor who rose to become one of the highest-paid leading men in silent Hollywood. It delves into why a man with everything kept choosing a harder road.

Person: Charles Meredith
Born: August 27, 1894
Died: 1964
Location: Knoxville, Pittsburgh
Profession: Actor

- In June 1917, Charles Meredith claimed broken ankles to a military draft registrar, despite holding a master's degree from a drama school.
- By 1918, he had Broadway credits and caught the attention of prominent theater critic Heywood Broun.
- He moved to Los Angeles in November 1918, joining the Morosco Players as a leading man and quickly appearing in multiple productions.
- Meredith signed with King Vidor and Famous Players-Lasky, working with major stars and directors in the burgeoning Hollywood scene.
- At the height of his film career in November 1921, he boarded a ship for Europe, calling it a sabbatical.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590999Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:50 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA silent film star reaches the pinnacle of Hollywood success, only to walk away from it all. This is the story of a man who redefined winning. The Silent Star Who Walked Away From Everything This episode explores the life of Charles Meredith, a...
The Silent Star Who Walked Away From Everything

This episode explores the life of Charles Meredith, a Broadway actor who rose to become one of the highest-paid leading men in silent Hollywood. It delves into why a man with everything kept choosing a harder road.

Person: Charles Meredith
Born: August 27, 1894
Died: 1964
Location: Knoxville, Pittsburgh
Profession: Actor

- In June 1917, Charles Meredith claimed broken ankles to a military draft registrar, despite holding a master's degree from a drama school.
- By 1918, he had Broadway credits and caught the attention of prominent theater critic Heywood Broun.
- He moved to Los Angeles in November 1918, joining the Morosco Players as a leading man and quickly appearing in multiple productions.
- Meredith signed with King Vidor and Famous Players-Lasky, working with major stars and directors in the burgeoning Hollywood scene.
- At the height of his film career in November 1921, he boarded a ship for Europe, calling it a sabbatical.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>793falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-stockbroking-gamble-that-cost-henry-hallam-everything-he-had-saved--74590994
A stockbroking gamble that cost Henry Hallam everything he had saved

This episode explores the life of Henry Hallam, a man born Henry Samuel Hallam Mayer, who became a prolific silent film actor. We trace his journey from a London furrier's son to a stage performer in Victorian popular entertainment, and the personal tragedies and financial setbacks that shaped his path.

Person: Henry Hallam (born Henry Samuel Hallam Mayer)
Date of birth: August 7, 1850
Location of birth: Clerkenwell, London
First wife: Mary Harriet Langmaid (Hattie Shepparde)
Second wife: Margaret Hogan (Maggie Christie)

- Henry Samuel Hallam Mayer was born in Clerkenwell, London, the son of a furrier, and later adopted the stage name Henry Hallam.
- He received vocal training in Liverpool and began his stage career in Victorian burlesque as a teenager.
- At age twenty, he sailed to Melbourne, Australia, joining the Royal English Opera Company and performing in The Messiah and his first operatic role.
- In 1873, he left the stage to try stockbroking and lost all his savings, forcing him to return to performing.
- He married Mary Harriet Langmaid (Hattie Shepparde) in 1873, and their daughter was born in 1874, but both Mary and the infant daughter died shortly after.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590994Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:45 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Victorian stage performer crosses oceans for a new life in Australia, only to lose everything in a stockbroking gamble. Can he rebuild his life? A stockbroking gamble that cost Henry Hallam everything he had saved This episode explores the...
A stockbroking gamble that cost Henry Hallam everything he had saved

This episode explores the life of Henry Hallam, a man born Henry Samuel Hallam Mayer, who became a prolific silent film actor. We trace his journey from a London furrier's son to a stage performer in Victorian popular entertainment, and the personal tragedies and financial setbacks that shaped his path.

Person: Henry Hallam (born Henry Samuel Hallam Mayer)
Date of birth: August 7, 1850
Location of birth: Clerkenwell, London
First wife: Mary Harriet Langmaid (Hattie Shepparde)
Second wife: Margaret Hogan (Maggie Christie)

- Henry Samuel Hallam Mayer was born in Clerkenwell, London, the son of a furrier, and later adopted the stage name Henry Hallam.
- He received vocal training in Liverpool and began his stage career in Victorian burlesque as a teenager.
- At age twenty, he sailed to Melbourne, Australia, joining the Royal English Opera Company and performing in The Messiah and his first operatic role.
- In 1873, he left the stage to try stockbroking and lost all his savings, forcing him to return to performing.
- He married Mary Harriet Langmaid (Hattie Shepparde) in 1873, and their daughter was born in 1874, but both Mary and the infant daughter died shortly after.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>705falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-star-who-vanished-hollywood-s-cruelest-trick--74590990
The Star Who Vanished: Hollywood's Cruelest Trick

In this episode, we follow John Mack Brown’s rise from Dothan to the Rose Bowl and then to MGM, tracing the moments and decisions that redirected his career. What happens when a fame built on physical presence meets an industry that reshapes names and ceilings?

Person: John Mack Brown
Date: January 1, 1925
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena
Event: Two touchdowns that helped Alabama become the first Southern Rose Bowl winners
Status: Contracted to MGM in 1927; name changed to Johnny Mack Brown in 1931

- Born September 1, 1904, in Dothan, Alabama, raised in a family of eight children.
- Star halfback at University of Alabama under coach Wallace Wade; praised by Pop Warner for exceptional speed.
- Scored two touchdowns on January 1, 1925, earning Rose Bowl MVP and national publicity, including a Wheaties box.
- Signed a five-year contract with MGM in 1927 and appeared above Wallace Wade in the 1930 film Billy the Kid.
- In 1931, MGM altered his professional name to Johnny Mack Brown amid changing studio tastes and director opinions.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590990Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:42 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA college football hero turned MGM leading man watches his star wobble on a Tuesday afternoon in Hollywood-how do you fall from that high? The Star Who Vanished: Hollywood's Cruelest Trick In this episode, we follow John Mack Brown’s rise from...
The Star Who Vanished: Hollywood's Cruelest Trick

In this episode, we follow John Mack Brown’s rise from Dothan to the Rose Bowl and then to MGM, tracing the moments and decisions that redirected his career. What happens when a fame built on physical presence meets an industry that reshapes names and ceilings?

Person: John Mack Brown
Date: January 1, 1925
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena
Event: Two touchdowns that helped Alabama become the first Southern Rose Bowl winners
Status: Contracted to MGM in 1927; name changed to Johnny Mack Brown in 1931

- Born September 1, 1904, in Dothan, Alabama, raised in a family of eight children.
- Star halfback at University of Alabama under coach Wallace Wade; praised by Pop Warner for exceptional speed.
- Scored two touchdowns on January 1, 1925, earning Rose Bowl MVP and national publicity, including a Wheaties box.
- Signed a five-year contract with MGM in 1927 and appeared above Wallace Wade in the 1930 film Billy the Kid.
- In 1931, MGM altered his professional name to Johnny Mack Brown amid changing studio tastes and director opinions.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1120falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-zuvembie-credit-that-erased-a-fifty-year-career--74590987
The Zuvembie Credit That Erased a Fifty-Year Career

This episode explores the documented story of Ottola Nesmith, an actress whose extensive career spanned Hollywood's Golden Age, yet her name remains largely unknown. How did a performer with over a hundred screen credits become so invisible?

Person: Ottola Nesmith
Date: 1961
Career Length: Over 50 years
Notable Film: Becky Sharp

- Ottola Nesmith was born in 1889, the daughter of a US Army officer, which meant a life of constant relocation.
- Her early stage training involved stock theater in San Diego, where she performed new roles weekly without a fixed theatrical community.
- She began her film career in 1915, appearing in silent films like "Still Waters" and "Rich Man, Poor Man."
- Nesmith adapted to the arrival of sound in the late 1920s, entering the studio system that categorized actors.
- In 1935, she appeared in "Becky Sharp," the first feature film shot in three-strip Technicolor, playing Lady Jane Crawley.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590987Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:37 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA seventy-one-year-old actress with a fifty-year career in Hollywood receives her most visible screen credit, but it's not her name. It's a monster's. The Zuvembie Credit That Erased a Fifty-Year Career This episode explores the documented story...
The Zuvembie Credit That Erased a Fifty-Year Career

This episode explores the documented story of Ottola Nesmith, an actress whose extensive career spanned Hollywood's Golden Age, yet her name remains largely unknown. How did a performer with over a hundred screen credits become so invisible?

Person: Ottola Nesmith
Date: 1961
Career Length: Over 50 years
Notable Film: Becky Sharp

- Ottola Nesmith was born in 1889, the daughter of a US Army officer, which meant a life of constant relocation.
- Her early stage training involved stock theater in San Diego, where she performed new roles weekly without a fixed theatrical community.
- She began her film career in 1915, appearing in silent films like "Still Waters" and "Rich Man, Poor Man."
- Nesmith adapted to the arrival of sound in the late 1920s, entering the studio system that categorized actors.
- In 1935, she appeared in "Becky Sharp," the first feature film shot in three-strip Technicolor, playing Lady Jane Crawley.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>875falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-borrowed-melody-that-silenced-a-child-star--74590980
The Borrowed Melody That Silenced a Child Star

This episode explores the early career of Sally Hamlin, a child star whose recordings inadvertently pioneered a musical technique. It delves into her family legacy and the recording industry of the early 20th century, asking what became of a promising career that suddenly went silent.

Person: Sally Hamlin
Date: 1919
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Company: Victor Talking Machine Company
Technique: Sampling

- Sally Hamlin was born in 1902, the great-granddaughter of Vice President Hannibal Hamlin.
- At age fourteen, she signed a one-year contract with the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1917.
- Early recording studios were entirely acoustic, requiring performers to project their voices into a horn for a single take.
- Sally's early records featured recitations, and she unknowingly used a vocal delivery style later formalized as sprechstimme.
- In 1919, for Aeolian Vocalion, Sally recorded "The Night Before Christmas" over an existing melody by Elsie Baker, uncredited to reduce costs.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590980Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:34 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA child star's voice on a 1919 shellac disc contains a borrowed melody - was this the first audio sampling? The Borrowed Melody That Silenced a Child Star This episode explores the early career of Sally Hamlin, a child star whose recordings...
The Borrowed Melody That Silenced a Child Star

This episode explores the early career of Sally Hamlin, a child star whose recordings inadvertently pioneered a musical technique. It delves into her family legacy and the recording industry of the early 20th century, asking what became of a promising career that suddenly went silent.

Person: Sally Hamlin
Date: 1919
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Company: Victor Talking Machine Company
Technique: Sampling

- Sally Hamlin was born in 1902, the great-granddaughter of Vice President Hannibal Hamlin.
- At age fourteen, she signed a one-year contract with the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1917.
- Early recording studios were entirely acoustic, requiring performers to project their voices into a horn for a single take.
- Sally's early records featured recitations, and she unknowingly used a vocal delivery style later formalized as sprechstimme.
- In 1919, for Aeolian Vocalion, Sally recorded "The Night Before Christmas" over an existing melody by Elsie Baker, uncredited to reduce costs.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>950falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-credit-mrs-maurice-costello-pushed-her-career-then-erased-it--74590978
The credit "Mrs. Maurice Costello" pushed her career - then erased it

This episode explores the life and career of Maria Costello, an early film actress whose professional identity was subsumed by her husband's fame. It questions how a woman could build a significant career while remaining nameless to the public.

Person: Maria Costello (Maria Josephina Altschuh)
Born: August 13, 1882
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Husband: Maurice Costello
Studio: Vitagraph Studios

- Maria's father, Lewis Altschuh, a French immigrant, died before she could remember him, marking the first in a series of disappearances in her life.
- Her stepfather, Vincent Tresham, held strong opinions against the stage, creating a home where ambition in performance was not permitted.
- Maria married actor Maurice Costello in a secret ceremony on June 6, 1902, leading to immediate and permanent estrangement from her parents.
- Her first daughter, Dolores, was born in Pittsburgh in 1903, with Maurice absent, leaving Maria alone in an unfamiliar city.
- Maurice Costello became the first film actor in America to be publicly identified by name in the New York Dramatic Mirror on October 5, 1910.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590978Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:29 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA woman works six years in early cinema, appearing in seventeen films, yet her name never appears on screen. How could she be so completely inside the machine and still be invisible to it? The credit "Mrs. Maurice Costello" pushed her career - then...
The credit "Mrs. Maurice Costello" pushed her career - then erased it

This episode explores the life and career of Maria Costello, an early film actress whose professional identity was subsumed by her husband's fame. It questions how a woman could build a significant career while remaining nameless to the public.

Person: Maria Costello (Maria Josephina Altschuh)
Born: August 13, 1882
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Husband: Maurice Costello
Studio: Vitagraph Studios

- Maria's father, Lewis Altschuh, a French immigrant, died before she could remember him, marking the first in a series of disappearances in her life.
- Her stepfather, Vincent Tresham, held strong opinions against the stage, creating a home where ambition in performance was not permitted.
- Maria married actor Maurice Costello in a secret ceremony on June 6, 1902, leading to immediate and permanent estrangement from her parents.
- Her first daughter, Dolores, was born in Pittsburgh in 1903, with Maurice absent, leaving Maria alone in an unfamiliar city.
- Maurice Costello became the first film actor in America to be publicly identified by name in the New York Dramatic Mirror on October 5, 1910.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>871falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-contract-clause-that-wrote-her-out-of-hollywood--74590976
The Contract Clause That Wrote Her Out of Hollywood

This episode explores the extraordinary career of Teresa Wright, an actress who achieved unprecedented success in her first three films. It delves into the unique contract clause she insisted upon and the personal conviction that shaped her path in Hollywood.

Person: Teresa Wright
Date: October 27, 1918
Location: New York City
Event: Yankee Stadium tribute
Award: Academy Award

- Teresa Wright's name was read aloud at Yankee Stadium in 2005, despite her never having played baseball.
- She was raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, and was drawn to acting after seeing Helen Hayes perform in 1936.
- Wright became an understudy for Dorothy McGuire and Martha Scott in the Broadway production of "Our Town."
- Samuel Goldwyn offered her a contract in 1941, which she signed after adding specific clauses about her public image.
- She received three Academy Award nominations for her first three films: "The Little Foxes," "The Pride of the Yankees," and "Mrs. Miniver."

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590976Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:25 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA young actress arrives in Hollywood with a contract and a list of demands, setting a record for Academy Award nominations. But her refusal to conform will cost her everything. The Contract Clause That Wrote Her Out of Hollywood This episode...
The Contract Clause That Wrote Her Out of Hollywood

This episode explores the extraordinary career of Teresa Wright, an actress who achieved unprecedented success in her first three films. It delves into the unique contract clause she insisted upon and the personal conviction that shaped her path in Hollywood.

Person: Teresa Wright
Date: October 27, 1918
Location: New York City
Event: Yankee Stadium tribute
Award: Academy Award

- Teresa Wright's name was read aloud at Yankee Stadium in 2005, despite her never having played baseball.
- She was raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, and was drawn to acting after seeing Helen Hayes perform in 1936.
- Wright became an understudy for Dorothy McGuire and Martha Scott in the Broadway production of "Our Town."
- Samuel Goldwyn offered her a contract in 1941, which she signed after adding specific clauses about her public image.
- She received three Academy Award nominations for her first three films: "The Little Foxes," "The Pride of the Yankees," and "Mrs. Miniver."

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>801falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-sidewalk-that-pushed-him-to-the-top-then-pulled-him-down--74590972
The sidewalk that pushed him to the top, then pulled him down

This episode explores the early life and career of Red Skelton, from his humble beginnings in Indiana to his rise as a national comedy star. It delves into the unexpected origins of his success and the hidden forces that shaped his path.

Person: Red Skelton
Date: 1913
Location: Vincennes, Indiana
Event: Birth of Richard Bernard Eheart

- Richard Bernard Eheart was born into poverty in Vincennes, Indiana, in 1913, two months after his clown father died.
- At seven years old, he sold newspapers outside a theater he couldn't afford to enter, fueling a lifelong desire to belong inside.
- Around age ten, a stranger bought all his newspapers and took him backstage, inspiring his decision to become a performer.
- He dropped out of school between thirteen and fourteen to join the burlesque circuit and later the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
- At seventeen, he married Edna Stillwell, who became his writer, editor, and architect, helping him develop his act.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590972Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:21 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA child selling newspapers on a cold sidewalk dreams of getting inside the theater. This is the origin story of a comedy legend and a secret empire. The sidewalk that pushed him to the top, then pulled him down This episode explores the early...
The sidewalk that pushed him to the top, then pulled him down

This episode explores the early life and career of Red Skelton, from his humble beginnings in Indiana to his rise as a national comedy star. It delves into the unexpected origins of his success and the hidden forces that shaped his path.

Person: Red Skelton
Date: 1913
Location: Vincennes, Indiana
Event: Birth of Richard Bernard Eheart

- Richard Bernard Eheart was born into poverty in Vincennes, Indiana, in 1913, two months after his clown father died.
- At seven years old, he sold newspapers outside a theater he couldn't afford to enter, fueling a lifelong desire to belong inside.
- Around age ten, a stranger bought all his newspapers and took him backstage, inspiring his decision to become a performer.
- He dropped out of school between thirteen and fourteen to join the burlesque circuit and later the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
- At seventeen, he married Edna Stillwell, who became his writer, editor, and architect, helping him develop his act.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>949falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-review-that-built-a-ceiling-for-a-fifty-year-career--74590965
The review that built a ceiling for a fifty-year career

This episode explores the career of Lee Patrick, an actress whose talent and dependability made her a fixture in Hollywood for decades. It examines how a specific review shaped her trajectory and the choices she made in response.

Person: Lee Patrick
Born: November 22, 1901
Broadway Debut: November 1922
First Film: March 31, 1929
Key Role: Effie Perine

- Lee Patrick's father, Warren Patrick, was an entertainment journalist, exposing her to the machinery of performance from a young age.
- Her Broadway debut in 1922 placed her in an ensemble with headliners Fred and Adele Astaire.
- In 1925 alone, she appeared in five separate Broadway productions, building a diverse acting register.
- Her longest stage run was with "June Moon" in 1929, performing 273 times in the original run.
- In 1941, director John Huston cast her as Effie Perine in "The Maltese Falcon," a role that required competence, warmth, and intelligence.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590965Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:21:17 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Hollywood career spans fifty years and touches greatness, yet a single review builds a ceiling that keeps a talented actress from breaking through. The review that built a ceiling for a fifty-year career This episode explores the career of Lee...
The review that built a ceiling for a fifty-year career

This episode explores the career of Lee Patrick, an actress whose talent and dependability made her a fixture in Hollywood for decades. It examines how a specific review shaped her trajectory and the choices she made in response.

Person: Lee Patrick
Born: November 22, 1901
Broadway Debut: November 1922
First Film: March 31, 1929
Key Role: Effie Perine

- Lee Patrick's father, Warren Patrick, was an entertainment journalist, exposing her to the machinery of performance from a young age.
- Her Broadway debut in 1922 placed her in an ensemble with headliners Fred and Adele Astaire.
- In 1925 alone, she appeared in five separate Broadway productions, building a diverse acting register.
- Her longest stage run was with "June Moon" in 1929, performing 273 times in the original run.
- In 1941, director John Huston cast her as Effie Perine in "The Maltese Falcon," a role that required competence, warmth, and intelligence.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>694falsefull