Stars of the Golden Age: An Old Hollywood Podcast

Erin Carlson

Welcome to Stars of the Golden Age, a podcast about Old Hollywood and the classic film era, where you can learn about the lives of legends from film, music, and the birth of television during Hollywood’s Golden Age and the few years surrounding it. I will dive into the early lives that led to stardom for some of the biggest names in Old Hollywood, and the subsequent lives behind the scenes… and I’ll shine the light on some lesser known names as well. I will talk about their careers, of course, but my main focus is their lives away from the cameras. Join me weekly for Old Hollywood biographies like you've never heard them! Host: Erin Carlson Email: goldenagestars@gmail.com

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20 episodes
Updated July 28

Episodes20

Newest first

July 28 · 44 min
Bette Davis's Advice Column! And 1943 Hollywood Celebrity Gossip... HOT OFF THE PRESS!
Advice from Bette Davis?! YES, PLEASE!! During WWII, Photoplay Magazine handed over the great honor of providing advice to its readers to the one and only Bette Davis. In true Bette Davis style, she is blunt, honest, and real. And by 1943 standards, often very progressive. In this episode, I will read to you some of the questions sent into Photoplay in the summer of 1943, accompanied by Bette's responses. Also in this episode, Cal York's celebrity gossip from the July 1943 issue of Photoplay, and Judy Garland and Olivia de Havilland's Hollywood horoscopes! You don't wanna miss it. Straight from the pages of the July 1943 issue of Photoplay Magazine, I present to you HOT OFF THE PRESS! From Stars of the Golden Age. GRAB FUN BONUS EPISODES!! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Source: Photoplay Magazine, July 1943 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
July 14 · 33 min
The Life and Disappearance of Jean Spangler
JEAN SPANGLER: Jean Spangler was a young woman with big dreams who was working hard to fulfil her dreams of Hollywood stardom. Her young adult life was rocky, but she was strong and her future was looking bright... Until the day she disappeared, leaving behind a heartbroken family and one of Old Hollywood's biggest mysteries. Hear the story here in this special crossover episode of Stars of the Golden Age and The Wanted Files. Learn more about the Wanted Files: THE WANTED FILES - Home Support Stars of the Golden Age and receive bonus content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: The Disappearance of Jean Spangler: The History of One of Hollywood’s Most Enduring Unsolved Mystery by Charles River Editors; an episode of Hollywood Chronicles titled The Mystery of Jean Spangler; an episode of Mysteries and Scandals; IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 30 · 41 min
The Landlords of Three's Company (Norman Fell, Audra Lindley, Don Knotts)
Take the journey through the lives of three wonderful actors who helped make the hit 70s sitcom Three's Company extra special... and a whole lot funnier! Norman Fell, Audra Lindley, and Don Knotts (best known as Mr. & Mrs. Roper and Mr. Furley) all had rich careers for decades prior to joining the cast of Three's Company. Listen to their stories now! SUPPORT Stars of the Golden Age! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: Behind the Laughter: The True Story of Norman Fell by Oscar Starr; an interview with Norman Fell with the US American Forces Network; a segment from NPR’s Morning Edition with Neda Ulaby from September 18, 2024; playbill.com; IMDB; brittanica.com; and Wikipedia. Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 16 · 58 min
Greta Garbo (Part Two)
GRETA GARBO (Part Two:) The conclusion of Greta Garbo's story. In this episode, hear about Greta Garbo's career after her initial splash in Hollywood, her friendships and romances, and her life after her film career. Learn what made the Divine Greta Garbo one of the most fascinating, mysterious, and impressive women in Hollywood history. SUPPORT the SHOW on Patreon! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman by Scott Reisfield; Greta Garbo: A Life Apart by Karen Swenson; IMDB Image Source: IMDB More information about Scott Reisfield's book: Greta Garbo - The Real Story Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
June 2 · 49 min
Greta Garbo (Part One)
GRETA GARBO: In this 100th episode of Stars of the Golden Age, what better way to celebrate than by talking about THE star of the golden age... Miss Greta Garbo. In this episode, hear about her childhood and early life in Sweden, and her first months in Hollywood. Check back in for the conclusion of Greta Garbo's story with our next episode. Please check out Greta Garbo's grand-nephew Scott Reisfield's new book, Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman. You can find it at the following links, but please consider supporting your locally-run bookstores! WEBSITE: https://scottreisfield.com/ US: https://www.amazon.com/Greta-Garbo-Rise-Modern-Woman/dp/197205998X UK: https://tinyurl.com/35wnzzuj SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT PODCAST: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman by Scott Reisfield; Greta Garbo: A Life Apart by Karen Swenson; IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 19 · 40 min
Basil Rathbone
BASIL RATHBONE: Known mostly for being THE Sherlock Holmes on screen and on the radio, Basil Rathbone began as a classical theater actor, and that is where his heart always remained. Beyond that, his first years of life were filled with adventure, and he became a war hero during WWI. And, of course, had a little drama sprinkled in behind the scenes. Listen to his story now! SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT PODCAST: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Source: The Curse of Sherlock Holmes: The Basil Rathbone Story by David Clayton Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 5 · 39 min
Madison on the Air Presents: Sherlock Holmes!
Enjoy this special Sherlock Holmes episode from our friends at Madison on the Air! Follow Madison on the Air so you don't miss any fun content. Learn more at https://www.madisonontheair.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 5 · 50 min
Veronica Lake (Part Two)
VERONICA LAKE (Part Two:) The conclusion of Veronica Lake's story. Her fame as 1940s siren of the screen and the path her life took after her Hollywood career. Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: Veronica Lake’s autobiography, Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake by Veronica Lake with Donald Bain; the book After the Applause: Veronica Lake, A Hollywood Reckoning by Michael J. Power; a Vanity Fair article titled Veronica Lake’s Long Escape: A Deeply Sad Page from Hollywood History by Hadley Hall Meares from December 23, 2022, IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 28 · 39 min
Veronica Lake (Part One)
VERONICA LAKE (Part One:) One of the most popular screen sirens from 1940s Hollywood, Veronica Lake endured her share of obstacles on her road to stardom. She experienced more trauma by the age of 21 more than many experience in a lifetime. Still, she became an overnight sensation in Hollywood in 1940, thanks partly to her sultry peek-a-boo hairstyle. In this episode, hear about her childhood, her early adulthood, her early traumas, and her quick rise to stardom. SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT PODCASTERS! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: The book Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake by Veronica Lake with Donald Bain; the book After the Applause: Veronica Lake, A Hollywood Reckoning by Michael J. Power; IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 21 · 1 hr 18 min
ArtMuse Presents: Sarah Bernhardt (Part Two)
Enjoy Part Two of the amazing story of Sarah Bernhardt by Grace Anna of the ArtMuse Podcast! Please listen to part one first (available on this feed.) Follow ArtMuse to hear more amazing stories of the women who inspired some of the most recognized pieces of art. Learn more at https://www.artmusepodcast.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 21 · 1 hr 4 min
ArtMuse Presents: Sarah Bernhardt (Part One)
Enjoy Part One of the amazing story of Sarah Bernhardt by Grace Anna of the ArtMuse Podcast! Follow ArtMuse to hear more amazing stories of the women who inspired some of the most recognized pieces of art. Learn more at https://www.artmusepodcast.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 14 · 25 min
Hot off the Press! December 1961 Modern Screen Magazine
HOT OFF THE PRESS! Hear all the juicy gossip dished out by the one and only Louella Parsons in December of 1961... hot off the press in that month's Modern Screen Magazine. The Rat Pack, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Natalie Wood... get the insider info on them all from December of 1961! BONUS CONTENT/Support the Show: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Source: December 1961 issue of Modern Screen magazine Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 7 · 35 min
Jack Palance
JACK PALANCE: Professional boxer turned Hollywood actor, Jack Palance graced the silver screen beginning in 1950, offering up his rugged image in mostly noirs and westerns. FUN BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: The book American Legends: The Life of Jack Palance by Charles River Editors; an interview with Elaine Palance on the talk show The Girls from 2013; an article from the Hill Country Community Journal from July 2, 2017; IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 31 · 35 min
Hot off the Press! March 1930 Photoplay Magazine
HOT OFF THE PRESS! Hear all the juicy goods dished in the March 1930 issue of Photoplay magazine. Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr's marriage, a tour of the Spanish home of Milton Sills and Doris Kenyon, some gossip about the transition to talking films, and some fun vintage advertisements. FUN BONUS CONTENT! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: The March 1930 issue of Photoplay Magazine; stacker.com Image Source: Photoplay Magazine Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 24 · 54 min
Judy Garland (Part Four)
JUDY GARLAND (Part Four:) Please listen to Parts 1-3 first. And then get your tissues ready for the conclusion of Judy's story. We discuss her final comebacks, both on screen and on the stage with her powerful voice, and the inner demons that haunted Judy through her entire life... and ultimately ended with her leaving this world much too soon. And we leave Judy's story summing up her life and legacy. If you are struggling with substance abuse or mental illness, please reach out for help here... YOU ARE NOT ALONE: https://988lifeline.org/ SUPPORT THE SHOW on Patreon: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: The book Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland by Gerald Clark; the book Judy by Gerold Frank; Information I acquired from the Judy Garland Museum and Childhood Home in Grand Rapids, MN; IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 17 · 42 min
Judy Garland (Part Three)
JUDY GARLAND (Part Three:) This is Part 3 of Judy Garland's story, so please listen to Parts 1 & 2 before listening. In this episode, hear about Judy's life after MGM and after her marriage to Vincente Minnelli. Her highly-applauded live performances, her movie comeback, her romances and children, and the demons she fought every single day of her life. And we will say goodbye to Judy's story by shining a huge light on her extraordinary legacy. JOIN PATREON HERE: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: The book Get Happy: The Life and Career of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke; the book Judy by Gerold Frank; IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 10 · 47 min
Judy Garland (Part Two)
JUDY GARLAND (Part TWO) The next chapter of Judy Garland's life. Please listen to Part One before proceeding. In this episode, learn about Judy's first years at MGM and what life was like for her inside the studio gates. And learn about her early romantic life and her early struggles with self-love and self-esteem, and what caused those struggles. BONUS CONTENT! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: The book Get Happy: The Life and Career of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke; the book Judy by Gerold Frank; IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 3 · 43 min
Judy Garland (Part One)
Judy Garland: She needs no introduction! Judy Garland is a legend. But becoming that legend came with a lot of difficulty and a lot of sacrifices. In this episode, learn about Judy Garland's early life leading up to her Hollywood career. It wasn't a very easy childhood for her, but her mother knew her magical singing voice was destined for stardom, so she did everything she could to make that happen. The rest of Judy's story will following in the next episodes. SUPPORT THE SHOW! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: Get Happy: The Life and Career of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke; Judy by Gerold Frank; The Judy Garland Museum and Childhood Home in Grand Rapids, MN Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
February 24 · 40 min
Sidney Poitier
SIDNEY POITIER: The man who changed the course of history for black actors in Hollywood. He came from very humble beginnings and rose to become one of the most celebrated individuals of his time. Listen now! SUPPORT THE SHOW! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier.; American Legends: The Life of Sidney Poitier by Charles River Editors; an article from NPR by Alisha Harris from January 7, 2022; IMDB. Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
February 17 · 54 min
Butterfly McQueen
BUTTERFLY McQUEEN: Best known for playing Prissy in Gone with the Wind, Butterfly McQueen spent most of her adult life trying to free herself from racially stereotypical roles like the one that made her a star... and what seemed like the only kind of roles she and her fellow black Hollywood actors were being offered. She stood up for herself, but more importantly she stood up for others. Butterfly McQueen was a force who lived her life helping and advocating for others. A true hero. BONUS CONTENT! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Episode Sources: A book titled Butterfly McQueen Remembered by Stephen Bourne; a 1990 interview of Butterfly McQueen with Del Ward of WMAZ of Macon, Georgia; IMDB Image Source: IMDB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy