The whole truth and nothing but

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

66417

Title

The whole truth and nothing but

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Hedda Hopper and James Brough offer an insider's look at Hollywood's golden age, exposing the ruthless machinery behind stardom. From the predatory tactics of 'stage mothers' to the volatile relationships between studios and stars, this memoir blends sharp wit with hard-hitting journalism. It chronicles the rise and fall of icons like Judy Garland and Deanna Durbin while revealing the industry's shift toward profit-driven contracts and the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Whole Truth and Nothing But,' Hedda Hopper and James Brough offer a candid, often scathing examination of Hollywood's turbulent transition from the silent film era to the rise of television. The narrative begins by dissecting the phenomenon of 'stage mothers,' detailing how ambitious parents like Peg Talmadge and Ma Janis ruthlessly exploited their children for fame, often leaving them financially ruined. Hopper recounts the specific struggles of child stars, contrasting Judy Garland's meteoric rise with the fleeting success of Deanna Durbin at MGM. She describes her own experiences navigating the studio system, including her famous feud with Ed Sullivan over television appearances and her complex relationship with socialite Elsa Maxwell. The book details the evolution of the industry, highlighting how independent producers and banks eventually took control from traditional studios by leveraging star power for financing. This led to an 'overpriced star system,' where actors demanded significant profit shares, driving costs up and forcing production overseas to locations like Rome and Madrid. The text explores the decline of creativity as networks prioritized formulaic programming over artistic risk, comparing the situation to a factory assembly line. Throughout, Hopper's voice remains distinct: observant, critical, and unafraid to name names. She discusses the physical toll on stars like Judy Garland under the direction of Busby Berkeley and the legal battles involving Dean Martin and Marilyn Monroe. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the industry's lack of new talent compared to other fields like opera or politics, urging a return to valuing genuine artistic merit over commercial gimmicks. Ultimately, the book serves as both a historical record and a warning about the dangers of sacrificing art for profit.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History