Did you think everything was smooth sailing between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall?
In an excerpt shared by Entertainment Weekly pre-release, Mann delves into Bacall's personal account to explore her deep interest in American politician and presidential hopeful Adlai Stevenson.
It emerges that there was more than meets the eye between them, possibly an emotional entanglement, if not a physical one—something that left Bogart somewhat cautious.
Accompanying Stevenson during his 1952 campaign, Bacall described how he would acknowledge her presence with smiles and waves, expressing his need for a life partner.
She harbored dreams of being his confidante, a supportive companion with whom he could share anything.
Her narrative delves into the complexities of their bond and her internal struggles, torn between desire and marital commitment.
The revelation shouldn't come as a shock.
Bacall tied the knot with Bogart when she was a 20-year-old rising star, while he was 45, sparking a notorious romance on the set of To Have and Have Not, despite his existing marriage.
Their union lasted until Bogart's passing in 1957, following the campaign, during which his health had been deteriorating steadily.
One can speculate that Bogart might not have been entirely faithful to his young wife throughout their time together, hinting at infidelity from the inception of their relationship.
This glimpse into the past underscores the evolution of relationships since the Bogie and Bacall era.
Today, celebrity breakups dominate tabloid headlines, yet these two silver screen legends led lives as tumultuous as anyone else's, demonstrating that unwavering fidelity is not a prerequisite for genuine love.
Moreover, it sheds light on the allure of political campaigns, suggesting that the realm of democracy can be as captivating as it is portrayed to be.
