The Dark Secrets of MGM's Glorious Era
In the late 1930s, MGM was the epitome of Hollywood glamour and success.
It was a place where stars shone bright and dreams came true.
However, amidst the glitz and glamor, there was a dark secret that remained hidden for decades.
Patricia Douglas, a young aspiring actress, became a victim of rape at an MGM convention in 1937.
Douglas, along with many other underage women, was brought in to entertain hundreds of salesmen who had gathered in Los Angeles for the convention.
What she thought would be an opportunity to pursue her dreams turned into a nightmare.
Cigar smoke filled the air, champagne flowed freely, and as the night progressed, Douglas, then only 20 years old, found herself as the victim of a heinous crime.
Although Douglas had the courage to press charges against the salesman responsible, powerful men conspired against her, leading to the dismissal of her case.
Devastated by the injustice, Douglas withdrew from society and kept silent about the incident for decades.
It wasn't until screenwriter and film historian David Stenn uncovered the truth that her story was brought to light.
Stenn's documentary, Girl 27, delves into the investigation that exposed a web of illicit connections between MGM executives, the district attorney's office, and even the doctor who examined Douglas.
The shocking revelations shed light on how MGM managed to sweep this horrific incident under the rug.
During the convention, MGM organized various events to honor its salesmen, including a private party at the Hal Roach Ranch.
To ensure a memorable experience, the studio put out a casting call for female dancers.
The selected dancers were told to report to Western Costume, where they were fitted in revealing cowgirl outfits.
Little did they know that this was all part of a deceitful plan.
As darkness fell, the salesmen arrived at the remote location, intoxicated and under the impression that the young women were there for their pleasure.
Douglas had caught the attention of one salesman, David Ross, who had been following her and pressuring her to teach him a dance move.
Ross, along with another man, held her down and subjected her to a brutal rape.
Douglas took legal action against her assailant, but faced numerous obstacles.
The California state court dismissed her case, claiming it was not within their jurisdiction.
Undeterred, she took her fight to federal court, exhausting all possible legal avenues.
However, the odds were stacked against her.
There was collusion between powerful figures in the studio and certain attorneys who worked to discredit Douglas.
Pinkerton detectives were hired to coerce witnesses into lying, spreading rumors about her promiscuity and venereal disease.
This smear campaign aimed to undermine her credibility and perpetuate the harmful notion that “sluts can't be raped.”
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting Douglas's claims, including the admission of the parking attendant's children that he had perjured himself, the truth remained buried.
A three-page letter from publisher William Randolph Hearst to Louis B. Mayer revealed the extent of the industry's concern over the scandal.
The fear of tarnishing the movie industry's image led to a concerted effort to silence Douglas.
Sadly, such incidents were not uncommon during that era.
Rape was often disregarded or blamed on the victim.
Women were objectified and treated as commodities in the movie industry.
Even the biggest stars, like Clark Gable, were known for their aggressive behavior towards women both on and off-screen.
When Stenn embarked on his investigation, he never expected to find Douglas still alive.
Her initial reluctance to share her story was understandable, given the betrayal she had experienced.
However, Stenn persisted, driven by the desire to relieve her of the burden of secrecy.
The emotional impact of the rape was evident when Douglas came face-to-face with a photograph of her rapist, shaking with anger and pain.
This shocking revelation has shed light on the dark side of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Behind the scenes of glamour and success, there were countless individuals whose lives were shattered by the abuse and exploitation prevalent in the industry.
Patricia Douglas's story serves as a reminder of the human casualties that occurred amidst the pursuit of fame and fortune.
