OpenTube

Hollywood Mysteries #26 - Marion Davies: Secret Child, Citizen Kane...and a Murder Mystery.

Hollywood Mysteries

44,456 views

Marion Davies lived through the latter part of her life under the shadow of Citizen Kane, the movie that stripped her of everything she ever had. But there was far more to Davies than being a mere model for Susan Alexander.

She lived wildly and opulently and had many secrets - hidden children, dramatic affairs, and that one night when, allegedly, shots rang out aboard a superyacht as her vastly powerful lover and benefactor found himself in a jealous rage.

The myth and reality around Davies are almost impossible to separate. But we have looked into the FULL story and legacy of Hollywood's greatest mistress and genuine movie star.

The Chief: The Life of William Randolph Hearst https://amzn.to/3wZmB9q

Our top three Marion Davies movies currently on Amazon
Zander the Great https://amzn.to/3R9qNKP
Lights of Old Broadway https://amzn.to/3X5mynl
Blondie of the Follies https://amzn.to/3RxViKH

So, settle in for another Hollywood Mystery, with the Film Noir mood of rain on a deserted L.A. sidewalk, deep into the night, as always.

And check out our picks for the Best 15 Favorite Silent Films on Blu Ray over on our Amazon Store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hollywood...

Stay tuned for more mysteries! And please consider supporting our channel below.

We have exciting tiers on Patreon, with essays and rare photographs right up to being able to request a subject for a video!
Patreon: HollywoodMysteries

There's also Hollywood Mysteries merch - classy tees, mugs and a tote bag to let the world know how much you love Hollywood's mysterious past.
https://hollywoodmysteries-shop.fourt...

And if Patreon is not for you, why not check out the perks of becoming a Hollywood Mysteries member!
@hollywoodmysteries

20 Comments

@elaineteeter9485 11 months ago

The quote, "Marion Davies makes up for the rest of Hollywood!" is a compliment from playwright Tennessee Williams highlighting her exceptional kindness, generosity and good nature. While some public perceptions were negatively influenced by the portrayal of a similar character in Citizen Kane, Davies was known for her vivacious personality, comedic talent and genuine warmth by those who knew her well. She was also a noted philanthropist, a shrewd businesswoman and a renowned hostess who entertained many of Hollywood's elite at her lavish parties.

@VintageVera 2 years ago (edited)

Supposedly Hearst damaged Marion's career by insisting she star in costume dramas rather than exploit her natural gift for physical comedy and mimicry.

@SallyShockley-n4n 1 year ago (edited)

This was fascinating. I realize now that Marion Davis was not just a gold digger with no talent. She was a star in her own right and not a star bought by Hurst money. She loved him and he loved her. They never deserted each other but remained together until his death. It was cruel that he was whisked away and she could not say goodbye or ever see him again. He was just gone the next morning. They just took him away without even telling her. That was cruel. it is hard to be the one left behind in a love story. I understand why his wife and sons did what they did but for the first time, I see it from Marion Davis' perspective. They were together for many years and then he was just gone the next morning. A very moving biography of Marion Davis and the one I believe to be the most true. It was a love story despite what society thought. This was their story and that is how Marion remembered him. Good for her. Thank for telling this story.

@terrygibbs1147 11 months ago

A fitting and truly sympathetic account of Marion's life and career which was more than just being the mistress of WIlliam Randolph Hearst. Her autobiography is a joy to read.

@BlackCelebLegends1920s 1 year ago

Marion Davies was more than just a Hollywood starlet—behind the glitz lay whispers of a secret child, a connection to Citizen Kane, and even a murder mystery. It's a reminder that even in the golden age of film, truth was often stranger than fiction.

@hcombs0104 2 years ago

I heard all the stories of how untalented Marion Davies was, and how Hearst pushed her on the public. So, I was very surprised when I found myself watching her first talkie, called Marianne, late one night. Right away I could see she very easily played musical comedy, and was criminally underrated.

@hurdle2homes 1 year ago

I think my 1st true exposure to Marion Davies was the home movies at San Simeon after which I went and watched her films. She has a great quality that shines through.

@lauriewarner4848 2 years ago

People that trash others that are just living complicated lives, need to get a life. She was a wonderful down to earth beauty, that was a great kind human. There are just as many stories about her helping others, including WRH. So folks give her, the respect.

@emilien. 2 years ago (edited)

I have just barely started watching this video and I'm already enraptured. In my mind, and with sincere admiration for her talents, she'll forever be delightfully entwined in my mind with the story of Rosebud. Marion, I salute thee.

@hurdle2homes 1 year ago

Just found this channel today. Love it I’ve had you on in my headphones 🎧 all day while I go about the daily tasks.

@ValerieFelitto 2 years ago

In everything I have ever come across about her states that Marion was a nice down to earth person. Good for you for straightening out a cruel legend that's so out of date

@LynnStultz 1 year ago

You did such a wonderful job with this video!! The ending brought me to tears. I will now go in and check out your other videos. If this one is any indication, I'm in for some great views. I adore old Hollywood and you gave such a full, wonderful, well-researched mini bio for Marion Davies!! Well done and Thank you!!! She deserves to be remembered well.❤

@euphrania9587 1 year ago

This was a wonderful watch. It made my day!

@argusfleibeit1165 1 year ago

She was really beautiful. What a lovely face, such great photos. All I "knew" about her was what I saw in "Citizen Kane". What a shame.

@stephaniec3619 2 years ago (edited)

I’d love to see you do a piece on Mabel Normand. I love watching all of your videos, I learn so much about the silent film era mostly. I love old movies of the 30’s and 40’s. Katherine Hepburn is my favourite actress of all time,

@JamesKorecko 8 months ago

Obviously W.R. saw something in Marion and his haunches proved correct. She had unsurpassed beauty and she eventually proved herself to be a showcase of talent on the screen and off. Loved her in the Red Mill and Peg o my heart where she played commoners very believably pulling at the viewers heart strings. Show People offers a glimpse into 20's Hollywood and really gives a behind the scenes perspective of that era when the film industry really began to flex its muscle, opposed to its total atrophied condition today.Her and w Haines had marvelous chemistry on the set of one of my favorite silents.

@stephaniestanley8041 2 years ago

The lovely narrator ❤

@heidibee501 2 years ago

I have a decent collection of older movies but I'd only heard of Marion Davies indirectly. She was beautiful although l liked her blonde look best because it receded in effect, allowing her features to take center stage. Her movies were exactly my taste going by the description here. The love between her and Hearst is indisputable. She stayed with him through good times and bad. It's a crazy, sweet story.

@schnertblatt 1 year ago

You mentioned the book The Chief: The Life of William Randolph Hearst , by David Nasaw. There is also a fantastic book about Marion Davies, Captain of her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies , by Lara Gabrielle. I think you will like it.