Stars of the Golden Age: An Old Hollywood Podcast

Greta Garbo (Part One) 02.06.2026 49p

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/197205998XUK: https://tinyurl.com/35wnzzujSUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT PODCAST: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Sources: Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman by Scott Reisfield; Greta Garbo: A Life Apart by Karen Swenson; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Basil Rathbone 19.05.2026 40p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Source: The Curse of Sherlock Holmes: The Basil Rathbone Story by David ClaytonImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Madison on the Air Presents: Sherlock Holmes! 05.05.2026 39p

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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Veronica Lake (Part Two) 05.05.2026 50p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode 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, IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Veronica Lake (Part One) 28.04.2026 39p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode 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; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ArtMuse Presents: Sarah Bernhardt (Part Two) 21.04.2026 1ó 18p

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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ArtMuse Presents: Sarah Bernhardt (Part One) 21.04.2026 1ó 4p

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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hot off the Press! December 1961 Modern Screen Magazine 14.04.2026 25p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Source: December 1961 issue of Modern Screen magazineAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jack Palance 07.04.2026 35p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode 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; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hot off the Press! March 1930 Photoplay Magazine 31.03.2026 35p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Sources: The March 1930 issue of Photoplay Magazine; stacker.comImage Source: Photoplay MagazineAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Judy Garland (Part Four) 24.03.2026 54p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode 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; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Judy Garland (Part Three) 17.03.2026 42p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Sources: The book Get Happy: The Life and Career of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke; the book Judy by Gerold Frank; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Judy Garland (Part Two) 10.03.2026 47p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Sources: The book Get Happy: The Life and Career of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke; the book Judy by Gerold Frank; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Judy Garland (Part One) 03.03.2026 43p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode 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, MNImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sidney Poitier 24.02.2026 40p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode 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: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Butterfly McQueen 17.02.2026 54p

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Sources: A book titled Butterfly McQueen Remembered by Stephen Bourne; a 1990 interview of Butterfly McQueen with Del Ward of WMAZ of Macon, Georgia; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hot Off the Press! February 1954 10.02.2026 29p

This episode is quite different from our usual journeys through the lives of our favorite Old Hollywood celebrities... but we are still taking a little gossipy journey through a few! This episode takes you inside the cover of the February 1954 issue of Screenland Magazine. I'll read you an article on Rock Hudson and the big 1954 mystery on why he isn't woman crazy... I'll read you an article about Terry Moore living the Hollywood high life... and I'll ready you a really saucy article about Lili St. Cyr and her spicy burlesque background. A fun little trip back in time!BONUS CONTENT! https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Source: Screenland Magazine, February 1954Image Source: Screenland Magazine, February 1954Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dorothy Dandridge 03.02.2026 49p

Dorothy Dandridge: Performing since she was a small child, Dorothy Dandridge was the first black actress to be nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. But that wasn't the only "first" she contributed to history. Dorothy Dandridge was a trailblazer, and she paved the way for every black actor who came after her. She endured racism and was denied opportunities because of the color of her skin. Her story is not a very happy one, but it is an important one.BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Sources: The book Dorothy Dandridge: A Biography by the great Donald Bogle; the book Dorothy Dandridge: The Life and Legacy of One of Hollywood’s First Successful Black Actresses by Charles River Editors; the A&E Biography documentary, Dorothy Dandridge: Little Lost Girl from 1998; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Gene Kelly 27.01.2026 55p

GENE KELLY: A dance legend! He devoted most of his life to his art of dance, and it turned out he could act, too! He left behind some unforgettable classic film performances and truly unique dance numbers within them. Listen to his story now.BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Sources: A book titled He’s Got Rhythm: The Life and Career of Gene Kelly by Cynthia Brideson and Sara Brideson; an article from PBS titled The Star Perfromers: Gene Kelly; the January 1946 issue of Photoplay magazine; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Vivien Leigh 20.01.2026 51p

VIVIEN LEIGH: Vivien Leigh changed Hollywood forever with her dynamic portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. She was a beloved figure on the London stage. But life wasn't easy for Vivien Leigh. She attained a lot of success in her life, but she also suffered a lot of distress. Listen to her story now.BONUS CONTENT: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode Sources: A book titled Dark Star, A Biography of Vivien Leigh by Alan Strachan; a book titled Vivien Leigh: A Biography by Hugo Vickers; a Washington Post article by Eve Auchincloss from July 17th, 1977, titled The Two Faces of Vivien Leigh; Harper's Bazaar article by Chanel Vargas from October 9th, 2017, titled A Timeline of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier's Tragic Love Story; an article from Bravo Magazine from February 15, 2025 titled A Legend in Two Acts: The Life and Complexity of Vivien Leigh by MiscelAna; biography.com; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy