The Eccentricities of Errol Flynn
Errol Flynn, known for his roles in classics like “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” was just as adventurous and outrageous off-screen. Amidst a lifestyle of excess and controversy, one bizarre incident stands out. He had an obsession with the art of embalming, and once “borrowed” the body of his friend, John Barrymore, from a funeral home for a party prank. His actions left guests in shock and disbelief, cementing this as one of the most unusual episodes in Old Hollywood.
Liberation of a Lion
You may know the character actress Elsa Lanchester from her role as the Bride of Frankenstein. However, her bizarre Hollywood story involves a much less menacing creature. It’s said that she once had a pet lion that she would walk through Hollywood on a leash. Her untamed love for animals and eccentric persona created a sight to behold.
The Dark Side of Clara Bow
Clara Bow, the “It Girl” of the silent film era, lived a life of glitz and glamour on-screen. However, off-screen, her life was tumultuous, especially in regards to her relationship with her mother. One of the most chilling stories tells of a time her mentally ill mother attempted to kill Clara with a butcher knife, only to be stopped by the family dog. Clara’s life gives a sobering look into the often suppressed dark side of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Charlie Chaplin’s Underworld Adventure
Charlie Chaplin, beloved for his comedic genius and silent performances, had an unexpected encounter during the prime of his career. In 1921, Chaplin’s body was stolen from the cemetery and held for ransom by two mechanics in a failed get-rich scheme. The body was eventually recovered, and the mechanics were apprehended, adding another bizarre chapter to Hollywood’s history.
Frances Farmer’s Rebellious Streak
Famed actress Frances Farmer was known for her rebellious nature throughout her tumultuous career. From her vocal disdain for Hollywood to her unchecked mental health issues, Frances led a life that was full of intrigue and controversy. The most shocking incident, however, was her arrest during a traffic stop. It’s reported that when asked for her identification, she instead tore up her driver’s license and threw it in the officer’s face. This, along with her showing up to court drunk, landed her in jail, making headlines nationwide.
The Ghost of Peg Entwistle
The tale of Peg Entwistle is a haunting one. In the 1930s, the hopeful actress, unable to find success, jumped to her death from the Hollywood sign, then read “Hollywoodland.” Today, hikers still report encounters with a vanished woman who smells of gardenias, Peg’s favorite perfume. This eerie tale adds to the mystical, darker side of forgotten Hollywood.
The Curious Case of Rudolph Valentino’s Ring
Rudolph Valentino, the heartthrob of silent films, fell prey to a curse, according to Hollywood folklore. Valentino bought a ring that, legend has it, brought misfortune to all its owners. From career slumps to untimely deaths, the ring reportedly spelled doom for Valentino and everyone else who dared to wear it. To this day, this strange tale adds a touch of spooky intrigue to Hollywood’s forgotten past.
Conclusion
These obscure stories reveal a side of Hollywood that has been mostly forgotten – a side that was just as extravagant, absurd, and tragedy-stricken as the movies these historic figures starred-in. Time may have blurred the details and lend these stories an air of myth and legend, but all are integral pieces of the patchwork of Hollywood’s history, known for its blend of glamour and the bizarre.