Out of Frame: Lana Turner & Johnny Stompanato (ft. Hollywood Crime Scene)
Evaluation and Summary
This episode of 'What Went Wrong' examines the life and death of Hollywood actress Lana Turner, focusing on her relationship with mobster Johnny Stompanato and the homicide that resulted from it. Host Lizzie is joined by guests Desi and Rachel from the podcast 'Hollywood Crime Scene' to explore Turner's rise from humble beginnings—including the famous discovery at a soda shop counter—to becoming one of Old Hollywood's most sought-after actresses, known for roles in films like 'The Postman Always Rings Twice.' The episode traces Turner's tumultuous personal life, characterized by relationships with married men, substance abuse, and domestic violence. The central focus is the infamous homicide involving Stompanato, a mobster, and how this crime affected not only Turner but also her daughter for the rest of their lives. By bringing in specialized guests from a true crime podcast, the episode aims to provide deeper investigative insight into one of Old Hollywood's most scandalous and tragic stories. The episode promises to break down the details of this crime while contextualizing it within Turner's broader narrative of personal struggle despite professional success.
Why this score: A solid true crime episode with interesting subject matter and guest expertise, though the show notes don't reveal enough specific insights or unique angles to guarantee exceptional value.
Worth it if you're interested in Old Hollywood scandals, true crime stories, or the darker side of celebrity culture in the mid-20th century.
Content flags
- Sensitive Episode explicitly discusses abuse, homicide, and trauma affecting a child, warranting a content warning for sensitive listeners.
Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.
Show notes
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