I talked to Rock Hudson Biographer Mark Griffin about his new book All That Heaven Allows: Rock Hudson A Biography. His book takes us through Rocks childhood, his struggling days in L.A. to him meeting Henry Wilson, agent to a stable of pretty boys. He took on Rock and eventually, after roles as Indians and small parts Rock achieved superstardom from the Douglas Sirk film Magnificent Obsession. Rock was reunited with Jane Wyman in one of my fave Rock movies, All That Heaven Allows. Who could pass up the deliciously nasty Mona Plasch..We talk about Rocks personal life being in the closet. Confidential magazine was going to out Rock as gay so allegedly Henry Wilson gave them Rory Calhoun was a jailbird..I couldn't imagine they'd trade for that. It looks like Henry Wilson threw Tab Hunter under the bus in an article about a boys PJ party raided by the police. As Rock was nearing 30 the rags would wonder if Rock would finally settle down, or was something wrong with him. At thirty Henry Wilson arranged dating and a marriage between Rock and Henrys secretary Phyllis Gates. Phyllis claimed she had NO IDEA Rock was gay. You will find out more that Phyllis did. Matt talked all Rocks best movies, Rocks loves and how horrible it must have been for Rock to lead a double life. He had to be very trusting and careful that none of his past loves had compromising pictures or letters from him. I can't imagine what that did to him emotionally and physically. We wind our way down to Rocks TV career to Rock finding out he had the Aids virus. He had a blotch on his neck and was actually diagnosed by his dermatologist. We talk the famous Linda Evans, Rock kiss and Rocks final days. Rock was the first famous person to put a face to AIDS . Especially such a beloved one. This is broken into three parts. Matt is fabulous and my heart went out to Rock. I'm not the only person to think the book was wonderful. Universal, Rocks old studio optioned the book to be a major motion picture.
Thanks so much to Mark for being such a great guest. I learned so much more then I ever knew about Rock. He meticulously wrote this book. Lots of great contacts. It took him four years.
Mostly thanks to the audience. I so appreciate you listening.
Grace
xoxo
All things Mark
www.markgriffinauthor.com
Me
www,truestoriesoftinseltown.com
www.truestoriesoftinseltown.podbean.com
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I talk to Chris Costello and she discusses her father Lou Costello's life
Part 2 I talk to Author Stone Wallace about film noir, gangsters in the fifties and was Ma Barker just a sweet little old country lady..
Part 1 I talk to Author Stone Wallce about film noir, gangsters in the fifties and was Ma Barker just a sweet little old country lady..
My blonde shell expert April and I talk about a brunette. But what a brunette..The never dull and ever so gorgeous Ava Gardner
Part 2 I speak to Peter Riva, grandson of the one and only Marlene Dietrich. We talk everything Marlene. FUN!
I speak to Peter Riva, grandson of the one and only Marlene Dietrich. We talk everything Marlene. FUN!
Part 2 I talk to Tom Johnson and David Fantle on their fabulous book Hollywood Heyday: 75 Candid Interviews With Golden Age Legends..Fred Astaire started it all
Part 1 I talk to Tom Johnson and David Fantle on their fabulous book Hollywood Heyday: 75 Candid Interviews With Golden Age Legends..Fred Astaire started it all
My guests and I all tell a movie we are thankful for. It’s not necessarily our faves, but ones that mean a lot to us.
April VeVea and I talk the life and death of Sharon Tate...
Part 2 I talk to author Laurie Jacobson about her book Dishing Hollywood...and did we dish. Exclusive scoop on Lassie, and Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood.
Part 1 I talk to author Laurie Jacobson about her book Dishing Hollywood...and did we dish. Exclusive scoop on Lassie, and Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood.
I talk to the very fun Sloan De Forest about her book Must See SCI-FI : 50 Movies That Are Out Of This World....
This is my second annual Halloween Spooktacular. My guest is Tom Ogden AKA The Ghost Guy..Who is Haunting Hollywood, listen and see...
My Friend Leah From The Blog Cary Grant Won't Eat You, Discuss A Few Damsels In Distress....Spoilers...
I talk to Author Jeff Abraham on his book The Show Won't Go On.. The Most Shocking, Bizarre, And Historic Deaths Of Performers Onstage
Part 3 with William Wellman JR. Actor and son of director "Wild" Bill Wellman..We talk Rebel Wild Bill..
Season 2 Part 2 Opens with William Wellman JR. Actor and son of director "Wild" Bill Wellman..We talk Rebel Wild Bill..
Season 2 Opens with William Wellman JR. Actor and son of director "Wild" Bill Wellman..We talk Rebel Wild Bill..
Part 6 We talk Marilyn's death and theories that are still debated today..
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