Mary Astor’s Purple Diary: The Great American Sex Scandal of 1936

Mary Astor’s Purple Diary: The Great American Sex Scandal of 1936
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Mary Astor in “Convention City.” (Studio / Public domain)

On the KCRW show “Scheer Intelligence,” Edward Sorel, author and illustrator of book and magazine covers, tells Robert Scheer about the enduring interest that led to his new book, “Mary Astor’s Purple Diary: The Great American Sex Scandal of 1936.”

The book details the life of the late actress Mary Astor and her scandalous extramarital affairs with prominent men of the time, including Broadway producer George S. Kaufman and actor John Barrymore.

Sorel and Scheer also discuss the impact Astor’s very public love affairs had on her movie career and the parallels between the movie business of the early 20th century and the industry of today.

—Adapted from Truthdig.com

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