Murder in Hollywoodland

Wondery

It's February 2nd 1922, and all of Hollywood is about to wake up and learn that William Desmond Taylor, the most famous film director in town, was murdered in his home last night. The investigation will shine a light on some of Hollywood's most scandalous affairs, backroom deals, and underground drug dens. This real life Murder Mystery is one of the most iconic "whodunnit" cases of the 20th century that will leave you guessing and second guessing who killed William Desmond Taylor for weeks to come.

Co-hosted by Tracy Pattin & James Remar.

Available exclusively on Wondery+.

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Our Editor's Take

This podcast takes listeners back to the heady days of silent films to investigate the shortened life of William Desmond Taylor. Desmond is a former actor and director of more than fifty silent movies until, one mournful day, he was fatally shot. Murder in Hollywoodland is a true crime series that sets out to get to the bottom of the Taylor case. Prime suspects were established at the time, but not everything about this shocking crime was as simple as it seemed.

Taylor had worked in films since the turn of the twentieth century; starting as an actor and moving on to directing. He quickly made a name for himself as he worked alongside superstars of the silver screen. Whether his films met with good or bad reviews, he was well known in his industry. So why was he shot dead in his home? And by who?

There was much debate around Taylor's death and how the police conducted the investigation— particularly in the hours following the crime. Hosts Tracy Pattin and James Remar uncover the truth. This podcast is packed with information about William Desmond Taylor's tragic final days.

This six-part series seeks to establish the truth behind the gruesome tale, including a bonus interview with William Mann, who wrote the book Tinseltown: Murder, Morphine and Madness at the Dawn of Hollywood. Don't miss out on this chance to follow one of the biggest murder stories of the twentieth century.

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Play Trailer

Introducing: Murder in Hollywoodland

Introducing: Murder in Hollywoodland

On February 1, 1922, William Desmond Taylor, one of Hollywood’s most successful directors was found dead in his home with a bullet in his back. The list of suspects was as long as the line outside one of his premieres, and the search for the killer would take investigators across the country and into the underbelly of downtown Los Angeles tracking down clues. As the case unfolded, famous names like Charlie Chaplin, Mabel Normand, and Mack Sennett would be dragged through the mud. The press published torrid love letters, exposed scandalous affairs, and filed incendiary reports on the drug problem on Hollywood sets. But the bigger questions remained — how much did the studios know about the murder, and why were they covering up evidence? And more importantly, who would have reason to murder one of Hollywood’s most promising directors? Available exclusively on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episodes

Introducing: Murder in Hollywoodland

Introducing: Murder in Hollywoodland

On February 1, 1922, William Desmond Taylor, one of Hollywood’s most successful directors was found dead in his home with a bullet in his back. The list of suspects was as long as the line outside one of his premieres, and the search for the killer would take investigators across the country and into the underbelly of downtown Los Angeles tracking down clues. As the case unfolded, famous names like Charlie Chaplin, Mabel Normand, and Mack Sennett would be dragged through the mud. The press published torrid love letters, exposed scandalous affairs, and filed incendiary reports on the drug problem on Hollywood sets. But the bigger questions remained — how much did the studios know about the murder, and why were they covering up evidence? And more importantly, who would have reason to murder one of Hollywood’s most promising directors? Available exclusively on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Crime Scene | 1

The Crime Scene | 1

Listen exclusively with Wondery+. Start your free trial at wonderyplus.comThe murder of William Desmond Taylor rocks Hollywood. Within hours, everyone has heard the news and is asking the same question: why would anyone want Taylor dead? After examining the crime scene, detectives start narrowing in on the first suspects in this shocking crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A district attorney with ulterior motives assigns the Taylor case to a new lead investigator. An anonymous letter tells authorities where to find the murder weapon, and evidence starts to point to the women in Taylor’s life, starting with the director’s closest friend — A-list comedy actress Mabel Normand.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's Something About Mary | 3

There's Something About Mary | 3

A prime suspect emerges, but Detective Ed King still has more questions than answers. King interviews a young starlet who was in love with the slain director, and the district attorney meets with the starlet’s overbearing mother.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Charlotte's Web | 4

Charlotte's Web | 4

While the search for one of the prime suspects continues, investigators uncover a surprising lead that will take them into the underbelly of Hollywood studios fueled by drugs. Meanwhile, studio head Adolph Zukor arrives in Hollywood to try and control the situation and Detective King discovers explosive evidence that puts someone at the scene of the crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Final Days | 5

The Final Days | 5

William Desmond Taylor grows increasingly anxious in the weeks leading up to his death. Detective King comes face-to-face with his primary suspect. And a surprise witness emerges with shocking allegations that force the hand of a new district attorney.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Confession | 6

The Confession | 6

Detective King finally gets his day in court with the primary suspect. But has he really found the truth? That’s the question an aging Hollywood director will ask nearly 40 years later when he decides to re-examine the case in hopes of reviving his career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Interview with Author William Mann | 7

Interview with Author William Mann | 7

Host Tracy Pattin talks to William Mann, author of “Tinseltown: Murder, Morphine and Madness at the Dawn of Hollywood.” Mann shares his own theory on who he thinks murdered William Desmond Taylor, and shares his insight into the early wild west days of Hollywood, how the studios dealt with crime, and the surprising role women played in the entertainment industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where to find Episodes 2-6 of Murder in Hollywoodland

Where to find Episodes 2-6 of Murder in Hollywoodland

Murder in Hollywoodland has moved. You can binge all seven episodes ad-free right now by subscribing to Wondery+ in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app: https://wondery.com/links/murder-in-hollywoodland/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen Now: The Price of Paradise | 1

Listen Now: The Price of Paradise | 1

When ex-Bunny girl Jayne Gaskin spots the desert island of her dreams for sale online, she decides to risk it all. Trading in their English village home, Jayne and her family relocate to their own private paradise, just off the coast of Nicaragua. And a reality TV crew follows them to film a new show, No Going Back. But soon they all discover that paradise has its secrets. The locals claim the island belongs to them, and it’s been sold illegally. Jayne’s not leaving without a fight. A fight that will soon turn deadly.Hosted by Alice Levine.Listen to The Price of Paradise on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/the-price-of-paradise/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.