Actress/comedienne  MARION DAVIES (Jan. 3, 1897- Sept. 22, 1961). Davies was mistress to newspaper tycoon, WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST. She was hostess at many of Hearst’s parties, including those at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. Guests at these affairs usually included such notable actors as CHARLIE CHAPLIN, DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, and MARY PICKFORD.  Hearst micro-managed Davies early career, and in doing so, making such erroneous misjudgments as casting her in lavish historical dramas instead of comedies where she demonstrated her real talent. And regarding those parties: One particular one ended in scandal. It involved the death of early film pioneer, Thomas Ince aboard Hearst’s yacht, and was the subject of a 2001, Peter Bogdanovich film, The Cat’s Meow. There were rumors that he was mistakenly shot by Hearst, and the accident covered up. Incidentally, my first job in the industry, was with What’s Up, Doc? – another film by Bogdanovich.

William Randolph Hearst

Thomas Ince

Charlie Chaplin

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Tony Piazza is author of the 1930s Hollywood murder mystery novel, “Anything Short of Murder,” which had its roots on the TCM fan website. His second novel, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” was next released early 2012, and in July of 2013, his latest Tom Logan Mystery, “A Murder Amongst Angels” was published and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. A new Tom Logan novel has been completed and is scheduled to be released in 2015. He was an actor/extra during the 1970s and worked with such legends as Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, and Karl Malden.  His non-fiction e-book “Bullitt Points” is an in depth look at the making of “Bullitt” from a person who was there. Look for it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites,  or at the link posted below. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity: www.bullittpoints.com.

Tony Piazza is a member of three prestigious writer’s organizations: Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the SLO NightWriters.

NEW! COMING SOON!

The novel that started it all. The first in the Tom Logan mystery series- read by actor James Romick,will be available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out Fall-2015!

Also:

My earlier bestselling novels, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” and “Anything Short of Murder” now joins “A Murder Amongst Angels” on Amazon’s Kindle at a new, low price of $2.99. Now you can have hours of adventure, thrills, mystery, and romance for the price of a cup of coffee- and just as stimulating! Look for it on Amazon. Print versions have also been reduced.

Also: The new Tom Logan mystery thriller, A Murder Amongst Angels is discounted for e-book.

Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever fine books are sold. Also available for $2.99 on Kindle.