Out of Frame: Lana Turner & Johnny Stompanato (ft. Hollywood Crime Scene)
Summary
This episode of What Went Wrong explores the infamous 1959 murder of Johnny Stompanato by Hollywood star Lana Turner. Host Lizzie is joined by Rachel Fisher and Desi Jedekin from the podcast Hollywood Crime Scene to discuss the case. They examine Lana’s turbulent personal life, including her abusive relationships and financial struggles, alongside Stompanato’s background as a mob associate and con artist. The hosts detail the events leading up to the killing, including the infamous confrontation with Sean Connery, and analyze the complex legal and media aftermath of the crime.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest welcome
Hollywood Crime Scene podcast overview
Guests' familiarity with Lana Turner
Lana Turner's childhood and family background
Father's death and early hardships
Moving to Hollywood and early career
Name change and first major roles
The 'Sweater Girl' image and publicity
MGM interference and personal life struggles
Pregnancy, abortion, and marriage to Artie Shaw
Marriage to Steve Crane and birth of Cheryl
Divorce and career success with Postman
Johnny Stompanato's background and con artistry
Stompanato's rise in Hollywood circles
Lana's relationship with Henry Topping
MGM contract issues and new relationships
The honey trap and meeting Stompanato
Abusive relationship dynamics and warnings
Stompanato's threats and Sean Connery incident
Mexico trip and continued abuse
The final fight and Stompanato's death
Cheryl's account and immediate aftermath
Lana's defense and public reaction
Coroner's inquest and testimony
Alternative theories and conspiracy claims
Debate on who committed the murder
Legal aftermath and Cheryl's life
Conclusion and final thoughts
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