Show notes
While the racist, antisemitic Southern authorities try to indict a pregnant Libby for the murder of her husband, the national media effectively puts her on trial. When Libby gives birth to a new Reynolds heir, the circus only grows bigger. Meanwhile, Hollywood gets to work dramatizing the case with the aid of stars such as Claudette Colbert, Jean Harlow and Libby’s friend Franchot Tone.(00:00) A Pre-Code Anti-Heroine(04:53) A “Peculiar Opinion” of Jews(11:09) Libby Testifies(17:23) Indicted by Jury, Convicted by Media(29:09) Who Actually Killed Smith Reynolds?(34:19) Pre-Code Movies Inspired by Libby’s Story(42:50) A Career Tainted by Scandal(52:38) Jean Harlow as Libby Holman(01:02:02) An American Tragedy(01:09:11) Lupe Velez, Libby’s Nemesis
