Episode Guide
EPISODE
SECTION 1: PLOTS & CHARACTERS
SECTION 2: HISTORY
SECTION 3: CONTEMPORARY
Decades after their family fortunes were built, the next set of heirs and heiresses to some of America’s most famous fortunes are preparing for their inheritances when the Great Depression hits changing everything.
Wall Street Crash, the Great Depression
Coronavirus Pandemic, Summer in Rhode Island
An ailing Buck Duke receives little sympathy from his wife Nanaline, who is more interested in his fortune. Upon Buck’s death, she learns he left his fortune to their young daughter Doris.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Buck Duke
Historic Figures Mentions: Walker Inman, Washington Duke, Ben Duke, Angier Duke, Lillian Duke, Sarah Duke, Brodie Duke, J Reynolds, William Inman
Duke tobacco fortune, Duke University, the Tobacco Wars, post-Civil War rise and fall of Southern fortunes
Death and loss of a loved one
The elite gather for another summer of fun in Newport, Rhode Island. Here young teens Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton must learn the ropes before their debuts next year. First, they need to attend It Girl Louise Van Alen’s debutante ball.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Jakey Astor, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani
Historic Figures Mentions: Caroline Astor
Rules, regulations, and traditions of capital “S” Society and the importance of Newport in the hierarchy, and the connection between debutante balls & marriage alliances
Rites and rituals being interrupted due to worldwide lockdowns
Not all inheritances are equal, and no one knows who has what. Doris and Barbara try to figure out how to get in within Louise, but they remain on the periphery. Meanwhile Louise is having a secret love affair with the Prince.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Jakey Astor, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Van Alen brothers
Historic Figures Mentions: N/A
The nature of reconstructing a past world where scandal and rumors complicate facts; multiple witnesses provide contradictory perspectives; the plethora of similar names
Modern Newport colonists include Taylor Swift, Judge Judy, Jay Leno, and Oracle’s Larry Ellison
The 1922 discovery of King Tut’s tomb is attended by Ava Astor, friend of the Carnarvon family who funded Howard Carter’s excavation. Ava comes into contact with the spirit of a former female pharoah – priestess.
Characters: Alice (Ava) Astor, Howard Carter, Lord Carnarvon, Evelyn Carnarvon, Jakey Astor
Historic Figures Mentions: Arthur Weigall, Marie Corelli, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Archibald Douglas Ried, Prince Ali Kamel Fahm Bey, John Jacob Astor, John Jacob Astor V, John Jacob Astor IV, Prince Serge Obolensky, Pola Negri, Rudolph Valentino, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr
King Tut discovery brings curse rumors and excites the silver screen; silent screen star Pola Negri; Universal’s Mummy Franchise; cursed fortunes and the Titanic
Egypt & King Tut’s continuing influence on culture – Steve Martin’s SNL skit, the Bangles’ hit Walk Like An Egyptian, and the revival of Universal’s Mummy franchise; Lord Carnarvon’s estate Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey
Fortunes need new cash to keep going and investments are key. Two stockbrokers vie for new clients, but one is running a Ponzi scheme. Who should Nanaline Duke trust to build her own fortune? Longtime rival Franklyn Hutton or Society born and bred Bill Wright. Bill’s wife and opera singer Cobina Wright helps Nanaline and Irene Hutton learn the ropes of Society.
Characters: Nanaline Duke, Cobina Wright, William “Bill” May Wright, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, Daisy Van Alen
Historic Figures Mentions: Robert “Bob” Goelet, EF Hutton, Frank Woolworth, Edna Woolworth Hutton, Marjorie Merriweather Post
Backgrounds of Franklyn Hutton both founding EF Hutton with his brother, 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and doomed marriage to the Woolworth fortune; while Newport aristocracy Bill Wright’s fortune & prestige grow with aide of Cobina’s skills as a supreme society hostess
Boom or bust there is always a financial scam happening. Recent Ponzi schemes – scalping Broadway’s Hamilton, Adele, and Katy Perry tickets; Nascar Xfinity, Daytona 500, and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway all have losses with DC Solar
Newport is a buzz with a week dedicated to polo, where young heiresses are likely to lose their hearts if not their fortunes. Prince Alexis rules the field as he plays off the rivalry forming between Louise and Barbara. Cobina guides Nanaline and Irene through another event, until Cobina spots her husband Bill flirting with another socialite.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Cobina Wright, Irene Hutton, Bill Wright, Van Alen brothers, Daisy Van Alen
Polo began as a training exercise for the Persian king’s elite guard; Prince Mdivani and his two brothers take up polo to win over hearts; silent screen star Pola Negri marries Serge Mdivani and buys him ponies
Ralph Lauren model and polo star Nacho Figueras loses 2009 Vanity’s Fair Sexiest Man Alive to Robert Pattinson but beats Brad Pitt; the most famous polo family are British royals Prince Phillip, Prince Charles, Prince William, & Prince Harry
Dowager Alice Vanderbilt opens the Breakers after a season away. The great Vanderbilt fortune is no longer growing and dwindling under the weight of far too many heirs. In her twilight years, Alice tries to hide her financial situation while trying to see who will be the next Society queen her daughter-in-law Grace Wilson Vanderbilt or Daisy Van Alen.
Characters: Alice Vanderbilt, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Louise Van Alen, Nanaline Duke, Cobina Wright, Irene Hutton, Daisy Van Alen, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt
Commodore Vanderbilt built a fortune, which declines from too many heirs with extravagant tastes; Alva Vanderbilt topples Society queen Caroline Astor; Alice’s disinherited son Neily Vanderbilt gains the fortune while his wife Grace becomes the new Queen Bee
By 1970s, 120+ Vanderbilts are no longer millionaires; self made millionaires – Gloria Vanderbilt, Anderson Cooper, Timothy Olyphant, James Patterson Vanderbilt, and racially blind music producer John Hammond discovers talents Benny Carter, Count Basie, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holliday, Leonard Cohen, & Bruce Springsteen
Fortunes won’t protect an heiress from a broken heart, and in fact they might guarantee it. In 1917, Edna Woolworth Hutton commits suicide learning upon another of her husband’s infidelities. In the summer of 1929, a news headline features the suicide of a showgirl dumped by a stockbroker. Barbara grows determined to reunite the Prince with his former lover, Doris discovers a family connection to the showgirl, and Cobina learns of another infidelity by her husband.
Characters: Edna Woolworth Hutton, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Cobina Wright, Franklyn Hutton
1929 suicides were prominent that summer not immediately after the Crash; suicide statistics and patterns during larger crisis; Edna Woolworth Hutton’s broken marriage and aftermath of her suicide
More than mere plotlines but very personal connections to suicide as the pandemic increases risks much like the Great Depression
A humiliating incident forces Doris to flee to Bar Harbor, Maine. There she meets Cobina’s former lover James (Jimmy) HR Cromwell along with his mother Eva Stotesbury and Evalyn Walsh McLean. Eva and Evalyn consider Doris as a future potential wife for the newly divorced Jimmy. Jimmy’s amorous and libidinous desires prove problematic.
Characters: Doris Duke, Cobina Wright, Jimmy Cromwell, Eva Stotesbury, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Barbara Hutton, Louise Van Alen, Jakey Astor, Prince Mdivani, Van Alen brothers
Jimmy Cromwell is an heir to two fortunes with a complicated love life, Cobina’s former lover, married & divorced to the Dodge fortune, failed Florida development Floranada, but the elder Society ladies love him; popular racehorse Floranada
Pandemic’s lockdown has thwarted many adolescent moments both nostalgic and awful
Proud teen heir Jakey Astor has to deal with his older half brother Vincent being in town. The rivalry between the brothers is tense, as seen with a family heirloom. The trouble all started with a fated love story on the Titanic.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Jakey Astor, Vincent Astor, Helen Astor
John Jacob Astor IV was the richest man to die on the Titanic, and how his early death impacted his children, one of whom was born after the tragedy.
John Jacob Astor IV was the richest man to die on the Titanic, and how his early death impacted his children, one of whom was born after the tragedy.
Supreme hostess Cobina Wright hosts a reception for the celebrated French composer Maurice Ravel. The entertainment features the best of the Harlem Renaissance including Hall Johnson and his choir.
Characters: Cobina Wright, Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Nanaline Duke, Bill Wright
Harlem Renaissance and its center the Savoy Ballroom; the importance of connecting Hall Johnson to the esteemed musical guests at Cobina’s party; historical interest in Negro Spirituals; The Green Pastures and Porgy and Porgy and Bess all black productions in Broadway, opera, and film
Random connections with historical documentaries on the similar subjects and swing dancing
After getting into a fight with Doris Duke over the secret love affair between Louise Van Alen and Prince Alexis Mdivani, Barbara Hutton finds herself stranded and alone in a sailboat in open sea.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Jakey Astor, Franklyn Hutton, Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Vincent Astor, Irene Hutton, Daisy Van Alen
Complications in research, lots of material but not always accurate, especially one biography with forged documents, fabrications, and plagiarism; TV miniseries 1987 Poor Little Rich Girl on Barbara and 1999 Too Rich on Doris
Teens have returned to school, but the virtual setup still means many adolescent experiences like young love get complicated
Parental conflict pushes an heiress into a match with a neighboring though equally challenging heir. The chance of finally having a loving warm maternal bond proves more than alluring. After winning a lawsuit against her mother Nanaline, Doris Duke is pushed towards another heir and neighbor Huntington Hartford. However his relationship with his mother Henrietta complicates matters.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Jakey Astor, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Daisy Van Alen, Van Alen Brothers
Doris Duke at 14 sued her mother and estate to block sale of properties; A&P Grocery Store fortune and the rise of the Hartfords; Edward Hartford’s efforts to become a gentleman and inventor; Henrietta Hartford’s obsession with Society and her son Huntington
The concept of FOMO amidst the pandemic and the potential of overindulgence to return after austerity
Cobina Wright is constantly worrying over her husband Bill’s cheating with multiple women and ends up missing more pressing financial red flags. Nanaline Duke finally secures investment with Bill and is on the way to building her own personal fortune.
Characters: Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Nanaline Duke
Cobina Wright struggles as she learns of multiple infidelities while undergoing lavish home renovations. Cobina joins a Pro Musica tour hoping to return to a better relationship only to find more problems.
When dealing with relationship problems, one can overlook bigger problems. In the end, heartbreak is heartbreak, but the truth can set one free.
Two dispossessed Russian princes are floating about Newport. Prince Serge Obolensky with his wife Ava Alice Astor is making the rounds much to the displeasure of Prince Alexis Mdivani. All are present for the upcoming debutante ball of Louise Van Alen.
Characters: Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Prince Serge Obolensky, Ava Alice Astor, Jakey Astor, Vincent Astor, Helen Astor, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Van Alen Brothers
World War I toppled 3 long reigning dynasties – Austro-Hungarian Habsburg, Turkish Ottoman, and Russian Romanov. The effect of the Russian Revolution on Prince Serge Obolensky and Prince Alexis Mdivani, and the rise of dispossessed and fake royalty in 1920s Europe.
Studies in royal dynasties and the popular fascination with royalty including Britain’s young royals. Serge Obolensky drops his “prince” title for U.S. citizenship in 1931.
The day of the 1929 Wall Street Crash, the ticker runs behind, but people already fear the losses and upcoming changes.
Characters: None featured in story, but in recap Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Jakey Astor, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Cobina Wright, Jimmy Cromwell, Huntington Hartford, Nanaline Duke, Vincent Astor, Ava Alice Astor
Summer of 1929 was warm and the stocks were hot, but then everything drastically changed. Then Black Thursday led to Monday and then the infamous Black Tuesday.
Still a lot of uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic.
Teen tennis champion Frank Shields wins hearts both on and off the court. Prince Alexis is not happy with this new competition.
Characters: Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Frank Shields, Barbara Hutton, Huntington Hartford, Doris Duke, Henry and Sam Van Alen Brothers, Ava Alice Astor, Jakey Astor, Henrietta Hartford
History of tennis from France and England, changes in the game and scoring, Wimbledon, William “Big Bill” Tilden, Frank Shields, Van Alen Brothers, and the invention of the tiebreak.
Sweet memories of a teenage summer love in Rhode Island with a foreign tennis player
Events leading up to Louise Van Alen’s debutante ball puts everyone high alert as it becomes who has been invited and who hasn’t. Prince Alexis Mdivani, Frank Shields, Jakey Astor, and the Van Alen brothers make their ways at the necessary activities, while the invited Doris Duke and Prince realize Barbara Hutton is not included.
Characters: Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Barbara Hutton, Frank Shields, Henry and Sam Van Alen Brothers, Jakey Astor, Daisy Van Alen, Cobina Wright
Louise Van Alen was the debutante of her season but the details are difficult to come by. The dominance of her great grandmother Caroline Astor, the 400, invitations, and the Gilded Age. Alva Vanderbilt’s Winter Ball forces an invite into the 400.
The pains of social exclusion, adolescence, and junior high
Henry Van Alen officially presents his sister Louise as a debutante at a private dinner at Wakehurst before the big ball. Finally invited to the the dance only, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutto Rush to get ready for the big event. Louise’s secret relationship with Prince Alexis Mdivani seems to follow a long Astor and Van Alen history of complicated romances.
Characters: Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Frank Shields, Henry and Sam Van Alen Brothers, Jakey Astor, Daisy Van Alen, Cobina Wright, Ava Astor, Vincent Astor, Prince Serge Obolensky
Debutante balls are about arranging marriages not based on love nor romance. Several Astor and Van Alen marriages defied conventions to not so happy results. The history of Louise Van Alen’s grandparents and other relatives.
Modern debutante balls involve multiple participants. The most prestigious is the International Debutante Ball. In 2006, Caroline Astor’s thrice great granddaughters the Princesses Obolensky debuted there at the Waldorf-Astoria NY.
Reigning It Girl Louise Van Alen finally has her debutante ball. It’s a fairy tale night especially with her royal escort and secret lover Prince Alexis Mdivani. Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke both scored last minute invites but nearly ruin the night. Will there be a happily ever after?
Characters: Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Frank Shields, Henry and Sam Van Alen Brothers, Jakey Astor, Daisy Van Alen, Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Ava Astor, Prince Serge Obolensky, Huntington Hartford
Traditions involving debutante balls including dresses, feathers, and events like Vienna Opera Ball and Savannah’s Christmas Cotillon. Some debutantes presented to the king and queens. The most famous debutante Brenda Frazier set the fashion trends of strapless dress in 1938 but later became suicidal.
Ongoing modern fascination with debutante balls in films and television, especially several episodes in Gossip Girl. Other famous debutantes include Barbara Hutton’s cousin Dina Merrill, 1982 It Girl Cornelia Guest, and modern celebs like comic Fortune Feimster and Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s daughters. A fairy tale activity, but fairy tales aren’t always happily ever after.
Over a hot Labor Day Weekend, the preferred activity is crabbing. Amongst the rocks and waves, Louise Van Alen worries about her secret romance with Prince Alexis Mdivani, and her concerns are valid when looking at older couple Grace Wilson Vanderbilt and her husband Neily Vanderbilt. Doris Duke with Jimmy Cromwell and Barbara Hutton with Frank Shields have various successes with their buckets, hinting at their own situations.
Characters: Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Neily Vanderbilt, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Frank Shields, Henry and Sam Van Alen Brothers, Jakey Astor, Daisy Van Alen, Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Huntington Hartford, Lil Cobina Wright Jr, Gloria Vanderbilt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
Grace Wilson and Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt III sparked a romance at his sister Gertrude’s debutante ball. Their engagement caused a scandal in his family and led to his disinheritance. Grace grew up spoiled by her father, never worried about money, and her reckless spending will spell the end of the Vanderbilt fortune.
The political term “rising tide” refers to equal prosperity ignoring reversals. Crab mentality refers to the psychology of people who pull another down to enforce conformity to the group due to envy and competition. The effects of modern cancel culture.
The heat of Labor Day weekend causes many to flee the city only to cause traffic jams upon return. But it’s the heat on Wall Street that really has everyone excited. The ever ambitious Nanaline Duke invests heavily with stockbroker Bill Wright. To celebrate the summer’s profits, Bill whisks his wife & opera singer Cobina Wright off to Paris.
Characters: Nanaline Duke, Bill Wright, Cobina Wright, Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Franklyn Hutton
The heat of Labor Day weekend combined with the automobile had many people traveling for the holiday to places like Coney Island. But September 3rd proved hotter in the stockmarket with highest peak on Dow Jones. Stocks of worth – Montgomery Ward rival to Woolworth, and new technologies with Zeppelin and the first television. However trouble brews in the stockmarket with fraud – British Clarence Hatry, Swedish Ivar Kreuger, and a little tidbit on Charles Ponzi.
The excitement surrounding the Mega Millions $850 and Powerball $730 million dollar jackpots. Past experiences with financial scams including Savings and Loans, Enron – Arthur Andersen, plus smaller exposure on jobs, and watching investigative tv series American Greed to understand and recreate storylines and characters.
Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Huntington Hartford, and Jakey Astor all return to their individual private and boarding schools. Isolated and alone, the heirs and heiresses must contend with their disapproving classmates. Frank Shields plans to transfer to a Connecticut private school near Barbara, and Louise Van Alen preps for her ongoing debutante activities.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Jakey Astor, Frank Shields, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Louise Van Alen, Van Alen brothers
Elite private and boarding schools history, early curriculum, and alumni, including: Brearley in Manhattan; St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire; Miss Porter’s in Farmington, Connecticut; Roxbury School now Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, Connecticut; and St. George’s in Newport, Rhode Island.
A summer experience spent at Brown University and the snobbish and elitism faced by a public school girl
As the long perfect Indian summer ends, there is one final party to attend.Only the Wall Street Crash takes out more than stocks, and all that is known will soon be questioned.
Supreme hostess and opera singer Cobina Wright throws another fabulous party all the while wondering who among her guests have lost their fortunes in the Crash all the while trying to keep her own secret.
Characters: Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Prince Serge Obolensky, Ava Astor
Mentions: Barbara Hutton, Jakey Astor, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Louise Van Alen, Van Alen brothers, Franklyn Hutton
The end of Roaring Twenties optimism. Waldorf-Astoria hotel closed then moved to Park Avenue. The Empire State building. Recap of heirs and heiresses fortunes pre-Crash.
Skepticism on large fortunes meaning easy life. GameStop stock fiasco with hedgefunds.
Their fates have changed, but somethings will always remain the same. Every year birthdays come and go. Will our heiresses celebrate and make a wish for a better tomorrow?
Away at their boarding schools, Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke are ignored and forgotten on their birthdays. Eventually, Barbara celebrates with her loyal servants, while Doris gets a visit with her brother Walker Inman. Meanwhile both girls are unaware that several classmates won’t be returning after the holidays.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Walker Inman
Mentions: Nanaline Duke, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Jakey Astor, Louise Van Alen, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton
Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke are born a little over a week apart in November 1912, and they will be compared for the rest of their lives. From press coverage, schooling, and even star signs. History of birthday related themes from horoscope and traditions including the cake and the birthday song.
Going through difficult times and needing to acknowledge the stage of difficulty. Texas winter storm / snowpocalypse.
The Crash has come, and the doom it brings will consume many. As the holidays approach, many wrestle with their new circumstances. For some, their despair will become far too much.
When banker J.J. Riordan commits suicide, those around him work to protect the bank from a run by depositors. A large crowd gathers for the funeral to see which famous people attend. Others try to determine their own financial futures.
Characters: Vincent Astor, Bill Wright, Cobina Wright, Nanaline Duke, Ned Stotesbury
Historic Figures Mentions: J.J. Riordan, Al Smith, John Raskob, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jesse Livermore, Joe Kennedy
The suicide of banker James J. (J.J.) Riordan sets off a panic related to his bank Country Trust Company. Measures are taken to assure the public of its solvency. Press issues around the secrecy. Other headlining suicides leading up and after the Crash. Mass panics leading to bank runs and the failure of banks during the Great Depression.
Sometimes FOMO (fear of missing out) can also be the reverse FOBI (fear of being included). The fleeting nature of privilege and money. With Oprah Winfrey interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the prevalence of suicidal ideation and media influence that encourages more suicides and others that help seek treatment. The suicide increase during the pandemic.
As family fortunes are lost, wayward sons learn they might need to make some adjustments in their lifestyles. That is unless they can find the right young heiress to marry.
Two male heirs and recently divorced Walker Inman and Jimmy Cromwell return to their mothers Nanaline Duke and Eva Stotesbury for pampering before they re-enter the dating market. Walker twice won his Reno divorce from his showgirl ex-wife, whom Nanaline pays off to stop the ongoing scandalous press. Jimmy considers entering a career in politics if his stepfather Ned Stotesbury will fund the venture.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Jimmy Cromwell, Ned Stotesbury, Eva Stotesbury, Walker Inman
Historic Figures Mentions: Al Smith, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dapper Dan Collins, Anna Dodge, Delphine Dodge, Arnold Rothstein, Evalyn Walsh McLean
Two sons return their plush family homes after suffering scandal and divorce. Doris Duke’s half-brother Walker Inman suffers an embarrassing scandalou divorce to showgirl who cheated with multiple men including a Zeigfeld Follies singer John Steel and infamous conman Dapper Dan Collins. After divorce ffrom the Dodge fortune and a bad Florida land deal, Jimmy Cromwell is ready for the next venture, possibly politics if his stepfather Ned Stotesbury will finance it.
The complications of family especially sibling dynamics with troubled sons and brothers. The ease of judging outside the dynamic, while inside more complicated with the constant need for redemption. The British royal family is the most public current scandal involving wayward seconds sons and spare heirs.
All they want is love. Everyone else wants their fortune.
Male fortune hunters will pursue young heiresses even more aggressively after the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression. This is a special episode commemorating the 1 year anniversary of As The Money Burns podcast. There will be some recapping past storylines and teasing future ones.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton
Historic Figures Mentions: Medici family
The prenuptial agreement was originally to protect wealthy females from male fortune hunters. Working middle class families with fortunes eventually marry into upper classes like the Italian Medici family, and the American Dollar Princess trend involved wealthy females marrying for European titles. The Crash increases the pursuit of males pursuing heiresses.
Part of the drive behind the podcast storylines was the desire for romance after divorce and the complications of dating in the digital age with all its vulgarities.
Ned Stotesbury is a generous and wealthy man who likes to live a big life, but the one thing he can’t stand is taxes. His grand estate Whitemarsh Hall will feel the effects of the 1929 Wall Street Crash and taxation to fund President Roosevelt’s New Deal, which stepson Jimmy Cromwell approves to Ned’s dismay and anger.
Characters: Ned Stotesbury, Eva Stotesbury, Jimmy Cromwell
Historic Figures Mentions: President Franklin Roosevelt, Al Capone, JP Morgan, Charles E. Mitchell, Broadway Butterfly Dorothy King
Two things certain in life are death and taxes, and with taxes comes resistance. The formation of Internal Revenue Service, IRS, from Civil War to the Sixteenth Amendment. The rise of President Roosevelt’s New Deal brings more taxation and aggressive collections. Prominent financier Ned Stotesbury has third largest estate Whitemarsh Hall and multiple issues with the taxman. Also discussed connections of Stotesbury and taxes with Broadway Butterfly murder.
For Tax Day, focus on tax evasion, famous tax evaders, and going through an IRS audit.
In Palm Beach, Jessie Woolworth Donahue and Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton prepare for Barbara Hutton’s debut later this year. At Cielito Lindo’s Moroccan tea pavilion, their friends Eva Stotesbury, Anna Dodge Dillman, and Cobina Wright gather to help plan a great celebration.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Cobina Wright, Eva Stotesbury, Anna Dodge, Jessie Woolworth Donahue, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, “Jeem” Jimmy Donahue, “Wooly” Woolworth Donahue, Nedina Hutton / Dina Merrill, Lil Cobina Wright Jr.
Historic Figures Mentions: Prince of Wales aka King Edward VIII / Duke of Windsor, Thelma Furness, Wallis Simpson, Josep Maria Sert
History of Florida and Palm Beach with the 1920s land boom and winter retreat for the wealthy. Four palatial estates – Mar-a-Lago, Cielito Lindo, El Mirasol, and Playa Riente. The latter has murals by Spanish painter Jose Maria Sert, whose connected to future storylines. Changes to the estates include Trump buying Mar-a-Lago and dividing up Cielito Lindo for road construction.
Nothing stays the same, and yet remnants of the past are still present sometimes in the form of real estate. Two more sales linked to former sections of Cielito Lindo within the last few years.
Doris Duke is one of 17 Americans to bow and curtsey to King George V and Queen Mary at Buckingham Palace. The court presentation is a high honor that will make Doris one of the most notable debutantes of her season. The unmarried Prince of Wales is also in attendance.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Prince of Wales David – future King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, British King George V, British Queen Mary, Viscountess Thelma Morgan Furness
Historic Figures Mentions: Queen Charlotte, King George III, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, Gloria Vanderbilt, Joseph Kennedy
History and traditions of debutantes being presented at the British royal court began with King George honoring his wife Queen Charlotte in 1780. Queen Charlotte’s Ball and curtseying at court would last until 1958 when Queen Elizabeth II ended the ceremony to modernize the monarchy. Former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom Joseph Kennedy also disliked the ceremony but still had his daughters participate.
Most girls want to be a princess and the debutante activities especially a court presentation could be the closest experience. It’s a popular media subject. Made in Chelsea, Bridgerton, The Crown, and Downton Abbey all feature episodes and plotlines on debutantes.
After Doris Duke is one of 17 Americans to bow and curtsey to King George V and Queen Mary at Buckingham Palace, Doris enjoys an increase in popularity before her debut. Meeting up with the Van Alen brothers, Doris spots David, the eligible Prince of Wales, who with his married lover at London’s elite Embassy Club, which features jazz. The Prince recently returned from Africa having the first photo safari.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Henry Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, British Prince of Wales David – future King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Viscountess Thelma Morgan Furness
Historic Figures Mentions: Will Rogers, King George V, Wallis Simpson, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle
The American press covers the 17 Americans being presented at the British royal court om 1930. Doris Duke’s press increases the interest in her and her fortune, with more marriage proposals to come. The Prince of Wales David and future King Edward VIII is the most desirable bachelor, only he prefers married women which will cause multiple scandals and his abdication.
The adulation of the press can quickly turn to criticism. The rise of social media has brought more of both. Modern parallels come with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle trying to use the press to their advantage, but their abdication of royal duties has brought negative reactions and comparisons to his great uncle.
During his sixth year at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, Huntington Hartford enjoys a bit of popularity after successes in the solo sports squash and tennis – and literary. Only when he is caught cheating during his final exams, he once again faces the condemnation of his classmates who refuse to walk if he participates in graduation, despite his mother Henrietta’s generous offer.
Characters: Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Jakey Astor, Frank Shields
Historic Figures Mentions: former US Ambassador Alanson Houghton
Huntington Hartford’s essay on vacations and youthful independence shows his ambitions. St. Paul’s School is wracked with later scandals of sexual misconduct, financial misappropriation, and rape allegations. In 1930, former US Ambassador Alanson Houghton gives a speech at St. Paul’s 74th Anniversary luncheon about how public opinion is the strongest force in the world.
Cheating is a common problem faced by teachers and students. Yet the college admissions scandal also referred as Operation Varsity Blues exposed several wealthy and famous families.
After bowing at Buckingham Palace, Doris Duke returns to the United States aboard the Mauretania to prepare for her debutante ball. Traveling the opposite route, Huntington Hartford avoids his cheating scandal with a summer in Europe before starting Harvard. Utilizing the private yacht Nourmahal for the Astor Expedition, older heir Vincent Astor explores the Galapagos Islands among other tropical locations and brings back specimens of all sorts.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Vincent Astor, Jakey Astor
Historic Figures Mentions: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Kermit Roosevelt
Ocean liners were the primary source of transportation and were built for size, speed, and luxury. Two British companies competed with each other: Cunard with its Lusitania, Mauretania, and Carpathia and White Star Line with Olympic and Titanic. Three of those five ships had tragic ends. Vincent Astor’s private yacht Nourmahal would serve as refuge for President Franklin Roosevelt’s health breaks and later as gunboat in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Vincent would also use the ship on secret espionage missions to scout Japanese submarines.
The easy life does not always yield the best life. Money does not solve all problems, and money can never replace the one you love.
Cobina Wright performs at a smaller venue with Metropolitan Opera tenor Rafaelo Diaz. Cobina’s history with opera and performing flashes before her eyes reminding her that music has always helped her to cope with her circumstances at hand.
Characters: Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Jimmy Cromwell
Historic Figures Mentions: Lamperti, General Pershing
As a young child, Cobina Wright suffered stage fright on her first performance, but after becoming a young opera fan was determined to become a singer. Metropolitan Opera tenor Rafaelo Diaz is her partner with a similar background.
The resilience of pushing forward during tough times and setbacks is no easy task, but must be done as life always persists despite the circumstances.
An elderly patient is kept secluded and drugged as caretakers pilfer the financial resources. The end of lives of heirs and heiresses come with more concern over their remaining fortunes than their actual well being.
Characters referenced: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Huntington Hartford, Vincent Astor, Jakey Astor
An overview of the elder abuse situations surrounding our primary heirs and heiresses near the end of the lives. How their fortunes were pilfered and plundered by those around them. They spent their whole lives with people more focused on their fortunes than their well being. The significance of elder abuse involving financial resources.
The need to remember the frailty and vulnerability when discussing the wealthy, especially when they are elderly.
After bowing at Buckingham Palace, Doris Duke becomes THE Debutante of Her Season, while her friend Barbara Hutton also a debutante this season remains on the sidelines. During Newport’s Tennis Week, Doris is center of attention as her party is a few days away but then something happens that might change her new found popularity.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Nanaline Duke, Jimmy Cromwell, Louise Van Alen, Henry Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Frank Shields, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Huntington Hartford
Historic Figures Mentions: Evalyn Walsh McLean, Bill Tilden, Bernard “Sailing” Baruch, Sailing Baruch Jr.
For most of 1930, many did not realize they were already in the Great Depression until the bank failures began in the tenth month. The rich did cut down some in their lifestyle, but life seemed more like normal. When the times got darker, the masses started paying attention to the rich as a form of celebrity. Meanwhile, the system continues to crash.
The overinvestment in celebrities causes people to think they know more about the individual. Two athletes drop out of their major competitions (Wimbledon and Olympics) citing mental health reasons and receive both praise and criticisms.
Suffering a tennis injury, Doris Duke must watch her own debutante ball from the sidelines. Her escort older heir to two fortunes Jimmy Cromwell keeps her company, while her mother Nanaline looks for potential marital alliances.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Nanaline Duke, Jimmy Cromwell, Jakey Astor, Henry Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Evalyn Walsh McLean
Historic Figures Mentions: Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Robert Wilson Goelet, Dr. Alexander Hamilton Rice, Mary Wilson Goelet, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Alice Vanderbilt
For the summer of 1930, Doris Duke’s debutante is the third largest event in Newport. The biggest event was the Goelet ball at Ochre Point and the second Dr. Alexander Hamilton dinner and dance at Miramar. The troubles of digging out specific facts and the mix ups that can occur. The founders of American dynasties – Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, and Cornelius Vanderbilt – warn about how large fortunes can destroy descendants.
The connection of having an injury, and the concept of envy over relationships versus fortunes.
In Biarritz, France, Barbara Hutton wants to help reunite the forbidden lovers – Prince Alexis Mdivani and Silvia. The famed beauty Silvia is minor royal whose family too has lost their fortune to the Great Depression and now must consider a more financially beneficial marriage.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Louise Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Henry Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Silvie de Rivas aka de Castilleja
Historic Figures Mentions: Jay Gould, Anna Gould, Count Boni de Castellane, Catherine de Medici, King Henri II of France
The complications of rebuilding teen romances and love affairs. Correcting misinformation and connecting the dots through various sources. American dollar princess Anna Gould’s marriage with French Count Boni de Castellane.
The rise of romance fraud in the digital age. The most profitable of all financial scams.
The America’s Cup returns with five time challenger Sir Thomas Lipton against defender Harold Vanderbilt. The next set of races will bring in a new era
in nautical technology.
Characters: Harold “Mike” Vanderbilt, Sir Thomas Lipton, Vincent Astor, Jakey Astor, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke
Historic Figures Mentions: Queen Victoria, William Kissam Vanderbilt, Alva Vanderbilt, Sir Thomas Sopwith, Larry Ellison
History of the oldest ongoing international competition the America’s Cup. Sir Thomas Lipton rise from cabin boy to tea mogul and his five time quest to win the Auld Mug trophy. The interruption of World War I on a previous challenge.
The America’s Cup continues to this day with more recent wins by Larry’s Ellison’s Oracle team and current champion New Zealand.
On the five year anniversary of Buck Duke’s death, Nanaline must return to Duke University for a memorial weekend. While the university celebrates their former benefactor, Nanaline is reminded of the fortune she lost and schemes to get it back.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Buck Duke, Jenny Renaud
Historic Figures Mentions: Washington Duke, Benjamin Duke, Angier Duke
The creation of the Duke Endowment and Duke University by Buck Duke a year before his death. The Duke family history with Trinity College. Buck Duke’s interest in equality for both sexes and all races. Nanaline Duke’s interest in gaining a fortune and later personal gifts to Duke University.
The residual feelings over the loss of loved ones.
Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke attend multiple events as part of their debutante season. Endless activities occurring while further away hints of darker economic times looming.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Ward Fox, June Blossom
Historic Figures Mentions: E.F. Hutton, Charles Pierre, Prince of Wales, King Edward VII, Prince Charles, Duke of Windsor, Nancy Randolph, Cholly Knickerbocker, Inez Callaway Robb
Bank failures have been happening in remote locations like small rural town or internationally like Havana, Cuba and Lisbon, Portugal, yet the hint of a failure results in immediate bank runs. Society reporters and editors focus on the super rich for distraction. Nancy Randolph and Cholly Knickerboacker are two pen names for popular columns. Inez Callaway Robb was a female reporter with hardcore journalism career who ran the Nancy Randolph column for 12 years. History of Hotel Pierre in Manhattan and the origins of the tuxedo with the Prince of Wales.
The ongoing lockdown and pandemic has many contradictions that won’t be resolved for a long time.
As Cobina Wright hosts the opening activities for the 1930 Metropolitan Season, she wonders who also is hiding their losses from the Crash. Dowager Alice Vanderbilt now leases her prized balcony box to close friends. The glamorous attendees enjoy Verdi’s Aida opera.
Characters: Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Alice Vanderbilt, Grace Vanderbilt, Elsa Maxwell
Historic Figures Mentions: Arturo Toscanini, Walter Damrosch, Leopold Damrosch, Frank Damrosch, Giuseppe Verdi
History of Metropolitan Opera, aka the Met, built because new money forbidden from Academy of Music and soon eclipsed it popularity. Verdi’s opera Aida was written for Cairo’s opera house in 1871 then became worldwide sensation. First soap opera “Painted Dreams” radio program debuted on Chicago’s WGN on October 20, 1930.
Personal experiences with opera in Vienna, Houston, and Beijing. The first one in high school merged two different groups (high achievers & reformed delinquents) for one night.
Still haunted by his cheating scandal, Huntington Hartford starts Harvard in the fall 1930. While his smothering mother Henrietta Hartford is occupied with a flower show, Huntington and his roommate visit a local brothel.
Characters: Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Ned Rollins
Historic Figures Mentions: Mrs. William K Vanderbilt, Governor Franklin Roosevelt, Chile Acuna, Assistant Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt
Prohibition and Great Depression are two eras rampant with 3 major crimes: bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution. Police corruption especially plain clothes detectives big issue in the newspapers. New York Vice Squad faces prostitution scandal in 1930.
Sexual history research in academia and for documentaries. Metal detecting find of metal condom tins for the 1930s.
Three former debutantes work as mannequins and saleswomen at a “debutante shop” helping this year’s debs prepare for the coming out season.
Characters: mentions Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Jakey Astor, Vincent Astor, Ava Astor Obolensky, Prince Serge Obolensky
Historic Figures Mentions: Happy Shannon, Mary Irwin Howell, Antoinette Frissell (Toni Frissell), Cecil Beaton, Rogers Caldwell, Franklin Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Edward Lorenz, Henri Poincare
Tracking down former debutantes who became salesgirls. The rise of debut shops and debutante shops in 1930. Bank failures in Nashville signal the first of four major bank panics leading to the Great Depression. At the center is Caldwell & Company who takes the blame in 100 bank failures.
The butterfly effect and chaos theory how small events can reverberate with a larger impact elsewhere.
Barbara Hutton has the biggest, most expensive debutante ball ever thrown at the Ritz-Carlton. Everyone attends the wonderful night, but drama starts to unfold amongst her many guests.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Jakey Astor, Henry Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, Silvia Castilleja de Rivas
Historic Figures Mentions: Happy Shannon, Winston Churchill, dancers La Argentina & La Argentinita, Joseph Urban, Max Schling, Mrs. Reginald Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, Thelma Furness, David Prince of Wales future King Edward VIII Duke of Windsor
In 1930 New York, debutante balls are big business, and Barbara Hutton’s ball at the Ritz-Carlton is the biggest of all. The myriad of complications trying to straighten out the details and facts amongst the various newspaper articles and the later biographies. The importance this event will have on multiple people.
Every female dreams of a fantasy glamorous night or event. The popularity in the media. However the vicarious fantasy doesn’t quite match the reality of the actual events.
Barbara Hutton’s big debutante ball continues at the Ritz-Carlton. Prince Alexis Mdivani and Louise Van Alen steal the attention, while Silvia begs Barbara to marry the Prince. Barbara’s father Franklyn Hutton finally tells her the true amount of her fortune.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Jakey Astor, Henry Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, Silvia de Rivas de Castilleja de Rivas
Historic Figures Mentions: Marjorie Merriweather Post, Paris Hilton, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner
Barbara Hutton’s ball is a big press sensation, but the opulence brings criticism and negative attention. Unemployment is rising, and soup kitchens are popping up around the country.
Celebrity and social media is like the reflected moonlight. It can be overly bright and very dark. The need for redemption in today’s cancel culture and online mob times.
Elsa Maxwell throws another fabulous costume party before returning to Europe. Cobina Wright reconsiders her options for financial recovery. Louise Van Alen and Prince Alexis Mdivani’s wedding announcement upsets her family, and Lady Ribblesdale offers some consolation.
Characters: Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Elsa Maxwell, Henry Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Daisy Van Alen, Irene Hutton, Jimmy Cromwell, Vincent Astor, Helen Astor, Lady Ribblesdale, Ava Alice Astor, Prince Serge Obolensky, Serge Mdivani, David Mdivani, Nina Mdivani, Roussie Mdivani, Pola Negri, Mae Murray, Mary McCormick
Historic Figures Mentions: Cole Porter, Evelyn Walsh McLean, Virginia Fair “Byrdie” Vanderbilt, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Adele Astaire, Fannie Brice, Josep Maria Sert, Misia Sert, Tsar Nicholas II Romanov
Ocean travel improvement since Plymouth colony. The rise of American dollar princess during the Gilded Age and the impoverished royals after World War II. The five siblings known as the “Marrying Mdivanis” become famous for their wealthy marriages, but problems arise with two Hollywood wives.
Adolescence and young adulthood impact a person’s perspective in life especially in the realm of dating. The issue of friends and siblings dating and complications.
EF Hutton ventures down into Hell’s Kitchen to check on the soup kitchen sponsored by him and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post.
Characters: EF Hutton
Historic Figures Mentions: Marjorie Merriweather Post, Rafaelo Diaz, Al Capone, Mahatma Gandhi, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke
Great Depression sees a rise of soup kitchens in 1930. Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and husband EF Hutton fund soup kitchens. Marjorie expands her wealth through food companies. Al Capone tries reforming tax evasion image with a soup kitchen in Chicago, but the criminal association does not completely go away. In British occupied India, political prisoner Mahatma Gandhi loses weight.
Tough times stay with people long afterwards from large events like the Great Depression and wars to the smaller individual experiences. Issues with food insecurity are highlighted during pandemic.
Cobina Wright hosts a party to celebrate the Met opening of Deems Taylor’s new opera and Noel Coward. It’s another fabulous party, but everything seems to be an endless loop as things change while still staying the same.
Characters: Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Deems Taylor, Noel Coward
Historic Figures Mentions: George du Maurier, JM Barrie, Walter Damrosch, Arthur Toscanini, Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, John Barrymore, George du Maurier, Vaslav Nijinsky, and many more…
Deems Taylor is a music critic turned composer and affiliated with Algonquin Roundtable. George du Maurier’s work Peter Ibbetson has multiple adaptations from play to opera to radio, and his family connections with JM Barrie & Peter Pan. The complications of reconstructing the timelines from sources without specific dates.
The popularity of certain works keep getting remade. Deems Taylor’s most enduring contribution involves Disney’s Fantasia. Other adaptations by Hitchcock, the Barrymore clan, and JM Barrie’s ongoing influence.
Everyone gathers in Palm Beach for winter and lunch at the seasonal restaurant the Patio Lamaze. Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke meet and mingle with another heir and Broadway playboy Phil Plant, who is far more dangerous than all the rest.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Phil Plant, Franklyn Hutton, Nanaline Duke, Jimmy Cromwell, Jessie Woolworth Donahue, James Donahue, Walker Inman
Historic Figures Mentions: Evalyn Walsh McLean, Harry Winston, Eva Stotesbury, George Lamaze, Curtis Hutton, Sophia Brownell Hutton, Colonel William Hayward, Sara Mae “Maisie Caldwell Plant Hayward, Morton Plant, Leland Hayward, Helene Jessmer (Helen Jesmer), Constance Bennett, Claire Windsor, and more…
Phil Plant’s parents divorce, and he is adopted by his stepfather Morton Plant, who leaves him a sizable fortune. Phil becomes known as a dangerous Broadway playboy with multiple accidents resulting in personal injury cases. Patio Lamaze is one the best luncheon places in Palm Beach, Florida, and the chef and founder George Lamaze has created another seasonal hit.
Some take the desire to be wealthy to great lengths. Netflix’s Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna feature two cons pretending to be wealthy heir and heiress. A triple homicide is linked to one main fortune.
Plenty of manly activities fill the Palm Beach schedule amidst baseball, boxing, and burglaries. At the bat and base, Jimmy Cromwell and Phil Plant play for a charity police fundraiser.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Jimmy Cromwell, Phil Plant, Ed Stotesbury, Marjorie Merriweather Post, EF Hutton, Franklyn Hutton, Bill Wright, Cobina Wright
Historic Figures Mentions: Primo Carnera, Tommy Loughran, Max Baer, Jack Dempsey, Frank Dolan, Eva Stotesbury, George Lamaze, Sophia Brownell Hutton, Helene Jessmer (Helen Jesmer), Julie Newmar, John Todd
Manly sportsman activities in Palm Beach. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not column. Boxing events include Tommy Loughran and Primo Carnera, and Max Baer as well as the ongoing battle for the future heavyweight title. Society burglars hit multiple locations along the east coast and get arrested in Florida.
The first time he-man term is used and its rising prevalence. The enduring concept of manly stereotypes in pop culture like Our Gang short films. The rise of the Buck Rogers character. Finally connections to Catwoman in the story.
Young filmmaker Varick Frissell ventures to the frozen Newfoundland and shoot more scenes of a seal hunt for
his film White Thunder. Only tragedy strikes. Meanwhile, tennis sensation and non-heir Frank Shields learns he will represent the United States at Davis Cup freeing him from the drudgery of his job as a bank loan officer.
Characters: Frank Shields, James Donahue, Varick Frissell, Captain Abraham Kean, Miss O Bartlett
Historic Figures Mentions: Captian Bartlet, Robert Peary, Frederick Cook, Prince Philip, Jeff Bezos, astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria
Renamed the Viking 1931, Varick Frissell’s film is the deadliest Hollywood film ever made. One local actor Captain Bartlett is famous as a member of the Robert Peary expedition to the North Pole in 1909. Robert Peary and Frederick Cook’s competing claims to be the first to reach the North Pole and the investigations into their claims. They are also members of the elite Explorers Club.
The Explorers Club hosts an unusual annual dinner with a very exotic menu that questions its “tastefulness.”
Mourning her lover Rudolph Valentino, silver screen siren Pola Negri meets, marries, and divorces Russian Prince Serge Mdivani. Her rival Mae Murray meets and marries Prince David Mdivani. The two celebrity couples compete with each other to disastrous results. As Pola’s money disappears, Prince Serge finds another wealthy songbird Mary McCormic.
Characters: Pola Negri, Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Mae Murray, Mary McCormic, Rudolph Valentino, Prince Alexis Mdivani
Historic Figures Mentions: Marion Davies, William Randolph Hearst, Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, Cobina Wright, Louise Van Alen, Phil Plant, Samuel Insull, Mary Garden, Claire Windsor, Helen Jesmer, Julie Newmar, Koran Mdivanis
Rivalry between actresses. Pola Negri jealousy guards Rudolph Valentino from other actresses, especially Mae Murray. European seductress Pola Negri versus virginal Mae Murray. Both marry brother Prince Serge Mdivani and Prince David Mdivani. Serge will leave Pola for Mary McCormic. Royal title hunters among actresses including Gloria Swanson.
The importance of a love story depends on the ending. Celebrity divorces and relationship collapses. Netflix’s Bad Vegan Sarma Melngailis.
Everyone presents a mask to who they really are and their intentions like a masquerade ball.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Louise Astor Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Cobina Wright
Historic Figures Mentions: Al Capone, Helen Jesmer, Julie Newmar
Recap and future storylines.
Two years into pandemic. Removal of mask mandates and mask fishing concerns especially among teens. Rise in stories on period tales and more contemporary tales on frauds and scam artists wanting to live the high life.
Richest boy Huntington Hartford celebrates Spring Break and his 20th birthday by eloping with Mary Lee Epling. They keep their marriage a secret especially from his overbearing mother Henrietta Hartford, but the scandal will surely come out.
Characters: Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Mary Lee Epling, Mildred King, Ned Rollins
Historic Figures Mentions: Gottlieb Daimler, Wilhelm Maybach, Will Smith, Chris Rock
Several pending marriages, some will be scandalous and certainly includes Huntington Hartford’s elopement. He is heavily criticized for his extravagant life, but he wants to escape. History of term silver spoon. The gilded cages of the Ottoman harem for princes and future sultans. The Newport cottage Seaverge glass indoor gymnasium is a cage for Huntington.
The ever growing speed of news, scandal, and public criticism grows around the world. Will Smith and Chris Rock’s interaction at the 2022 Oscar is the slap heard around the world, and with it plenty of dissection, speculation, and public comments galore.
James Donahue, Sr. plays cards with his sons and friends when he goes downstairs and takes poison. Days later, James dies in the same hospital where his wife Jessie Woolworth Donahue is recovering from a nervous breakdown. No one knows why he commits suicide – James struggles with gambling, monetary
losses, gambling, and secret homosexuality. This was not the first time these became an issue.
Characters: James Donahue, Sr., Jessie Woolworth Donahue, Jeem Jimmy Donahue, Jr., Wooly Woolworth Donahue, Barbara Hutton, Franklyn Hutton, Helena Woolworth McCann, Gordon Sarre, Milton Doyle
Historic Figures Mentions: Frank Woolworth, Edna Woolworth Hutton, Noel Scaffa, Assistant District Attorney Ferdinand Pecora, Dr. Henry Craig Fleming, Monsignor Stephen Donahue, Cardinal Hayes, Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Dewey Weinberg, Dr. Locke MacKenzie
James Donahue, Sr., and Jessie Woolworth met and married. Jessie supports them financially as they continuously travel around the world. In 1925, Jessie’s jewels are stolen causing scandal as New York’s largest heist at the time. James continually struggles with gambling and his secret homosexuality.
Struggles in dealing with death. It can take a long time, and some get stuck afraid to experience hope and joy.
Louise Van Alen marries Prince Alexis Mdivani despite her family’s objections. Barbara Hutton goes to Buckingham Palace to bow before the King and Queen of England and meets the future British king David, the Prince of Wales. Could a royal romance bloom?
Characters: Barbara Hutton, David Prince of Wales – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, King George V and Queen Mary of Great Britain, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, Helena McCann, Virginia Dawes, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Dawes
Historic Figures Mentions: Doris Duke, Viscountess Thelma Furness, Jessie Woolworth Donahue, Jeem – Jimmy Donahue, Jr., Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Jane Grey, King Edgar the Aethling, King Louis XIV, Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej
The issues in reconstructing and era comes from trying to suss out multiple facts and incorrect sources. The connection of the Van Alen – Mdivani wedding coinciding with Barbara Hutton bowing at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrates her long reign. A reign started by her uncle King Edward VIII abdicating the throne and one of the shortest reigns. An alternate history might have happened had he as David, the Prince of Wales had fallen and married Barbara Hutton.
After bowing at the Court of St. James, the Prince of Wales invites Barbara Hutton to a royal garden party. The young heiresses enjoys the possibility of two suitors including the dangerous playboy Phil Plant until her father Franklyn Hutton interferes.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, David Prince of Wales – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Phil Plant, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, Viscountess Thelma Morgan Furness, Louise Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani
Historic Figures Mentions: Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Prince William, Katherine Middleton, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Camilla Shand Duchess of Cornwall, Marguerite Alibert, Prince Ali Kamel Fahmy Bey of Egypt, King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, King Edward VII – Prince Edward Albert, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Mary, Queen Victoria, Llewelyn ap Gruffuld, Eleanor de Montfort, Llewelyn the Great, Dafydd ap Llewelyn, the Black Prince, King Richard II, Prince Arthur Tudor
The history of the Prince of Wales title. Welsh origins, last Welsh princes, British adaptation, famous Prince of Wales, the Black Prince, King Henry VIII, King Edward(s) I, III, VI, VII, VIII, Prince Charles longest title holder. The difference between heir apparent and heir presumptive. The bachelor Prince David – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor blackmailed by courtesan and penchant for married women.
The concept of one choice being life changing. Becoming the Princess of Wales – Diana, Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte. Title and surname of Wales.
Frank Shields and Sidney Wood travel to London for Wimbledon and the US Davis Cup European tour, and Frank’s fiancée Billie Tenney joins them with chaperone Maud Barger-Wallach. In London, the Prince of Wales participates in the Royal Ascot. Henrietta Hartford takes her son Huntington Hartford and Mary Lee Epling to Hawaii to convince them to annul their secret marriage. Lastly, Barbara must accept that Prince Alexis Mdivani and Silvia de Castilleja de Guzman will not reunite as both have married others, Louise Van Alen and Comte Henri de Castellane respectfully.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, David Prince of Wales – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Frank Shields, Sidney Wood, Billie Tenney, Maud Barger-Wallach, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Mary Lee Epling, Silvia Rodriguez de Rivas de Castilleja de Guzman, Comte Henri de Castellane, Louis Van Alen, Prince Alexis Mdivani
Historic Figures Mentions: Queen Elizabeth II, Big Bill Tilden, Stanislas de Castellane, Queen Anne, King George IV, James Dwight, Dwight Davis
The Davis Cup is an international men’s tennis tournament founded by James Dwight. Dwight Davis is the first American captain and commissioned the trophy. Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, the Royal Ascot is 300 yr old racecourse, and by 1768 the 4 day horse race event begins that is now center of the British social summer season and fashion trends. In 1931, the new building Totalisator aids placing and following bets or “totes.” Famous horses named for the year.
Romantic ideals and reality gone wrong inspire the series. Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrates her 70 years on the throne and now will be second longest reigning monarch in history.
In 1931 Wimbledon, young Americans Frank Shields and Sidney Wood rise to prominence both on and off the tennis courts. Only after one incident, they find themselves apologizing to Queen Mary before continuing their dominance in Men’s Singles.
Characters: Frank Shields, Sidney Wood, Billie Tenney, Maud Barger-Wallach, Queen Mary, Jean Borotra, Bunny Austin, Jimmy “Henry” Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen
Historic Figures Mentions: Prince Albert – Duke of York – King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Big Bill Tilden, Bertrand Milbourne Clark, King Henry VIII, Thomas Wolsey, Brooke Shields
Wimbledon is the longest and most prestigious tennis tournament. Evolution of tennis courts. Tiebreak and the scoring system, including the longest match at Wimbledon. Wimbledon traditions. Strawberries cultivated and developed since Roman times.
The importance of friendship and teammates.
Five generations of wealth doesn’t prevent Neil Vanderbilt from filing bankruptcy among other troubles in 1931. Several of his problems go back to 1926 and repeat again in 1931.
Characters: “Neil” Cornelius Vanderbilt IV, Benito Mussolini, Major General Smedley Butler, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, “General” “Neily” Cornelius Vanderbilt III, Mary Weir, Peter Arno
Historic Figures Mentions: “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt, “Corneel” Cornelius Vanderbilt, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, Alice Vanderbilt, Alva Vanderbilt, Caroline Astor, Carrie Astor, Alfred Vanderbilt, “Reggie” Reginald Vanderbilt, Rogers Caldwell, Kaiser Wilhelm, Prince Henry of Prussia, Mark Twain, Walt Disney, Larry King, Dave Ramsey, and bankrupt celebrities
Vanderbilt dynasty has several situations where descendants are disinherited and one fortune gets passed around 3 brothers. Neil Vanderbilt’s first marriage and divorce includes a residency in Reno, Nevada. Peter Arno’s history with New Yorker and being disinherited by his father. Update on Rogers Caldwell’s indictment involving massive bank failures in Fall 1930.
Some heirs attempt to build fortunes bigger than they inherit but troubles can occur. Famous people who filed bankruptcy. A personal experience.
Henrietta Hartford takes her son Huntington Hartford and his secret wife Mary Lee Epling to Hawaii in an attempt to get them to annul their marriage. Barbara Hutton returns to Biarritz with a new royal admirer Prince Jerome Rospigliosi-Gioeni ardently pursuing her. In Paris, newlywed Princess Anna Obolensky visits the Eiffel Tower while heartbroken.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Mary Lee Epling Hartford, Mary Booker, John NM Howells, Princess Anna Obolensky, Prince Serge Troubetzkoy, Peter Tolstoy
Historic Figures Mentions: Leo Tolstoy, William Powell, Carole Lombard, Norma Talmadge, Clarence “Buster” Crabbe, Prince Jerome Rospigloisi, Mary Reid – Princess Maria Rospigliosi, Prince Alexis Obolensky, Princess Luba Obolensky, John Mead Howells, William Dean Howells, William White Howells
The complications of finding people when names are common or misspelled. Tracking down the overlapping names and the information uncovered. Issues surrounding forbidden loves. American dollar princess forbidden marriage, and the Russian Revolution may have dispossessed former nobility but rivalries remain.
Ongoing chaos from pandemic and war in Russia-Ukraine show fragility of the system. Recent upheaval in Sri Lanka. Predicting the future from studying the past.
The Marrying Mdivanis are making headlines – Prince Serge Mdivani freshly divorced from Pola Negri quickly married Mary McCormic, Prince David Mdivani is served divorced from his actress wife Mae Murray, and Prince Alexis Mdivani with his new bride Princess Louise Astor Van Alen returns for a wedding. Louise’s
brother William “Sam” Van Alen is marrying Elizabeth “Betty” Kent with a reception afterwards at a familiar family estate.
Characters: Prince Alexis Mdivani, Louise Van Alen, Sam Van Alen, Henry Van Alen, Daisy Van Alen, Betty Kent, Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Mae Murray, Mary McCormick, Atwater Kent
Historic Figures Mentions: “Neil” Cornelius Vanderbilt IV or Jr, “Neily” Cornelius Vanderbilt III, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Louise “Lulu” Vanderbilt, Frederick Vanderbilt, George Vanderbilt, Rudolph Valentino
Sonogee estate in Bar Harbor, Maine. Multiple owners include Louise “Lulu” Vanderbilt and Frederick Vanderbilt, who later sells it to Atwater Kent. The scandal behind Lulu and Fred’s marriage, and the need for an inheritance by Neily Vanderbilt and Grace Wilson Vanderbilt. Neil Vanderbilt declares American heiresses no longer marrying royalty.
Nostalgia, deja vu, and revisiting old homes.
Newport Casino celebrates its Golden Jubilee with returning Wimbledon stars Sidney Wood and Frank Shields, only they aren’t having the same heyday and lost the US Davis Cup too. Back from Hawaii, Henrietta Hartford and Huntington Hartford join the fun, while Henrietta hopes to keep his marriage a secret. Only her daughter and his sister Josephine Hartford’s abrupt Reno divorce and remarriage to the Caviar King might make it a lot harder.
Characters: Frank Shields, Henrietta Hartford, Huntington Hartford, Sam Van Alen, Henry Van Alen, Nanaline Duke, Doris Duke, Sidney Wood, Maud Barger-Wallach, Josephine Hartford, Vadim Makaroff
Historic Figures Mentions: Vice Admiral Stepan Makarov, Leo Tolstoy, Countess Alexandra Tolstoy, Petrossian brothers, Aristotle, Peter the Great, Galileo, Rabelais, Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski
The desire for luxury during hard times and the history of caviar from Ancient Greece to 1920s Paris. The Petrossian brothers, Caviar Makaroff, and the Bolshevik Revolution. Vice Admiral Stepan Makarov invents the modern polar icebreaker, and son Vadim Makaroff becomes the Caviar King, inventor, and US Naval Academy contributor.
Caviar in the media and rise on the black market after the collapse of Soviet Union. A Makarov character in Call of Duty. Modern icebreaker Admiral Makaroff rescues three gray whales in Alaska.
In Boston, Henrietta Hartford is sued by Mildred King alleging she saved Huntington Hartford from a disreputable lady. Will Huntington’s marriage to Mary Lee Epling finally be exposed?
Characters: Henrietta Hartford, Huntington Hartford, Mary Lee Epling, Mildred King, Nanaline Duke, Doris Duke, Cholly Knickerbocker (Maury Paul)
Historic Figures Mentions: Edward Hartford, Josephine Hartford, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Tom Bower
The methodology of uncovering scandals and misinformation. Blackmail in the form of secrets and payments. Henrietta Hartford’s marriage, divorce, and remarriage to Edward Hartford. Mary Lee Epling as an ideal spouse and in-law. Huntington Hartford’s struggles.
The recent release of Tom Bower’s book Revenge exposes lies and secrets in relation to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Barbara Hutton’s cousin Helena McCann finally has her debutante ball while others adjust to their new situations. Elder Princess Obolensky remains in mourning over her daughter. Grand Duke Kirill Vladmirovich tries to re-establish the Romanov throne. Prince Serge Obolensky gives up his royal title for American citizenship.
Characters: Prince Serge Obolensky, Princess Ava Alice Astor Obolensky, “Jakey” John Jacob Astor VI, Vincent Astor, Helena McCann, Princess Lubov Obolensky
Historic Figures Mentions: Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II Romanov, Anastasia Romanov, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, Prince William, Katherine Middleton, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle
Recurring issue of pretenders to royal thrones, whether actual heirs to defunct lines or complete fakes. The end of the Russian Romanov lines and the later attempts to re-establish a new royal lineage with Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich. The fraud of Anastasia Romanov as a challenge. Other royal pretenders and claimants.
Death of Queen Elizabeth II and the new line of succession for the British royal family. The ascensions of King Charles III and the establishment of the new Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales titles bestowed to Prince William and Katherine Middleton. The ongoing issues with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and titles for their children.
Famous Spanish painter Sert finishes 15 murals for the new Waldorf-Astoria hotel on Park Avenue. Sert’s in-laws Princes Alexis Mdivani and new wife Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani visit in Paris, while Princess Mae Murray Mdivani visits the Sert Room. Heading towards bankruptcy, Conrad Hilton aspires to own the new hotel.
Characters: Josep Maria Sert, Misia Sert, Princess Roussie Mdivani, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Princess Mae Murray
Historic Figures Mentions: Conrad Hilton, Playa Riente, Anna Dodge Dillman, President Herbert Hoover, Leonard Schultze, Caroline Astor, William Waldorf Astor, Colonel “Jack” John Jacob Astor IV, Vincent Astor, Princess Ava Alice Astor Obolensky, “Jakey” John Jacob Astor VI, Prince Serge Obolensky, King Alfonso XIII of Spain, Francisco Franco
The rise and popularity of Sert as a muralist painter in Europe and the United States. His work at the Vic Cathedral, which was damages during the Spanish Civil War. He would spend until the end of his life restoring. His unconventional marriage with Misia Sert and Princess Roussie Mdivani. Sert’s other works including Playa Riente in Palm Beach and the Waldorf-Astoria.
Early cancel culture results in the legacy of Sert being forgotten due to several objections from his old style of painting, his personality and unconventional marriage, and lastly and most likely his association with Francisco Franco.
In 1978, a triple homicide occurs inside a home in Palm Springs, CA. The trail follows multiple trusts, family disputes, and suspicious characters across California to Texas and even Denmark and Zimbabwe. At the center, a trust setup by Barbara Hutton decades earlier for her cousin Curtis Hutton.
Characters: Sophia Brownell Hutton Friendly, Edward “Ed” Friendly, Curtis Hutton, Barbara Hutton, Franklyn Hutton, Suzanne Friendly, Edward Hutton, Andreas Christensen, David St. John, Antonio Garrido
Historic Figures Mentions: EF Hutton, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Grace Hutton, Jessie Woolworth Hutton, Jimmy “Jeem” Donahue, “Ticki” Germaine Toquet, Michael Taylor
Tracking down and confirming names leads to discovery of a triple homicide. Family disputes over family fortune and inheritances leads to strong motives.
Current financial and economic hard times leads to more crime. Recent identity theft and the attempt of living well off of others.
In 1931, newspapers increasingly focus on Doris Duke reporting on her lifestyle and theorizing about how rich she really is and any potential suitors. Doris spends the evening at New York’s Central Park Casino with two popular young men Foster Blakeley and Dave Coddington, Jr.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Barbara Hutton, Jimmy Cromwell, Huntington Hartford, Foster Blakeley, Dave Coddington Jr., Buck Duke
Historic Figures Mentions: David – Edward Prince of Wales – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, EF Hutton, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Jessie Woolworth Hutton, Mrs. William Hayward, Phil Plant, James Blakeley, Alan Hudson, William Coddington, James Blakeley, Shirley Temple, Joe Paguio, Margie Paguio aka Ho Shee, Mayor Jimmy Walker
Doris Duke becomes a bigger focus of media and newspapers and two quotes forever tied to her.. Central Park Casino evolution from ladies restaurant to popular spot for women and men to night club. Actress and singer Grace Riopel Blakeley Hyde widowed then divorced from second husband with photographic evidence. Former Prohibition czar caught by boudoir photo.
93rd Anniversary of the 1929 Wall Street Crash. Darker times coming similar to the pattern after Wall Street Crash and two years into the Great Depression. Fraud and Ponzi schemes increase. Hints of future storylines.
At Club Lido, Cobina Wright and Bill Wright dance the tango with the professional couple Medrano and Donna. The Wrights prepare for a new venture to restore their fortune, but Cobina worries more about the future of their marriage.
Characters: Cobina Wright, William May Wright aka Bill, Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Roberto Medrano, Donna Landwehr Medrano
Historic Figures Mentions: Phil Plant, Constance Bennett, Paul Landwehr, Vernon Castle, Irene Castle, Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Vilma Ebsen, Buddy Ebsen, Vivian Vance, Elon Musk
Non-alcoholic drinks and entertainment during Prohibition. The rise of supper clubs and professional dance couples, both siblings and married pairs. Roberto Medrano migrates to America, marries heiress Donna Landwehr, and continues performing. Spanish and Latin culture appear in entertainment and drinks. Development of fruit and soda drinks as alternates.
Dark times fuel ambition and innovation. What will be the new trends both short and long term.
Thanksgiving 1931 finds multiple people in flux. As Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton have yet to secure an engagement, Cobina Wright and Evalyn Walsh McLean are struggling in their marriages. Alice Vanderbilt hides her depleted fortune while Grace Wilson Vanderbilt continues her lavish lifestyle. The Van Alens focus on family, while E.F. Hutton and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton continue aiding charities.
Lastly, Al Capone adjusts to life behind bars.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Louise Brooks, Eva Stotesbury, E.T. Stotesbury, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell, Louise Cromwell Brooks MacArthur Atwill, Cobina Wright, William May Wright aka Bill, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Edward McLean, Alice Vanderbilt, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, “Neily” Cornelius Vanderbilt III, “Neil” Cornelius Vanderbilt IV, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Daisy Van Alen, James “Henry” Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, Elizabeth “Betty” Kent Van Alen, E.F. Hutton, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Al Capone
Historic Figures Mentions: Ralph Capone, Josep Maria Sert, William Randolph Hearst, Marion Davies, Gertrude Whitney Vanderbilt, Countess Gladys Vanderbilt Szechenyi, Phil Plant, James Blakeley, Grace Blakeley Hyde, Mary Duke Biddle, Caroline Astor, Alva Vanderbilt, Jehangir Hothari of Karachi, Prince Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi, Marion Snowden, Anthony Drexel IV
Interconnecting stories and following up on individuals during one particular week. The overlap of storylines and foreshadowing of recurring topics. Divorce, remarriage, tax evasion, debutantes, charity, and tough economic times. True crime tales not involving murder but other dark consequences.
Holidays and the concept of gratitude. Toxic positivity. Going through struggles and the need to face negatives.
December 1931, Spanish painter Josep Maria Sert travels with his wife Princess Roussie Mdivani Sert to see the Waldorf-Astoria in New York to see the Sert Room, named after his Don Quixote murals. Meanwhile, Cobina Wright opens the Sutton Club in her home for supper and dining with entertainment. She hopes the new venture will help restore the lost Wright fortune.
Characters: Cobina Wright, William May Wright aka Bill, Josep Maria Sert, Princess Roussie Mdivani Sert, Misia Sert, Princess Louise Astor Van Alen Mdivani, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Daisy Van Alen, Arturo Toscanini, Robert Medrano, Donna Medrano
Historic Figures Mentions: Doris Duke, Jessie Woolworth Donahue, Joseph “Joe” Kennedy, Coco Chanel, Princess Nina Mdivani Huberich, Charles Huberich, Charles Clinton Spaulding, Mae West, J. Paul Getty, Bernard Baruch, Conda Nast, Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire, Beatrice Lillie, Fannie Brice, Lucrezia Bori, Lawrence Tibbett, George Gershwin, Birdie Fair Vanderbilt, William Randolph Hearst Jr, Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, William Paley, Babe Ruth, John Dillinger, Howard Hughes, James Cagney, Alexander Pantages, Conrad Hilton
Those who gained or increased their fortunes during the Great Depression. The rise of Joseph Kennedy and his fortune. Success in entertainment and food businesses. Survival entrepreneurs. Charles Clinton Spaulding the richest black man in America. The beginnings of King Kullen and Publix Markets supermarket grocery chains, Ocean Spray, Lil Debbie snack cakes, and Simplots frozen french fries.
The need for grit and resilience to overcome tough times.
December 1931, Barbara Hutton travels on the Empress of Britain on a 4 month world cruise hoping she will find love in the end. She reminisces over the last year and a treasure hunt at Jean Patou’s home with Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, and Elsa Maxwell. Meanwhile divorce proceedings in Latvia are attempted by Edward McLean against Evalyn Walsh McLean and Princess Ava Alice Muriel Astor Obolensky against Prince Serge Obolensky.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Princess Louise Astor Van Alen Mdivani, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Elsa Maxwell, Jean Patou, Prince Serge Obolensky, Princess “Ava” Alice Murial Astor Obolensky, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Edward McLean
Historic Figures Mentions: Phil Plant, Prince of Wales – future King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Viscountess Thelma Morgan Furness, Prince Giralamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi, Marian Snowden, Sailing Baruch, Jr., Bernard Baruch, Belle Baruc
Reconstructing a story from unreliable sources. Figuring out timelines and sequences, and uncovering new information that adds new information or changes known dynamics.
Listener habits and experiences, how an episode opened up an exploration into one listener’s family history – the tale of a Danish heiress and grandmother meeting with Belle Baruch, or grit and resilience to overcome tough times.
December 1931 – January 1932, newlyweds William “Sam” Van Alen and Elizabeth “Betty” Kent Van Alen honeymoon in Hawaii. They go to visit an ongoing erupting volcano, while racial tensions between natives and the military build over several assaults and a murder leading to the famous Massie Trial.
Characters: William “Sam” Van Alen, Elizabeth “Betty” Kent Van Alen, Eva Stotesbury, Atwater Kent, Clarence Darrow, Thalia Fortescue Massie, Grace Bell Hubbard Fortescue, Major Granville Fortescue, Lieutenant Thomas Massie, Edward Lord, Albert Jones, Joseph Kahahawaii, Horace Sia, Luis Kaihapu, President Herbert Hoover
Historic Figures Mentions: E.T. Stotesbury, Phil Plant, Leopold & Loeb, President Theodore Roosevelt, Captain Nelson McIntosh, Deputy Sheriff David Hao, Peter Van Slingerland, Helene Fortescue
Racial tensions in Hawaii between natives and whites growing pre-World War II leading to problems in the police department. In one sensational trial between a wealthy socialite who organized retaliatory attacks and a killing, becoming one of the largest race relations court cases known as the Massie Trial. The case almost ends Hawaii’s chance at stateood.
A new year but problems keep growing. The Great Depression is getting worse in 1932, similar economic times and energy crisis leading into a cold winter. Ongoing eruptions of Kilauea volcano, including the Pu’u’o’o Eruption which lasted 35 years.
Barbara Hutton’s former admirer Italian Prince “Jerome” Girolamo Rospigliosi arrives in America with his new bride Marian Snowden to her family’s disapproval and attempts at annulment. In New York, the Beaux Arts Ball celebrates colonial ancestors with newlyweds William “Sam” Van Alen and Elizabeth “Betty” Kent Van Alen dressed as his ancestors.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, William “Sam” Van Alen, Elizabeth “Betty” Kent Van Alen, Prince Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi, Marian Snowden, Mrs. Marian Adair Davidson, Commander Walther Davidson
Historic Figures Mentions: Alexander Hamilton, Alan Hudson Jr., James Snowden, Janet Snowden, James Snowden Jr., Beulah Snowden, Henry Hudson, George Washington, Marion Davies, Greta Garbo, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Marx Brothers, Boris Karloff, Mickey Mouse
The Beaux Arts Ball tradition of the costume ball starts at the School of Fine Arts in Paris, and American architectural schools adopt the annual event. The prenuptial agreement started as means to protect wealthy women from their less affluent husbands. Early prenuptial agreements also helped in protecting a widow at the death of her husband more than the slimmer chance of divorce. The oldest physical prenupt agreement is found in Turkey.
Issues behind reconstructing history and memory is illustrated with the release of Prince Harry’s book Spare.
February 1932 has several weddings. Frank Shields marries Rebecca “Billie” Tenney after a long engagement and learns he will be on this year’s U.S. Davis Cup Team again. Italian Prince Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi marries American heiress Marian Snowden for the third time. A kidnap victim weds, and Doris Duke is part of a prestigious bridal party while Barbara Hutton continues her world cruise.
Characters: Frank Shields, Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, William “Sam” Van Alen, Rebecca “Billie” Tenney, Prince Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi, Marian Snowden, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, Mrs. Marian Adair Davidson
Historic Figures Mentions: William “Sam” Van Alen, James – Jimmy “Henry” Van Alen, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Daisy Van Alen, James Van Alen, Caroline Astor, Woolworth “Woolly” Donahue, Alexander Shields, Harold Tenney, Charles Marvin Rosenthal, Brooke Shields, Andre Agassi, Paris Hilton, Jeff Bezos, Lisa Marie Presley
Research includes textual and visual sources. Issues with incorrect or missing information. Recognizing an unknown person by comparing an earlier separate photograph. Wrong couple identified in photo. A bridesmaid gets as much attention as the bride in press and photos.
Sunken costs fallacy of holding too long to the wrong people or things. Will today’s decisions follow the same past as other predecessors?
February 1932, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani loses a pair of earrings and offers a substantial reward. Ex-millionaire Joseph Hoadley appears in court for passing a bad check. In March 1932, the U.S. Senate launches an investigation into Wall Street over the 1929 Crash and tax evasion.
Characters: Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, E.T. “Ned” Stotesbury, Ferdinand Pecora, Joseph Hoadley
Historic Figures Mentions: Boss Tweed, Fannie Curtis Hoadley, Grace Hoadley Wade, JP Morgan Jr, Richard Whitney, Charles Mitchell, Otto Kahn, Jesse Livermore, Joseph Leiter, Tony Curtis, Estelle Getty, Luis Guzman, Jerry Stiller, Julius Rosenberg, Edwin Almonte, Julius Axelrod
Joseph Hoadley and his wife Fannie Hoadley constantly face foreclosure on their Manhattan home. Workhouse sentences in the United States. Blackwell Island opens in the 19th Century. Ludlow Street Jail. Boss Tweed sent to both Blackwell and Ludlow as a prisoner. U.S. Senate begins Wall Street investigation and brings back Ferdinand Pecora to oversee the proceedings.
Dealing with perpetual liars and how they will never stop gaslighting a person.
Obscure former airmail pilot Charles Lindbergh becomes an instant celebrity with fame and foturne. In March 1932, his son the world’s most famous baby Charles Lindberg, Jr, is missing. The whole world is ready to jump in and help from politicians, officials, priests, and even criminals. Hope Diamond owner Evalyn Walsh McLean recruits former FBI agent Gaston Means to help with the recovery.
Characters: Charles Lindbergh, Charles Lindbergh Jr., Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Gaston Means, Al Capone, Betty Gow
Historic Figures Mentions: Pola Negri, Mary Pickford, William Randolph Hearst, Marion Davies, Rose Douras, Edward “Ned” McLean, Dwight Morrow, J. Edgar Hoover, William “Bill” Condon, Hebert Norman Scharzkopf Sr., Charley Ross, Edward Cudahy Jr., President Calvin Coolidge, Julius Caesar, Pat Crowe, Clarence Darrow, Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, Bobby Franks, Marion Parker, William Hickman, John Lynch, Frank Sinatra Jr., John Paul Getty III, Patty Hearst, Charles Marvin Rosenthal, John Walsh, Adam Walsh, Jaycee Lee Dugard, Elizabeth Smart, Steven Stayner, JonBenet Ramsey, Madeleine McCann, Lady Gaga
Kidnapping has a long history as far back as Julius Caesar. The rise of kidnapping as part of organized gangs and for ransom. Famous cases especially those involving children – Charley Ross, Edward Cudahy Jr, Bobby Franks, and Marion Parker. More recent kidnapping of wealthy and celebrity progeny include Frank Sinatra Jr., John Paul Getty III, and Patty Hearst.
Modern kidnappings in the media. From the 1996 Ransom film directed by Ron Howard and starring Mel Gibson. The formation of America’s Most Wanted. Famous child abductions with recovery include Jaycee Lee Dugard, Elizabeth Smart, and Steven Stayner. Still unsolved cases JonBenet Ramsey and Madeleine McCann. The rise in international kidnapping, and in Los Angeles dognapping. A fictional Gaston Means appears in Boardwalk Empire in seasons 3 & 4.
In March 1932, both Swedish “Match King” Ivar Kreuger and George Eastman commit suicide but for very different reasons. Kreuger’s empire falls apart after bad dealings, while Eastman suffers ill health. The impact of their deaths joins a long list of recent prominent suicides and a rising disturbing trend.
Characters: Ivar Kreuger, George Eastman
Historic Figures Mentions: Barbara Hutton, James Donahue, Princess Mary McCormic Mdivani, Prince Serge Mdivani, Samuel Insull, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Greta Garbo, Jonathan Kenneth Galbraith, Michael Phelps, Jeret “Speedy” Peterson, Steven Holcomb, Sasha Cohen, Apolo Ono, Lolo Jones, Katie Uhlaender, Enron VIce Chairman J. Clifford Baxter, Bernie Madoff, Joe Rogan, YouTube Coffeezilla Stephen Findeisen, Logan Paul, Sam Bankman-Fried, Alex Mashinsky
The increasing rise of suicides during the Great Depression. Suicide prevention concerns and studies. Failure of Ponzi schemes. The effect of Ivar Kreuger’s collapse, Enron, and Silicon Valley Bank.
The issue of suicides among former Olympians. The prevalence of scams. Silicon Valley Bank and several cryptocurrencies as exposed by Youtuber Coffeezilla.
March & April 1932, Cobina Wright’s Sutton Club is a successful hotspot. She has the famous African American vaudeville comedy duo Buck and Bubbles performing. She also hosts the famous war hero General John Pershing amidst his celebrations commemorating World War I.
Characters: Cobina Wright, John “Bubbles” Sublett, Ford “Buck” Washington, General John Pershing, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell, Micheline Resco
Historic Figures Mentions: Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt III, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Private Henry Johnson, Private Needham Roberts, President Herbert Hoover, President Woodrow Wilson, President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, James Reese Europe, Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Shirley Temple, Sammy Davis, Jr., Gregory Hines, Michael Jackson, NY Senator Charles Shumer
General John Pershing’s long military career around the world, in several wars, and mentor to World War II generals. His tragic family history and later love life. African American units during War II, the Harlem Hellfighters, the bravery of two soldiers in the Argonne Forest. The influence of jazz in Europe. In the U.S., the rise of vaudeville comedy duo Buck and Bubbles.
The need to keep thing period accurate without apologies or overcorrections. The love of tap dancing from Bojangles and Shirley Temple. The desire to havea happy episode. The Medal of Honor given posthumously decades later.
As lovers chase each other in a garden labyrinth, this moment of love and romance turns sinister.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Louise Astor Van Alen, Huntington Hartford, John “Jakey” Astor VI, Cobina Wright,
Historic Figures Mentions: Evalyn Walsh McLean, Charles Lindbergh, Al Capone, General John Pershing
Recap of past episodes. Teasers and hints of future and upcoming storylines.
Three years into the series and the changes that happened and more to come.
For 6 weeks, plenty of speculation and false leads are pursued in the effort to find the Lindbergh baby. Hope Diamond owner Evalyn Walsh McLean travels to multiple locations until realizing she too might be in danger if she
goes any further. Meanwhile, Lindbergh pursues his own chances for recovery to failed results.
Characters: Evalyn Walsh McLean, Gaston Means, Charles Lindbergh
Historic Figures Mentions: Charles Lindbergh, Jr., Al Capone, Salvatore “Salvy” Spitale, Irving Bitz, Morris “Mickey” Rossner, Robert Thayer, John Condon – Jafsie, John Hughes Curtis, “Cemetery John”, Norfolk bootlegger “Sam,” “Fred Short,” Norman Schwarzkopf, Betty Gow, Henry “Red” Johnson, Violette Sharpe, Elsie Whateley, Laura Vitray, Elise Lam, Gabby Petito, Brian Laundrie, Boston Marathon bomber, Abraham Lee Shakespeare, Dorice “Dee Dee” Moore
Multiple failed attempts by Charles Lindbergh to rescue his missing child involves mobsters, multiple ransom notes, paid ransoms, aliases, aerial searches, and multiple intermediaries to kidnappers.
The fascination of true crime especially unsolved cases. The death of Elise Lam at the Cecil Hotel. Instagrammer Gabby Petito. Modern cyber sleuths try to help but many cause problems. Websleuths.com help solve the case homeless lottery winner’s death.
April 1932, Barbara Hutton serves
the primary role in the Spirit of Adventure charity pageant at Madison Square
Garden. The whole event is a family
affair, and many others participate over the night’s activities.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, Franklyn Hutton, E.F. Hutton, Irene Hutton, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell, Sophia Brownell Hutton, Aubrey Van Nostrand, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Gaston Means
Historic Figures Mentions: Charles Lindbergh, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., Eleanor Van Alen – Mrs. James “Henry” Van Alen, “Birdie” Virginia Graham Fair Vanderbilt – Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, Amelia Earhat, George Palmer Putnam, Eleanor Smith, Kermit Roosevelt, Vincent Astor, Captain Robert Bartlett, Walter Granger, Martin Johnson, Osa Johnson, George Eastman, bullfighter Sidney Franklin, Mrs. Tony Biddle, Jr., Earl of Gosford, Countess of Gosford Beatrice Claflin Acheson, Mrs. “Georgia” Lucius Boomer, Florenz Zeigfelf, Mrs. Florenz Zeigfeld – Billie Burke – Glinda the Good Witch in Wizard of Oz, Joseph Urban, Fred Ward, June Blossom, Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Lila Agnew Stewart, John Harkrider, Dean Jennings
The importance of an image – tracking down a famous photo of Barbara Hutton and how it is misinterpreted as her debutante ball. Other images from the same event and seeking more details.
The interests of a past generation more similar to our own than first realized. Seeking connections to past and present, and returning to life post pandemic. The reference to Barbara Hutton’s UK residence in Netflix’s Diplomat.
After Evalyn Walsh McLean has Gaston Means arrested for not returning the ransom money, the Lindbergh baby is found dead on May 12th, 1932. Charles Lindbergh himself led several failed recovery attempts, and now those helping him are considered suspects to murder.
Characters: Evalyn Walsh McLean, Gaston Means, Charles Lindbergh
Historic Figures Mentions: Charles Lindbergh, Jr., Al Capone, Salvatore “Salvy” Spitale, Irving Bitz, Morris “Mickey” Rossner, Robert Thayer, John Condon – Jafsie, John Hughes Curtis, “Cemetery John”, Colonel Norman Schwarzkopf, Betty Gow, Elsie Whateley, Colonel Henry Skillman Breckenridge, Reverend Dobson Peacock, Admiral Burrage, William Allen, J. Edgar Hoover, Sinclair Lewis, Victor Hugo, “Lanky Lou Reichers, Amelia Earhat, Bernt Balchen, Varick Frissell, Grandpa Simpson, King Charles III, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Jazz Jennings, George Floyd
The issues in dealing with an overabundance of sources both past and present. The multiple failed attempts at recovery of the Lindbergh baby. The failed attempts to break or replicate Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight by Lou and Amelia Earhart.
The large obsession of the Lindbergh case back then and today. In animated tv series The Simpsons, Grandpa Simpson declares himself as the Lindbergh baby. The prevalence of parasocial relationships and vicarious living through social media with famous people including King Charles III, Prince Harry, Meaghan Markle, Jazz Jennings, and George Floyd.
The ultra wealthy E.T. Stotesbury and his wife Eva Stotesbury close their Philadelphia mansion Whitemarsh Hall for the summer of 1932 fearing potential looting from the disgruntled over the Great Depression. The Stotesburys also loan their artwork to the Pennsylvania Museum of Art. Meanwhile, Evalyn Walsh McLean pawns the Hope Diamond.
Characters: E.T. Stotestbury, Eva Lucretia Roberts Cromwell, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell, Cobina Wright, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Gaston Means, Charles Lindbergh
Historic Figures Mentions: Barbara Hutton, Huntington Hartford, “Jakey” John Jacob Astor VI, Caroline Astor, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, Stotesbury granddaughter Louise Brooks Howard, Frances Hutchinson, Delphine Dodge, Grace Fortescue, Horace Trumbauer, Baron Lord Duveen, Paul McLean, Nile Niami, David Siegel, Donald Trump, Saddam Hussein, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle
Lies used as storytelling device versus actual lies within the story. Whitemarsh Hall was third but now fourth largest mansion in the United States and other high ranking estates. A trip to Versailles still stripped from the looting during the French Revolution, and in contrast the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna still has many elements. Stotesbury art collection at the Pennsylvania Museum of art. Modern looting with Saddam Hussein, Sri Lankan, presidential palace, and pandemic looting of high end retail stores.
The many lies people tell to deceive others and themselves. The betrayal of being lied to by a loved one or someone upon one whom is depended. Mirages.
June 1932, Cornelius “Neil” Vanderbilt IV is on 15 city tour in Indiana to cover the upcoming 1932 presidential election when he faces an angry mob pushed hard by the Great Depression. Will incumbent President Herbert Hoover or New York Governor Franklin Roosevelt win the election?
Characters: Cornelius “Neil” Vanderbilt IV, Vincent Astor, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell, Brigadier General Cornelius “Neily” Vanberilt III, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Alice Vanderbilt, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Historic Figures Mentions: Herbert Hoover, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Ogden “Oggie” Mills, Elsa Maxwell, William Randolph Hearst, Al Smith, Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Ron DeSantis
Issues with correcting dates including no dates or wrong dates. Detailing the 1932 presidential election hopeful Franklin Delano Roosevelt rise as New York governor and the contradictions and cover up of other personal events of the reporter a year earlier. The possible deliberate fabrication of date a short time afterwards and not memory issues decades later.
The elephant in the room or gorilla in the room phrases. Polarization weakening social ties during times of distress. The potential upcoming 2024 presidential hopefuls and how ongoing factors might change contenders.
June 1932, while aboard the White Star Line ship traveling from New York to Europe, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton have a chance to catch up on their complicated love lives. Other heirs and heiresses are traveling about to destinations for summer activities.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Josephine Hartford Makarov, Vadim Makarov, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey”, Madeleine Talmage Astor Dick, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Daisy Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, James “Henry” Van Alen, Elizabeth “Betty” Kent Van Alen
Historic Figures Mentions: Elsa Maxwell, Phil Plant, Clinton Gardener, Lilian Gardener, Germaine “Ticki” Touquet, Sailing Baruch, Jr., Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi, James Blakeley, Foster Blakeley, Grace Hyde Blakeley, H.G. Selfridge, New York Senator Elmer Quinn, Yale mystery man, Dick Bettis, Peter Storey, Dean Jennings, David Heymann, Philip Rensselaer, Mona Eldrige, Adela St. Rogers, Tinsley Mortimer, Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood, Suleman Dawood, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Stockton Rush, Isidor Straus and Ida Straus
Comparing multiple stories to get correct chronology of events and the myriad of problems of sorting out vague references. Further troubles with plagiarism and the complete fabrication of facts and stories by one biographical source. Additional articles covering related stories including fossil of an apeman and stowaway monkey.
Hulu’s Queenmaker documentary on celebrity heiress obsession. Personal truths and opposite of anticipation and actual experience. The Titan submersible visit to Titanic and related topics.
June 1932 brings lots of bad news that bleeds into July 1932 with Lindbergh kidnapping and hoax trials and the collapse of the Insull energy empite. Thus distraction and fascination is back on the wealthy as they enjoy their summer activities. Doris Duke makes fashionable statements at Royal Ascot and a dinner party.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Barbara Hutton, Irene Hutton, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Josephine Hartford Makarov, Vadim Makarov, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey”, Madeleine Talmage Astor Dick, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Daisy Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, James “Henry” Van Alen
Historic Figures Mentions: Princess Mary McCormic Mdivani. Prince Serge Mdivani, Princess Mae Murray Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Vincent Astor, Helen Astor, Enzo Fiermonte, Cornelius “Neil” Vanderbilt IV, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Alice Vanderbilt, Countess Gladys Vanderbilt Szechenyi, Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney – Gertrude Vanderbilt, Virginia “Birdie” Graham Fair Vannderbilt, Caroline Astor, Mrs. M. Orme Wilson – Carrie Astor, Alva Belmont Belmont, William K. Vanderbilt, Harold Vanderbilt, William H. Vanderbilt, Gloria Vanderbilt, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, Viscountess Thelma Morgan Furness, Queen Mary of England, Prince of Wales – Prince David – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Josephine Hartford Makarov, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Charles Lindbergh, Gaston Means, Violet Sharpe, John Hughes Curtis, Earl of Poulet, Bridget Poulet, Sam Insull, John D. Rockefeller, Edith Rockefeller McCormick, Mrs. “Syrie” Somerset Maugham, Liza Maugham, Constance Bennett, Garrow Greer, Dr. Wallace Murphy, Cardi B, Hamish Harding stepson, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry
Repetition used to connect and familiarize with the past. Finding out a detail later that redefines the timeline for a story relating to young Gloria Vanderbilt. Other storylines and characters recur in small ways but are leading to bigger events and situations.
Accolades turns into condemnation in the public eye. Social blunders magnified by more when involving wealth and fame. Revisit the reactions and comments in relation to the Titan submersible visit to Titanic. The future problems for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
June – August 1932, plenty of sports competitions are occurring around the world. Frank Shields returns for Wimbledon and Davis Cup with more antics with his teammates.
Characters: Frank Shields, Sidney Wimbledon, Bunny Austin, Baron Gottfried Von Cramm, Huntington Hartford, John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jakey,” James “Henry” Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, Rebecca “Billie” Tenny Shields
Historic Figures Mentions: Julie Seligson, Wilmer Allison, Helen Wills Moody Roark, Daniel Prenn, Fred Perry, Betty Nuthall, Jean Borotra, Jiro Sato, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Steffi Graff, Dorothea Lambert Chambers, Pete Sampras, Novak Djokovic, William Renshaw, Andre Agassi, Chris Eubanks, Carlos Alcaraz, Boris Becker, Lottie Dod, Wilfred Baddeley, Martina Hingis, Andy Murray, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Queen Mary of England, King George V of England, King Manuel of Portugal, King Gustav V of Sweden, Miss Verle Lowe, Jesse Owens, Baron Takeichi Nishi, Japanese Olympic horse Uranus, Olympic mascot Smoky, Bab Didrickson, Stanislawa Walasiewicz, Katherine Middleton – Princess of Wales – Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William – Prince of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales
Athletic competitions including the return of the modern Olympics and tennis and female events. Wimbledon and Grand Slam championship holders. Davis Cup records. 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. The rise of Nazism and conflicts with athletes with propaganda, bans, and protests.
Trying to keep records straight when new metrics change how ratings are calculated, such as Wimbledon’s Amateur Era vs. Open Era. Youngest record holders updated to modern era at Wimbledon 2023.
A lifelong friendship develops between a young heir and his neighbor, a distant relative and a future president. Through personal tragedies and triumphs, Vincent Astor and Franklin Delano Roosevelt support each other to establish common goals to help the poor as well as have fun and playfulness.
Characters: Vincent Astor, Franklin Delano Roosevelt aka FDR, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey”, Princess Ava Alice Muriel Astor Obolensky, John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jack.” Madeleine Talmage Astor Dick, Helen Dinsmore Astor
Historic Figures Mentions: Caroline Astor, Lady Ava Lowle Willing Astor Ribblesdale, Sara Delano Roosevelt, John Jacob Astor I, William Backhouse Astor, Sr., Laura Astor Delano, William Backhouse Astor, Jr., Helen Schermerhorn Astor Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt, Kermit Roosevelt, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, Alice Roosevelt, James Roosevelt I, James Roosevelt Roosevelt aka “Rosey” Rosie Rosy, Tadd Roosevelt, Helen Roosevelt, George Roosevelt, FDR’s James Roosevelt II, Warren Delano, Jr., Franklin Hughes Delano, Phillippe De Lannoy – Philip Delano, President Woodrow Wilson, President Hebert Hoover, King Edward VIII – Prince of Wales – Duke of Windsor, King George VI – Prince Albert – Duke of York, Queen Elizabeth – Queen Mum, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, Prince William, John Adams, Zachary Taylor, Martin Van Buren, George Washington, Betsey Cushing, Mary “Minnie” Cushing, Barbara “Babe” Cushing, Stanley Mortimer, Jr., William “Bill” Paley
Multiple family relations by blood and marriage. Astor marriages with Roosevelts and Delanos. Overlapping snobbery of family lineages. Royal and presidential connections to FDR.
Kinship is stronger tie than political parties and last longer and more complicated to solve. The delineation between step-siblings and half-siblings. The importance and value of family and friendship ties.
August 1932, many millionaires return for another Tennis Week and more yacht race in Newport, Rhode Island. Frank Shields joins other tennis stars on the courts, while Vincent Astor and his yacht Nourmahal focus on seafaring activities. This sleepy seaside enclave is having one of its best seasons in over a decade, but the biggest news is the recent sale of Marble House.
Characters: Huntington Hartford, Frank Shields, Vincent Astor, Henrietta Hartford, William “Sam” Van Alen, Daisy Van Alen, James “Henry” Van Alen, Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Nanaline Duke, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Prince Alexis Mdivani, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey”, Mary Lee Epling Hartford, Elizabeth “Betty” Kent Van Alen, Eleanor Van Alen, Helen Dinsmore Astor
Historic Figures Mentions: Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan, William K. Vanderbilt, Harold “Mike Vanderbilt,” Caroline Astor, Carrie Astor Wilson, William Backhouse Astor, Sr., John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jack,” Alice Vanderbilt, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Cornelius Vanderbilt III aka “Neily,” Cornelius Vanderbilt IV aka “Neil,” Gloria Vanderbilt, Florence Vanderbilt Whitney, Gladys Vanderbilt Szechenyi, Gladys Szechenyi, Oliver Belmont, Duke of Marlborough, Jacques Balsan, Atwater Kent, Ellsworth Vines, Wilmer Allison, Gregory Mangin, George Lott, Bunny Austin, Fred Perry, Clyde Adams, Maud Barger-Wallach, Mary Booker, Frederick Prince, William Stewart, Ogden Mills, Mrs. William “Queenie” Loew, King Edward VII of England, King George V of England, Queen Elizabeth II of England, King Charles III of England, Richard Morris Hunt, Charles Lindbergh, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Jon Morrow Lindbergh, David Lee Edwards, Gloria MacKenzie, Edwin Castro
Newport cottage building competition during the Gilded Age. First, Marble House was built as a birthday present to Alva Vanderbilt before her divorce. Later she remarries Oliver Belmont and stay at his Newport cottage Belcourt. Other homes built the Astor Beechwood, Vanderbilt the Breakers, Beaulieu, the Elm, Ochre Court among others. The sale of Marble House might hint the end of the Great Depression. History behind Newport yacht cup trophies for both the Astor Cup and King’s Cup.
The dreams of being wealthy and the attempts at winning the latest largest Mega Millions sole lottery winner. The more recent troubled history of lottery winners. Two with negative outcomes before their deaths, and the third remains to be seen.
Summers 1931 & 1932, the interchange of people and events cause a blurring of timelines. At fashion designer Jean Patou’s residence, sparks between Prince Alexis Mdivani and Barbara Hutton reverses a love triangle much to the humiliation of Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani a little over a year into her marriage.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Nanaline Duke, Daisy Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, James “Henry” Van Alen, Elsa Maxwell, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Josep Maria Sert, Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani
Historic Figures Mentions: Jessie Woolworth Donahue, Frederick Vanderbilt, Silvia de Rivas de Castellane, Audrey “Chico Kilvert, Alice-Leone Moets, William Fisk, Countess Dorothy Di Frasso, Gary Cooper, Cholly Knickerbocker, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Caroline Astor, Paris Hilton, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle
Tracking down and focusing on reliable dates to reconstruct a story based on memories and speculation. Figuring out a timeline and what deceptions might be revealed. What is important and not when trying to figure out situations that lead to a broken heart.
The alternate realities and personas involved in social media and celebrity. Who is successful at this image making and who is not.
Over the summer of 1932, James H.R. Cromwell, aka “Jimmy,” pursues Doris Duke around France. Meanwhile, his mother Eva Stotesbury and stepfather E.T. “Ned” Stotesbury sponsor a horse show back in the Philadelphia area even while they remain abroad. Doris’s mother Nanaline Duke grows suspicious over the state of the Stotesbury fortune.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, James H.R. Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Eva Stotesbury, E.T. “Ned” Stotesbury, Evalyn Walsh McLean
Historic Figures Mentions: Cobina Wright, Walker Inman, Delphine Dodge Cromwell Baker, Raymond Baker, Christine Cromwell, Anna Dodge Dillman, Louise Brooks, New York Governor Franklin Roosevelt, President Herbert Hoover, Grace Fortescue, Thalia Massie, Clarence Darrow, Billie Dove, Lydia Anita Vittoria Bodrero, Valentine Everit Macy, Jr., Max Krone, Earl of Poulett, Lord Fairhaven, Sir Alec Cunningham-Reid, Ruth Mary Clarisse Ashley, Mrs. John Hay Whitney, Mrs. William DuPont, Two Leggons horse, Quarryman horse, Bon Diable horse, Tiger dog, George Washington, Edwina Ashley, Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Philip, King Charles III – former Prince of Wales
Jimmy Cromwell begins 1932 dealing with legal matters raising funds for his mother Eva Stotesbury’s friend Grace Fortescue in a murder trial then his own lingering problems from his failed Florida development. His stepfather E.T. Stotesbury has a long history of generosity and influence especially in sponsoring multiple sports activities and competitions. His name attached to place, awards, and competitions. A random tie back to today’s modern British royal family.
The desire to leave behind a legacy, which can last much longer than a fortune. People might recognize the name but not know or remember the person behind it.
Late summer 1932, Barbara Hutton joins Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani and Prince Alexis Mdivani at the Spanish
countryside estate of his sister Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Midvani Sert. Over the course of the visit, the former royals entrap Barbara with a compromising situation.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Josep Maria Sert, James “Henry” Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, Silvia de Rivas de Castellane
Historic Figures Mentions: Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Princess Nina Mdivani Huberich, Coco Chanel, Salvador Dali, Marlene Dietrich, Elsa Maxwell, Adela Rogers St. John
Reviewing the sources to uncover the betrayal. Inaccuracy of facts from multiple sources. The attempt to redeem Barbara Hutton, and the minimization of Louise Van Alen.
The problems with modern and online dating after divorce. Rise of pornographic and overt come-ons, and the lack of seduction and romance.
September 27th – October 14th, 1932, a divorce rumor spreads far and wide as involves one of the Mdivani siblings getting a divorce. But is it true, and if is so who?
In other news, E.T. Stotesbury heads back to the United States on the maiden voyage of the Italian ocean liner Rex, but Mrs. Eva Stotesbury doesn’t arrive with him. Another Mdivani ends up in court.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Doris Duke, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell, Eva Stotesbury, E.T. Stotesbury, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Josep Maria Sert, Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Princess Nina Mdivani Huberich, Princess Pola Negri Mdivani, Princess Mae Murray Mdivani, Princess Mary McCormic Mdivani, James “Henry” Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, Cobina Wright, William May Wright aka “Bill”
Historic Figures Mentions: Oliver “Tony” Cromwell, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Frederick Prince, Michael Luddy, Marjorie Berger, General Pershing, Italian Premier Il Deuce Benito Mussolini, New York mayor James “Jimmy” Walker, President Herbert Hoover, FDR – Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Sam Insull, Ivar Kreuger, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Gwynneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Olivier Martinez, Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith
Three years after the Wall Street Crash problems can no longer avoided as scams and frauds are exposed. The ongoing issues with corporations imploding and suicides occurring due to financial troubles. The term “the Great Depression” coined and comes in reference to the period. History of Italian luxury ocean liner Rex and the race to build faster luxury travel in hopes of recovery.
The truths and falsehoods involving rumors. Divorce and celebrity divorces especially the focus of rumors.
September 23rd – October 27th, 1932, William May Wright, aka “Bill,” returns to New York to deal with litigation involving his former stockbroker firm. Cobina Wright hopes that they will be able to rekindle their relationship, but other troubles arise from the lawsuit as their financial troubles are announced in the press.
Characters: Cobina Wright, William May Wright aka “Bill,” Lil’ Cobina Wright, Jr., Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Walker Inman, James “Jimmy” HR Cromwell
Historic Figures Mentions: Jessie Woolworth Donahue
Tracking down and understanding past legal problems that use different wording. Determining a Ponzi scheme. Savings and Loan and Enron more modern situations. Other lawsuits involving Wright, Slade, & Company and the exposure after liquidation by Shields Company. Ivar Krueger and Sam Insull issues.
Three big events in childhood – parental divorce, IRS audit, and brother’s death from cancer. Losing a childhood home to the IRS. Historical cycles.
November 5th, 1932, Cobina Wright moves out of her Sutton Place home and now becomes homeless along with her 10 year daughter Lil Cobina Wright, Jr. At the last minute, an opportunity arrives to live at the luxurious Waldorf-Astoria hotel.
Characters: Cobina Wright, William May Wright aka “Bill,” Lil’ Cobina Wright, Jr., Lil’ Cobina Wright, Jr.
Historic Figures Mentions: Lucius Boomer, Ted Saucier, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, James “Henry” Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jakey,” Vincent Astor, Princess Ava Alice Astor Obolensky, Josep Maria Sert, Caroline Astor, Carrie Astor, Orme Wilson, Jr., Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Jay Gould
More history on both Waldorf-Astoria hotels. Lucius Boomer buys name when first hotel closes when renewed interest leads to building second hotel. Description of Basildon Room and Jade Room as well as Sert Room. Current reconstruction efforts. Connections to Caroline Astor, who nearly forgotten renewed interest with HBO’s The Gilded Age tv series. Other historical parallels and connections between tv series, podcast, and people involved.
The struggle with pain, joy, and hope after trauma. Grit and resilience are not inherited nor bought traits but have to be earned through rough times.
November 27th, 1932, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani appears in the Hague divorce court dissolving her 18
month marriage to Prince Alexis Mdivani. On December 7th, 1932, her cousin Princess Ava Alice Astor Obolensky will also get a divorce in Reno. Two marriages both end but for very different circumstances.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Ava Alice Astor Obolensky, Prince Serge Obolensky, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey”
Historic Figures Mentions: James “Henry” Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Prince Serge Mdivani, Princess Mary McCormick Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Princess Mae Murray Mdivani, Sam Insull, Charles Huberich, Ivan Obolensky, Sylvia Obolensky, Raimund von Hofmannsthal, Countess Silvia de Rivas de Castellane, Woolworth Donahue, Jeanne Meagher, Peggy Moffett, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kennedy, James Blakeley, Grace Rioppel Blakeley Hyde, Nancy Randolph, Cholly Knickerbocker, Caroline Astor, William Backhouse Astor, Jr., Charlotte Astor, Mary Mallon – Typhoid Mary, John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jack,” Ava Willing Lowle Astor – Lady Ribblesdale, Madeleine Talmage Astor Dick, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, William Kissam Vanderbilt, Oliver Belmont, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duke of Marlborough, Colonel Henry Huttleston Rogers II – Jr., Mary Benjamin, Millicent Rogers, Princess Catherine Alexandrovna, Tsar Alexander II Romanov, Prince of Wales – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Edward McLean, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez
More history on divorce and remarriage in the upper classes, starting with Alva Vanderbilt Belmont in the 1890s. Caroline Astor’s disapproval of divorce, and still her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have divorces. The rise of the fashion divorce abroad starts in 1929 by the parents of socialite Millicent Rogers.
Love and betrayal among siblings and friends. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez are featured in Vogue.
December 1932, the royal Mdivani siblings gather in Paris to determine how the newly divorced Prince Alexis Mdivani will woo and finally catch Barbara Hutton. Only Barbara’s family will thwart his efforts, but a Mdivani is never one to fully give up on such a large fortune at stake.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani, Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, James HR Cromwell aka “Jimmy”, Eva Stotesbury, E.T. Stotesbury, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Princess Nina Mdivani, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, James “Jeem” Donahue, Charles Huberich, Germaine “Ticki” Touquet
Historic Figures Mentions: James “Henry” Van Alen, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jack,” Vincent Astor, Countess Silvia de Rivas de Castellane, James Blakeley, Winston Guest, Baroness Maud von Thyssen – Else Zarske, Baron von Thyssen, Yale beau, Phil Plant, Julie Newmar, Danish grandmother heiress, Belle Baruch, female Mdivani cousin
Historiography involves evaluating historical writing for influences and biases. The need to review history and the Chesterton Fence Principle. Exploring this podcast’s writer’s background as well as the current time period’s influence on interpretation and connection to the storylines presented. The largest fraud today is the romance love scam. Estimates for 2022 from the FBI and FTC.
Recollecting listeners and others discussing personal stories and sometimes interactions and connections related to those in this podcast.
December 1932, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton is hailed for all her work to help the needy during the Great Depression. She works on multiple committees providing food and unemployment relief to the point of getting positive press and recognition. Her husband E.F. Hutton however is not so thrilled and is dabbling with various females on the side.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, James “Jeem” Donahue, Charles Huberich, Germaine “Ticki” Touquet
Historic Figures Mentions: royal Mdivani siblings, Edna Woolworth Hutton, Eleanor Post Hutton Sturges, Preston Sturges, Nedenia Hutton – Dina Merrill, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, President Franklin Roosevelt
The process of research and tracking down facts. A wrong date from a reputable source causes an issue with the timeline and episode. Making adjustments and interweaving plots and future storylines. The frustration of a perfect episode derailing.
Parallels between the darkest years of the Great Depression and the current anxiety. The upcoming 2024 presidential election vs the 1932 presidential election. Changes are coming but will it be through reform, natural cycling out, war, or what other possibilities.
December 1932 – January 1933, Christmas and holidays brings plenty of activities. E.T. Stotesbury and Eva Stotesbury are back in Philadelphia but not at
their large mansion Whitemarsh Hall celebrating both Christmas and New Year before heading down to Palm Beach. Plenty of people are looking at the wealthy, unaware what they might be truly hiding as others try to recover from financial losses by several means.
Characters: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, James H.R. Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Louise Van Alen, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Cobina Wright
Historic Figures Mentions: Daisy Van Alen, James “Henry” Van Alen, Eleanor Van Alen, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta Hartford, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, E.F. Hutton, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Alice Vanderbilt, Countess Gladys Vanderbilt Szechenyi, Helena McCann, , Louise Brooks Howard, Christine Cromwell, Anna Dodge Dillman, Frederick Vanderbilt, Louise Vanderbilt, Charles Lindbergh, Constance Morrow, President Franklin Roosevelt, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Simon Guggenheim, Otto Kahn, Charles Schwab, Charles Dawes, Sailing Baruch, Jr., Lotte Lehmand, Robert Mann, Mrs. Wilmer Biddle,- Elizabeth Southall Clarke, Albert Davis, Marianne Davis, Princess Anita Stewart de Braganza, Mrs. Moses Taylor, Julia Berwind, Prince Colonna, Mrs. Nicholas John Brown, John Nicholas Brown II, John Nicholas Brown III, Jeffrey Epstein
Widespread article announcing the wealthiest unmarried women and their fortunes in Newport. Richest or wealthiest labels and monikers. The need for even affluent to find alternative incomes. Anticipated retiree list among elite and wealthy men. The process of research and tracking down facts.
New Year 2024 with inevitable changes coming. Powerball winner in Michigan has anonymity. The exposure of many on the Jeffrey Epstein List.
January – February 1933, Barbara Hutton travels to the Orient to forget her romantic troubles with Prince Alexis
Mdivani and other failed suitors. But all the press attention brings her another suitor making a last attempt to woo her and declare their plans of marriage.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Doris Duke, Louise Van Alen, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Princess Nina Mdivani Huberich, Charles Huberich, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, Jessie Woolworth Donahue, James “Jeem” Donahue, Germaine “Ticki” Touquet
Historic Figures Mentions: John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Daisy Van Alen, *referenced not mentioned James “Henry” Van Alen and William “Sam” Van Alen, Countess Silvia de Rivas de Castellane, Duke Kahanamoku, Count Emanuele Borromeo d’Adda, James Blakeley, Raymond Guest, Phil Plant, Yale scholarship student, family friends the Kennerleys, Huguette Clarke, Ann Cooper Hewitt, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Sam Insull, Caroline Astor, *referenced not mentioned John Jacob Astor IV and Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick, Adolf Hitler, Samsung family, Stephanie Soo
The rise in press attention towards Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke has been referred but now being seen in relation to public attention at their potential suitors. How certain stories keep being retold and revived, especially more recenty on different YouTube channels. Different approaches to telling the same narratives. The importance of comparing and contrasting contemporary people and coinciding events. Spotting adjoining articles like on Adolf Hitler foreshadowing other darker futures ahead.
Love, fame, fortune, and betrayal will always bring attention. Old history popular but new history will always draw people in with the added element of the unknown. YouTuber covers the story of a Samsung princess and her disastrous marriage.
January 20th – February 1st, 1933, Cobina Wright reorients her new life at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel hostessing several activities like the Beaux Arts & Charity Balls and resuming her Supper Club to great success. One attendee is making an even bigger splash as he defies Ellis Island to re-enter the U.S. and attend his favorite annual ball.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Doris Duke, James HR Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” William May Wright aka “Bill,” Lil’ Cobina Wright, Jr., Prince Serge Obolensky, Prince Michael Romanoff – Hershel Geguzin – Harry Gerguson
Historic Figures Mentions: Josep Maria Sert, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Jessie Woolworth Donahue, Duke Kahanamoku, Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Alice Vanderbilt, Florence Vanderbilt Whitney, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Gloria Vanderbilt, Reginald Vanderbilt, Virginia “Birdie” Graham Fair Vanderbilt, President Herbert Hoover, Prince David – Prince of Wales – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Count Henri de Castellane, Countess Silvia de Rivas de Castellane, Charles “Lucky” Luciano, Frank Costello, Lucius Boomer, Nancy Randolph, Brenda Frazier, Diana Barrymore, Deems Taylor, Arturo Toscanini, Cecil Beaton, Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Baruch, Mr. & Mrs. Jay Gould, Mr. & Mrs. William “Bill” Paley, Babe Paley, Beatrice Lillie, Fannie Brice, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, George Eastman, Rockwell Kent, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Empress Elizabeth of Russia, Tsar Peter III, Tsar Paul I, Scepan Mali – Stephen the Little of Montenegro, Princess Vladimir – Princess Augusta Tarkanova, Cossack Yemelyan Pugachev, Kondrati Selivanov, Leon Trotsky, Franziska Schanzjowska – Anna Anderson – Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, James
One-Eyed” Connelly, Jayne Mansfield, Sophia Loren, Truman Capote, Princess Margaret, Prince Charles – King Charles III – Prince of Wales, Naomi Watts, Treat Williams, Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult
Royal pretenders after times of turmoil like the French Revolution and Russian Revolution. Early Russian pretenders during the Russian Empire, and later Russian pretenders in the 1920s & 1930s. Popular favorite Prince Michael Romanoff’s history.
Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon or frequency illusion where things appear more after learning about something. Lil’ Cobina Wright, Jr. spotted in film “Weekend in Havana.” FX’s Feud Season 2 series Capote vs. the Swans. The Hulu series the Great on Catherine the Great.
End of January – mid-February 1933, newspapers keep track of the romantic entanglements of multiple heirs and heiresses. Foremost, Barbara Hutton’s recent romances and the love triangle with Prince Alexis Mdivani and Louise Van Alen make her the hot topic to follow for the elites, public, and press alike.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, James HR Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Eva Stotesbury, E.T. Stotesbury, Cobina Wright, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Princess Donna Cristina Torlonia, Prince Serge Obolensky, Ava Alice Muriel Astor Obolensky von Hofsmannthal, Vincent Astor, Helen Dinsmore Astor, Huntington Hartford, Mary Lee Epling Hartford, Henrietta Hartford
Historic Figures Mentions: Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Jessie Woolworth Donahue, Prince David – Prince of Wales – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Josephine Hartford Makaroff, Vadim Makaroff (Makarov), Raimund von Hofmannsthal, Princess Silvia Obolensky, Madeleine Talmadge Force Astor Dick, Enzo Fiermonte, Jessie Woolworth Donahue, Woolworth Donahue, James “Jeem” Donahue, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, E.F. Hutton, Nedenia “Dina” Hutton Merrill, Morley Kennerley, Jean Kennerly, Lili Damita, Addison Mizner, Monkey Nettie, Raymond Guest, Prince Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi, Marian Snowden, Count Emmanuele Borromeo d’Adda, James Blakeley, Nancy Randolph, Cholly Knickerbocker, Walter Winchell, Ed Sullivan, Princess Luba Obolensky, Princess Anna Obolensky, Prince Serge Troubetzkoy, Peppy D’Albrew, Helen Whitney Bourne, Lady Sylvia Hawkes Ashley, Baroness Maude von Thyssen, Truman Capote, Leland Hayward, “Slim” Nancy Mary Raye Gross Hawkes Hayward Keith, Howard Hawks, Kenneth Keith – Baron of Castleacre, Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman, Winston Churchill, Randolph Churchill, William Harriman, Baron de Rothschild, President Clinton, Aly Khan, Stavros Niarchos, Winston Guest, C.Z. Guest, Cornelia Guest, Diego Rivera, Salvador Dali, Prince David – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Wallis Simpson – Duchess of Windsor, William “Bill” Paley, Barbara “Babe” Cushing Paley, Betsey Cushing Roosevelt, James Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary “Minnie” Cushing, CBS Radio & Television, Princess Caroline Lee Bouvier Radziwill, Jackie Bouvier Kennedy, Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Big Edie Beale, Lil’ Edie Beale
The side guys and other smaller characters get married multiple times and their later wives will be part of Truman Capote’s swans. The overlap, intertwining, and entangled lives.
Rebuilding life after divorce. The complications of modern dating. Sexual conflicts, projection, wishful thinking, and misjudgment. The need for romance, love, and connection.
Late February to early March, John Jacob Astor VI, aka “Jakey,” and his mother Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick are forever covered in the press due to their surviving the Titanic. Their love lives become a fascination for the
public as rumors abound surrounding pending marriages and divorces. Jakey is rumored to be engaged to Italian Princess Donna Cristina Torlonia, but both. But there is another hidden scandal about to surface with his mother Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick.
Characters: Vincent Astor, Prince Serge Obolensky, Ava Alice Muriel Astor Obolensky Hofmannsthal, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, E.T. Stotesbury, Enzo Fiermonte, Gloria Vanderbilt
Historic Figures Mentions: Princess Donna Christina Torlonia, Prince Don Marino of Italy, Elsie Moore, William Dick, William Force Dick, William Force, Katherine Force, Katherine Talmage, Cholly Knickerbocker, John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jack,” Caroline Astor, Ava Lowle Willing Astor Ribblesdale, Charlotte Astor Drayton, Prince David – King Edward VIII – Duke of Windsor, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, Viscountess Thelma Morgan Furness, Countess Grace Vanderbilt Szenchenyi, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Harold “Mike” Vanderbilt, Joshua Cosden, Margaret “Unsinkable Molly” Brown, William “Big Bill” Hale Thompson, Billie Burke Ziegfeld, President Franklin Roosevelt, Benito Mussolini, Truman Capote, William “Bill” Paley, Barbara “Babe” Cushing Paley, Fani Williams, Nathan Wade, President Donald Trump
The process of tracking down facts and finding all sorts of information later. Old rumors resurfacing again and again. How the Titanic is alluded when referring to survivors. Ongoing uncovering of past events and scandal. Other events the 1925 Breakers Hotel fire, typhoid illness, and more divorce rumors.
The ongoing public fascination with scandal especially romantic and sexual in nature. How a big legal case has been overwhelmed by scandal.
As Barbara Hutton continues her South Seas travels, another rumor percolates involving a new love interest for Prince Alexis Mdivani. Will the new love triangle cause another rift in friendship? Meanwhile former Russian aristocracy hope that Hitler’s rise to power will lead to a restoration of the monarchy and the eradication of the Communists from Soviet Russia.
Characters: Doris Duke, Nanaline Duke, Louise Van Alen – formerly Princess Mdivani, James HR Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert
Historic Figures Mentions: Walter Winchell, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Lion Feuchtwanger, Arthur Miller, Earl of Warwick Charles Guy Fulke Greville, William Rhinelander Stewart, Harold Lloyd, Arturo Toscanini, Oscar Thieben, Mrs. George Palen Snow – Carmen White, Empress Maria Theresa of Hapsburg, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, King Alphonso XIII of Spain, Duke (Duc) de Guise – Jean III, King George of Greece, Prince Philip, King Charles III, Kaiser Wilhelm II, King Michael I, Jeanne Eagels, Jeanne Eagels, Jr., Christian Dior, Catherine Dior, Coco Chanel
Former monarchies waiting for restoration in Europe and attaching hope to Adolf Hitler. Hitler’s critic facing problems in Germany and elsewhere. Tracking down articles and finding interesting side tales along the way.
Rivalries and envy among friends. The past coming into the present. Historical periods effecting other time periods.
Late March – early April 1933, concerned mother Daisy Van Alen raises across the Atlantic Ocean to prevent her
daughter Louise Van Alen from remarrying her recently divorced husband Prince Alexis Mdivani. He however has other plans.
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Louise Van Alen – formerly Princess Mdivani, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Josep Maria Sert, James “Henry” Van Alen, William “Sam” Van Alen
Historic Figures Mentions: Catherine, Princess of Wales – Kate Middleton, Wales children
Finding the micro details in discover layers of betrayal and interconnection. Telling an intricate and interweaving story leads to finding new information.
Social media & AI (artificial intelligence) will future complicate determining and sorting out the truth. The constant need for more media leading to more fakes.
4 Years recap and teasers
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Louise Van Alen – formerly Princess Mdivani, John Jacob Astor VI aka Jakey, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Frank Shields
Historic Figures Mentions: Charles Lindbergh
Recap and teasers
Overcoming life changes and challenges
April 1933, Barbara Hutton continues her South Seas trip shopping for jade and avoiding press questions about her romantic status. Then she gets a big surprise while in Bangkok. Could her luck have finally changed?
Characters: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Louise Van Alen – formerly Princess Mdivani, Daisy Van Alen, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Curley Bodde Hutton, Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Princess Nina Mdivani Huberich, Josep Maria Sert, Germaine “Ticki” Touquet, Countess Silvia de Rivas de Castellane, Morley Kennerley, Jean Kennerley, American consul
Historic Figures Mentions: referred Prince Serge Mdivani & Prince David Mdivani (plus wives Pola Negri, Mary McCormick, & Mae Murray), General Zakhari Mdivani, Count Boniface “Boni” de Castellane, Anna Gould de Castellane, Joseph Stalin, Russian Tsar Nicholas II Romanov, Phil Plant, James Blakeley, Raymond Guest
Reconstructing timeline to suss out facts, comparing sources, different agendas. Importance of micro details like jewelry that connect to a larger story and one covered beyond the original sources. New information uncovered.
The inspiration of podcast comes from divorce and dating. The changes and challenges in dating including A.I. – artificial intelligence.