If true, it’s a terribly unflattering portrayal. Orson Welles’ masterpiece, Citizen Kane, is said to feature a character that was loosely based on Marion Davies. Although Hearst believed that Davies was involved with another man, he actually thought that she was seeing the film producer Thomas Ince instead.Ī scene from Citizen Kane where Charles Foster Kane meets Susan Alexander. On top of that, rumors circulated at one point that Davies was having an affair with Chaplin. While the pair eventually became estranged due to Hearst’s increasingly open relationship with Davies, Hearst’s wife apparently refused to accept a divorce. However, William Randolph Hearst remained married to his wife. Not because he’s such a cozy companion, either… No, you know what he gives me, sugar? He gives me the feeling I’m worth something to him.” Not for the money and security - he’s given me more than I’ll ever need. “God, I’d give everything I have to marry that silly old man. Nonetheless, Davies still adored him.Ĭharlie Chaplin’s second wife, Lita Grey, later wrote in her memoir that Davies reportedly said: Unfortunately, his ruthless behavior with studio heads at places like Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer eventually cost her a career. While Marion Davies shined in comedic roles, Hearst was desperate to transform her into serious actress. Peter Stackpole/Life Magazine/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies in 1935, playing croquet on the grounds of his 50,000-acre estate in California. It’s largely agreed that the actress had a knack for show business - regardless of her link to Hearst.

Not only did she star in two of the greatest comedies of the Roaring Twenties, The Patsy and Show People, she helped produce films as well. However, the young actress was an actual talent.

Hearst ordered that all of his papers give Davies positive reviews whenever she starred in a new project. While starring in several films doesn’t necessarily ensure success, having a partner in charge of national and local news can certainly be a huge advantage. Rather than have her audition for bit parts, Hearst simply established a movie studio and employed her as one of its permanent installments. It is widely believed that Marion Davies’ extramarital affair with Hearst gave the upcoming talent her start in Hollywood.ĭavies’ filmography would span over two decades, beginning shortly after she and Hearst started dating. Wikimedia Commons Marion Davies was part of artist Rolf Armstrong’s 16 Screen Beauties collection.

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