Famous as Dracula, Bela Lugosi turned down the chance to play Frankenstein, a role that went to little-known Boris Karloff, and changed both of their lives forever
Cult classic “Casablanca,” nearly 80 years old, had a cast of war refugees, an unwritten ending, and a moody romantic hero two inches shorter than his leading lady
The best way to get rich during the California Gold Rush was by selling mining pans for nearly $250 in today’s dollars and eggs for $92 each
“America’s Best Girl” stole the nation’s heart by swimming the English Channel in 1926, and later dedicated herself to the deaf children she taught to swim
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote the story of her life in “Little House on the Prairie” with the help of a professional journalist who knew how to heighten drama—her daughter
When a Hollywood producer died shortly after a wild party on William Randolph Hearst’s yacht, there were whispers Charlie Chaplin was involved
The wealthiest African American community in the 1920s, nicknamed “Black Wall Street,” was destroyed by a vengeful mob
The cold-blooded Cocaine Godmother of Colombia invented the motorcycle drive-by shooting that killed her
The brilliant and misunderstood Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear after arguing with Paul Gaugin and gave it to a prostitute, saying “Keep it carefully”
Holly Golightly would be “divinely and utterly happy,” because now, finally, it’s possible to have breakfast at Tiffany’s