Bombshell: The Life and Death of Jean Harlow (Review)

Through numerous interviews and hours of research, David Stenn crafted the most prolific biography of Jean Harlow to date. He tapped the dwindling resources of 20's era actors, directors, producers, crew members and surviving family members of everyone he could find to gain entry into the true life of Harlow. In Bombshell, his hard work paid off and we see the true side of what a tragedy her life truly was.

Stenn writes that Jean Harlow was "Known worldwide but a stranger to herself," and in his biography he paints that very picture. The story unfolds of a young woman struggling to make it and then finding explosive amounts of fame. In the end, however, a young and somewhat naive Harlow struggles to find her own identity apart from her big screen persona and apart from her smothering mother and scoundrel of a step-father.

Stenn delves deep into Harlow's personal life, including her marriage to Paul Bern who, eventually, committed suicide. There are crazy-sounding but real stories of how the studio heads arrived before the police and discussed how this was to be handled. Readers get the full picture of how much control studios had over the lives of their employees. Stenn reveals how Harlow, at 21, dealt with the suicide of her husband.

From birth to untimely death we get a rare and convincing glimpse into one of old Hollywood's most famous and private stars. This book, though out of print, is a must read. Scour your used book stores and libraries until you get your hands on a copy and dive deep into the life of legendary Jean Harlow. You won't regret it.

Extras: A Platinum Page Interview Exclusive: "BOMBSHELL" AUTHOR DAVID STENN