Ep 86: Jacqueline Susann and Valley of the Dolls (1967)

Jacqueline Susann's life was more dramatic than any of the novels she wrote. She made her Broadway debut in Clare Boothe Luce's landmark The Women, worked in theatre, as a showgirl, in radio and television for more than twenty years. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Jackie wrote for her life, and finally achieved wealth and fame. She wrote each day from 10 to 5 for 18 months. Jackie's media and marketing savvy was instrumental in the success of Valley of the Dolls. Jackie's first love, comedian Joe E. Lewis always told her never go to Hollywood unless they send for you. When they sent for Jackie, she went in style for her Hitchcock moment, a cameo in the screen version of her novel. The production may have been chaos, but the women in the cast agreed on one thing--they all hated director Mark Robson.