essay
by KENNETH ANGER
Despite the morals clause added to Hollywood actors’ contracts, the admonitions from Hays and the men in the front offices and the glaring examples of fallen stars, the revel in the charmed circle went on unabated through the Roaring Twenties.
The New Gods were determined to live their own legends to the hilt — and to hell with Hays and the Mrs. Grundys of America. The excesses of the stars developed a cynicism and defiance characteristic of Jazz Age youth. Bitterness and darkness often lay just beyond, but their attitude seemed to be “So What!” Edna St. Vincent Millay provided a succinct guide for the Golden People:
My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh,my friends —
It gives a lovely light !
“Oh, the parties we used to…