Hollywood & Crime

by Wondery

The Hollywood & Crime series explores notorious true crime stories from the heart of Hollywood, delving into the dark underbelly of fame and uncovering infamous murders, scandals, and unsolved mysteries. Season 8: The Cotton Club Murder: On June 10th, 1983, the decomposing body of a well-dressed man was found in a desolate canyon near Los Angeles. John Doe #94 would soon be identified as missing variety show producer Roy Radin. He'd last been seen after meeting with a mysterious woman in a gold dress. Her name was Lanie Jacobs.Jacobs and Radin were obsessed with becoming Hollywood movie producers. And when their paths collided, it led them to a tantalizing film deal promising fame and fortune. But then, a twisted script unfolded, plunging them into a million-dollar cocaine and cash heist, a tangled web of lies, and ultimately – murder.The trail led investigators right to Hollywood's doorstep, linking former golden boy producer Robert Evans to the case and dredging up Radin's own troubled past.But the case turned ice cold. It would take more than five years of dogged pursuit by the L.A. Sheriff’s Department detectives, a secret undercover witness, and another murder almost 3,000 miles from Hollywood – to unlock the truth.This is the story of a doomed Hollywood partnership, a grisly murder and the search that stretched across the country for a killer – or killers. Season 7: The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley - The story of the toxic relationship between actor Robert Blake and his wife Bonny, her shocking murder, and the chaotic trial that followed. Season 6: Billionaire Boys Club - In 1980s LA, a group of prep school boys, led by Joe Hunt, formed the "Billionaire Boys Club" but spiraled into kidnapping, torture, and revenge. Season 5: The Wonderland Murders - In 1981, a drug-fueled gang and a crime kingpin were involved in a brutal quadruple murder in the Hollywood Hills. Season 4: Death of a Starlet - The tragic tale of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten, caught between three men - Hugh Hefner, Peter Bogdanovich, and her husband Paul Snider. Season 3: The Dating Game Killer - The story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game while in the midst of a cross-country murder spree. Season 2: Young Charlie - The dark journey of Charles Manson, from his troubled childhood to orchestrating the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders. Season 1: Murder in Hollywoodland - The investigation into the 1922 murder of famed director William Desmond Taylor, revealing scandalous affairs and underground drug dens. (edited)

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

This is a entertaining series. It does jump back and forth in the timeline so if you’re not a fan of that it might not be for you, I happen to like it. Timothy Olyphant is a narrator in one of the seasons and that alone makes it worth the subscription to wondery plus. Wondery has some great other podcasts as well.

ReeseGrog · Nov 2024

I listen to podcasts & audiobooks daily. And I love Wondery True Crime productions typically. However, I had to rewind episodes of this show just to fully understand at times. The flipping in narrator, place in time and character can get a bit confusing at times. Especially when not having an “anchor”. The story is great though.

Laura Sinkler · Jul 2022

I listen to a lot of podcasts and this one really stands out for its storytelling and production quality. The back and forth between the two stories/timelines is sometimes confusing, particularly towards the end when the two begin to converge, but the writing is top-notch and really captures the chaos and drug-crazed ‘thinking’ of the people involved. Tracy’s narration is A+.

49Merc · Apr 2022

After listening to the story in MFM I decided I would get the whole scoop. I typical listen to true crime comedy but this podcast did not disappoint. It was much drier than I am used to but it gives enough detail and switches it up enough that it kept my interest. The narrators are not commentators, they aren’t having a conversation, but they tell a great story. I highly recommend.

Jenerow · Apr 2022

I like to listen to podcasts while doing chores or cooking and I found the storytelling in this podcast to be too confusing. You almost have to sit and take notes while listening so that you’re not lost in the constant jumping around between characters. Also, way too many ads. Not for me.

Brooklyn_Scarlett · Jun 2021

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