Mildred Shay

Shay would go to the studios every day in a Mercedes-Benz then leave to attend various parties. Her great beauty ensured her many male admirers, and she was often known more for her romantic life than any onscreen performances (costume designer Adrian made a dress and false bust for her). She was pursued by, among others, Errol Flynn, who cornered her in his apartment ("It was a good job I had strong legs. I kept them crossed, not daring to move. He was a big man."), Howard Hughes, and Johnny Weismuller. Director Cecil B. DeMille invited her to his private ranch, feeding her oysters with the pearls still attached.

In spite of this constant activity, Shay said she was "the last virgin in captivity". Her first husband was one Thomas Francis Murphy, who "woke up drunk" and was jealous of her Hollywood friends. He ran up huge debts she could not pay, and would often send them to her studio or her father's office. Finally one night when she returned from a party, Murphy stubbed a cigarette into her leg. She went into shock and got pneumonia, needless to say, their marriage was over. Her second husband was Winthrop Gardiner Junior, a descendant of Lord Lion Gardiner. He gave her a huge diamond ring (Walter Winchell told her she could "house Manhattan on that rock") and many other jewels and furs, but the marriage was not a happy one. Read Less