The Backround
Karen Richardson wanted a better life. One of eight children growing up in Depression-era Michigan, every day was a struggle to survive. When she could scrounge up the money, she found solace her trips to the picture show. In 1938, when she was sixteen, she left home and ended up in Hollywood, hoping for her shot at stardom. But Hollywood wasn't the land of opportunity she imagined it to be. Still, she managed to charm her way into the elite clubs and restaurants frequented by Hollywood's elite.
Then, on a cold November day in 1941, she ended up dead. Murdered and dumped in an alleyway. Why anyone would want to kill her was a complete mystery. As the police investigated, everyone in Hollywood feared they would be next.
The Story
Compared to the other studios, Vitaphone Pictures was brand new, having only been founded in 1930. Andrew Armstrong differentiated himself from the other studio bosses by being young, handsome, and approachable, yet still having a knack for what made a movie work.
Rejects from MGM, Warner Brothers and Fox would soon find themselves signing contracts with Vitaphone. It was smaller, and could offer its actors more individual attention. By 1940, it had five bankable stars that could rival the star power of actors like Lana Turner, Judy Garland, and Clark Cable.
But things were changing. The necessities of the war had slashed production budgets. MGM had two major hits with The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind, both in color, and the other studios were scrambling to catch up. Vitophone was known for making cheerful and simplistic movies, and now the public was craving something deeper, and Vitophone found its losses increasing.
Armstrong began to plan a comeback film with his biggest stars. Production would commence that March, but it would soon be halted by haunting revelations about Karen's murder.
About You
You are one of Vitophone's marquee stars. Your life is the subject of envy. Your face graces movie posters and your personal life is written about in tabloids. You didn't know Karen, but you could have sworn her face was familiar. Such a sad thing to happen to an innocent girl.
Slots
1. @Elinor - Ann Davis
2. @Steggy - Lacy Parker
3. @Lumi - Gabe Calloway
4. @LadyLizz - Irene Leigh
5. @TheBlueCat - Evelyn Rose
Template
Spoiler! :
A Brief Guide to Los Angeles
Spoiler! :
Karen
Spoiler! :
Saturday Evening
Spoiler! :
Other
If you have any questions, please ask me. I want this to be a collaborative effort! I also know quite a bit about this era of Hollywood so if there's anything you're confused about historically, *please* let me know! While the storybook will be focused on the murder mystery and how Vitophone ties into it, I also want it to be relaxed and open ended so I am fairly flexible about the trajectory, as well as who your characters end up being!
Gender:
Points: 1630
Reviews: 1260