The world of Hollywood’s hidden history is about to unveil another layer of intrigue with the return of Karina Longworth’s critically acclaimed podcast, You Must Remember This. The upcoming season, titled The Bisexuals promises to shed light on the often overlooked and misunderstood stories of bisexual icons who shaped the entertainment industry.
Set to premiere on September 15, this eight-episode series will delve into the lives of notable figures such as Libby Holman, Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, Josephine Baker, and many others. Longworth, a former film critic, has made a name for herself by uncovering the secret and forgotten histories of 20th-century Hollywood, and this season is no exception.
The Rise and Fall of Libby Holman
The season kicks off with the rise of Libby Holman, a Broadway sensation in the 1920s whose life took a dramatic turn in the 1930s following the scandal of her husband’s murder. Holman’s story is just the beginning, as the podcast will explore the cultural climate of the 1940s and ’50s, a time when being openly queer was nearly impossible for movie stars like Montgomery Clift, who was part of Holman’s social circle.
By the 1960s, both Holman and Clift were deeply scarred by their experiences, missing out on the social revolutions of the decade. The podcast will also feature other notable figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday, Jane and Paul Bowles, Tallulah Bankhead, and Nicholas Ray, providing a comprehensive look at the lives and legacies of these bisexual icons.
A Journey Through Hollywood’s Golden Age
Created by Longworth in 2014, You Must Remember This has become a staple for cinephiles seeking to understand the deeper narratives of Hollywood’s past. Previous seasons have covered a wide range of topics, from the origins of celebrity gossip to the professional rivalry between horror stars Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff.
The latest season, The Old Man is Still Alive examined the filmographies of early Hollywood directors who continued making movies in the later decades of the 20th century. Longworth’s deep research and erudition have made the podcast essential listening for those interested in the untold stories of Hollywood.
The Allure of Hollywood’s Sordid Past
Longworth’s ability to uncover the truth and even find poetry in the sordidness of Hollywood’s past is reminiscent of David Lynch’s uncanny ability to look beneath the surface. The new season promises to deliver a mix of chaos, drugs, martinis, and debauchery, all while providing sharp analysis and richly drawn context.
As Longworth herself puts it, Libby Holman is an anti-heroine a figure whose story is wild and worth telling, even if it includes actions and attitudes that may not be entirely endorsable. The podcast invites listeners to come for the dishy scoop on addictions, traumas, and infidelities, but stay for the deep dive into the lives of these complex individuals.
