Who was the Black Dahlia?
On January 15, 1947, the body of beautiful 22-year-old Elizabeth Short – dubbed the Black Dahlia because of her black clothing and the flower she wore in her hair – was discovered on a vacant lot in downtown Los Angeles, her body surgically bisected, horribly mutilated, and posed as if for display. Even the most hardened homicide detectives were shocked and sickened by the sadistic murder. Thus began the largest manhunt in LA history. For weeks the killer taunted the police and public much as his infamous English counterpart Jack the Ripper had done in London 60 years earlier, sending tantalizing notes, urging them to “catch me if you can.” The media coverage that followed was unprecendented, giving rise to the ideas of “psycho-killers” and the birth of the American paparazzi. The fascination of the press and public toward this unsolved case has endured to this day.
Who was Dr. George Hodel?
Born October 10, 1907, George Hill Hodel became a child prodigy pianist who played for Rachmaninoff and royalty in Paris salons. He later became a gifted surgeon and psychiatrist (reportedly with an IQ higher than Einstein’s) and resided in a house in Hollywood built by Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. During this time George became close friends with celebrities and politicians of the day (notably John Huston as well as surrealist artist Man Ray), often hosting parties infamous for their debauchery. George Hodel was arrested in 1949 for allegedly raping his daughter Tamar during one of these parties. The tabloids covered the trial with a fervor and George was acquitted. The lawyers, press and the Hodel family painted Tamar as a troubled girl who had fantasies. She became “Tamar the liar.” Soon afterward, George left L.A. for the Philippines, where he married a wealthy agriculturalist (and later Congresswoman) Hortensia Laguda. He never returned to the United States until shortly before his death in May, 1999.
What is the 'Black Dahlia Avenger'?
The book Black Dahlia Avenger (Harper Collins, 2004) is a New York Times bestseller by former LAPD homicide detective-turned-private investigator Steve Hodel. Steve Hodel launched his own investigation into the grisly unsolved crime – and it led him to an unexpected perpetrator: his own father, Dr. George Hodel. Many now consider this the definitive closing to the case that has often been considered the most notorious unsolved murder of the 20th century. A movie version of Black Dahlia Avenger is planned. New Line Cinema has purchased the rights to Steve Hodel’s book. A screenplay has been adapted, and a film release is slated for 2009.
What is 'Exquisite Corpse: Surrealism and the Black Dahlia Murder" ?
Unlike previous books on the Black Dahlia, Exquisite Corpse (written by Mark Nelson and Sarah H. Bayliss ) provides a detailed and compelling explanation for the unusual nature of this gruesome killing. Exquisite Corpse reveals, through visual comparisons and historical research, what seem to be profound connections between surrealist art and the Black Dahlia case-both before and after the murder. The evidence includes startling crime-scene and autopsy photographs of Elizabeth Short, rarely seen photographs by Man Ray, and surprising comparisons with a wide range of surrealist artworks. A web of connections indicates a direct link or one degree of separation between George Hodel and a host of influential people in the arts and film industry in Los Angeles in the 1930s and 40s. A timeline provides a revealing chronology of events surrounding the murder.
Who is Joshua Hodel Spafford?
Actor Joshua Hodel Spafford (whom you see onstage) plays the character Josh Spafford, a fictionalized version of himself. He is the real-life grandson of George Hodel.
Who wrote this play?
Dahlia was written by P. Seth Bauer. It was born out of a series of conversations between Seth and Joshua Spafford.
Did the events of this play really happen?
Yes and no. Some of the events did transpire and some have been fictionalized.