In a dramatic incident that shook Hollywood's Golden Age, film producer Walter Wanger, suspecting infidelity, shot his wife Joan Bennett's agent, Jennings Lang, on December 13, 1951. This shocking event is detailed in Scott Huver's new book, "Beverly Hills Noir: Crime, Sin, & Scandal in 90210," which delves into the dark underbelly of Hollywood's glamorous facade.
Wanger, once a highly successful producer, had experienced a decline in his career and financial stability, leaving him emotionally vulnerable. Driven by suspicion and fueled by reports from a private investigator confirming his fears about Bennett and Lang, Wanger confronted the pair outside Lang's agency. In a fit of jealous rage, he shot Lang twice, wounding him in the thigh and groin.
The incident, occurring in broad daylight near the Beverly Hills police station, highlighted Wanger's desperation. Huver describes it as "the act of a desperate man," not a carefully planned operation. Wanger's financial struggles and dependence on Bennett for income further compounded his emotional turmoil.
Bennett and Lang's relationship developed amidst Wanger's declining fortunes. As Bennett became the family's primary earner, she grew increasingly reliant on Lang, both professionally and emotionally. While there was undeniable chemistry between them, Huver refrains from labeling it a full-blown love affair, noting that their connection dissolved after the shooting.
Bennett's response to the crisis was remarkable. She ensured Lang received medical attention, faced the police chief with composure and even held a press conference in her home, urging the public not to judge Hollywood based on this incident. This calculated approach, Huver notes, was a testament to the old Hollywood system's focus on maintaining a positive public image.
Wanger pleaded temporary insanity and served four months in jail. Despite the scandal, both he and Lang experienced career resurgences. Wanger produced the Oscar-winning film "I Want to Live!" while Lang became a successful studio executive. Bennett, however, faced significant career setbacks, struggling to find work in Hollywood after the incident.
