Kirk Douglas and the Power of Men in Hollywood

 

Admittedly, I had never seen a Kirk Douglas film until I started doing research for this post. Classic movies have been a staple in my life since I was a kid, but I managed to avoid seeing a Kirk Douglas film for 26 years. I felt it was in my best interest to watch something because I really had no idea what his acting even looked like. I chose The Bad and the Beautiful. I liked it a lot, but not because of Kirk. His character mirrored what I believe is to be his true identity; mean, hard to work with, and a monster towards women. 

Kirk Douglas is a layered individual. He was a champion for Dalton Trumbo and the Hollywood Ten during McCarthyism, an era in our country's history that is especially embarrassing. However, fighting for justice is the right thing to do, and standing up for political freedom does not cancel out his wrongdoings. I have a hard time applauding the efforts of a man who is believed to have caused so much pain to women. 

When he finally died at the age of 103 this year, people in my life looked to me for a reaction. The one I had was not appreciated by most. I was not sad to see a Golden Age of Hollywood legend go. I had to share the truth with people: Kirk Douglas was an alleged rapist, a possible murder suspect, and a man who treated most he met poorly. 

I think it's important to start with the main allegation against him. Kirk Douglas is believed to have raped a sixteen year old Natalie Wood, informing her that if she told anyone it would be the last thing she did. Wood spoke on her trauma often, but never revealed the name of her attacker. Lana, her sister, stated that when she picked her up that evening Natalie was hysterical. She shared that she had been raped by a famous actor twice her age. Those that were close to her allegedly point the finger at Douglas, saying she would shudder when she heard his name. She was advised not to report the rape.

This took place prior to the Me Too era. Natalie Wood took her abusers name to the grave after her tragic, too early departure. Kirk Douglas, however, lived long enough to see women fight back against their rapists. During the 2018 Golden Globe awards, women in Hollywood chose to wear black in solidarity with victims of assault. That year, they honored Douglas at the ceremony. This brought the allegations back to light, calling on the hypocrisy and for justice in Natalie Wood's name. 

Kirk Douglas was a notorious, self-admitted womanizer. He often used his status and power to have affairs with starlets. It is not far fetched to believe someone like Douglas, who lived and breathed for beautiful women, would force sex on a young Natalie Wood. 

Due to the unfortunate power dynamics in Hollywood, men like Douglas got away with their actions. The victims were often told not to press charges because it would impact the studio's reputation. The studio system would punish the victims to protect their A-List actors. They would employ fixers, whose main job would be to cover up the bad behavior of their biggest stars. Natalie was told to keep quiet and as a result, she never got justice.

Douglas' womanizing got him involved in another scandal. Jean Spangler was a starlet who was rumored to be having an affair with Douglas. She disappeared in 1949 and only her purse was recovered. In that purse was a note that stated, "Kirk, can't wait any longer. Going to see Dr. Scott. It will work best while mother is away." Dr. Scott is believed to be a doctor who performed abortions. This has led some to believe Douglas had gotten Spangler pregnant. He claims to have not known her personally, however, though she was working on a film with him. Jean's mother said a man named Kirk picked her up a few times but stayed in the car. Jean's body was never found and the case is still open.

There is minimal evidence that connects Douglas to Spangler's disappearance and assumed murder. However, as we see time and time again, his status in Hollywood could have prevented him from being a bigger suspect. Like most scandals Douglas found himself entangled in, the facts of the case will likely never be known.

Kirk Douglas was likely a rapist and maybe even responsible for the disappearance of a young starlet. The systems in place that favor men with power allowed him to get away with the alleged crimes he committed. They further perpetuate the idea that wealthy men can often buy their way out of scandals. Money and privilege outweigh the justice for victims. We continue to see this cycle play out decades after Douglas' reign.  

After Kirk Douglas died, he was buried in Westwood Memorial Park. This cemetery is a favorite of mine and the closest to my apartment. I went to see his grave soon after he passed. I have to say, the marker is a mess. His son passed before him, but they didn't really factor in that Kirk would one day be gone too. Needing top billing even in death, his name sits awkwardly in the top corner. 

Whether the allegations made against him are true or not, we do know that Douglas was just kind of an asshole anyway. He was difficult to work with, often stating that people only stayed around him because he had such a wonderful wife. The same wife he was constantly unfaithful to. His power in Hollywood allowed him to behave the way he did with no consequences. He died a hero to many. I view Douglas as the prime example of how power and status can skew justice. My heart is with Natalie Wood and Jean Spangler.