
The Secret History Of Hollywood
A Modern Guide To The Golden Age Of Cinema
Adam Roche
Show overview
The Secret History Of Hollywood has been publishing since 2017, and across the 9 years since has built a catalogue of 29 episodes. That works out to roughly 80 hours of audio in total. Releases follow an irregular cadence, with the show now in its 3000th season.
Episodes typically run over ninety minutes — most land between 32 min and 3h 40m — with run-times ranging widely across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language TV & Film show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 11 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2026, with 11 episodes published. Published by Adam Roche.
From the publisher
An ongoing series of specially produced histories, bringing to life the stories and secrets that shaped cinema. @moviehistories secrethistoryofhollywood.com www.patreon.com/attaboysecret
Latest Episodes
View all 29 episodesAudrey - The Girl Before The Girl: Part 8
Audrey - The Girl Before The Girl: Part 7
The Stories That Changed The World
Audrey - The Girl Before The Girl: Part 6
Audrey - The Girl Before The Girl: Part 5
Audrey - The Girl Before The Girl: Part 4
Audrey - The Girl Before The Girl: Part 3
Audrey - The Girl Before The Girl: Part 2
Audrey - The Girl Before The Girl: Part 1

S10 Ep 11Frosted Yellow Willows: The Story Of Anna May Wong
To celebrate International Women's Day in March, hear a very special story of a very special star, a free-thinking girl who was determined to overcome all odds in her search for stardom... To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S10 Ep 10Baby: The Jean Harlow Story
To celebrate International Women's Day in March, hear a very special story of a very special star, an independent young woman who found herself forced to adopt a persona she did not recognise, and the beginnings of a cinematic legacy cut short far too soon... To hear more stories just like this one, sign up now at PATREON and open up a whole new world of Hollywood drama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3000 Ep 2Travel Back In Time: Hollywood Stories Unlocked At Last
To get the whole story, and experience every Secret History Of Hollywood episode, go on over now to https://www.patreon.com/attaboysecret Signing up only takes a moment, and you'll get instant access to an entire world of storytelling! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 Ep 6Cary: Part 4
Cary Grant and Barbara Hutton's wedded bliss begins with an adventure upon a lake, and a very starstruck pastor, but it isn't long before the shadows of doubt begin to cast across their happiness, made all the worse by the threat of war, and the spiralling effects of Barbara's vices... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! And for those of you who are waiting - THIN: PART 2 officially releases exclusively on Patreon in November 2024! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 Ep 5Cary: Part 3 - Vol II
Cary Grant's relationship with the troubled, self-destructive Barbara Hutton has taken on a disturbing new shape in the wake of her father's death. Will Grant be able to live up to the promise he has made to Lance - Barbara's son? In his professional life, Grant is about to reunite with a co-star who may mean more to him than any other... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits A quick warning - this episode does contain some strong language Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 Ep 4Cary: Part 3 - Vol I
Cary Grant has found love with society heiress, Barbara Hutton. But Barbara comes with her own set of personal demons, and the road to happiness is growing ever more complicated. Meanwhile, his cinematic roles are beginning to more-and-more resemble the characters that he has played in real life; including would-be father, society plaything, and... American citizen? Elsewhere, there's the small matter of the war and how the world will view a man who does not take up arms, as well as the ever-nearing circle of gossip-hungry sharks... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits A quick warning - this episode does contain some strong language Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep 3Cary: Part 2 - Vol II
EAfter a devastating personal tragedy, Cary Grant has begun to focus upon his career as an escape, still in search of the elusive hit that will prove his worth to the world. Fortunately, success and superstardom are on the horizon… Meanwhile, Barbara Hutton has begun a very dangerous romance, one that will involve her with a family renowned for preying upon those with wealth. How will she escape? And will the rescue turn out to be worse in the long run? If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep 2Cary: Part 2 - Vol I
After discovering that the mother he thought was dead is actually alive, Cary Grant must reconcile his own guilt, the effects of the revelation upon his own relationships, and the fact that his star in Hollywood seems to be fading. Elsewhere, a shocking new saga has begun among the heights of privilege. But as the story unfolds, it will soon become clear that endless wealth does not necessarily guarantee happiness… (Cary: Part 2 - Vol II will be released on the 20th September, 2021) If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cary: Part 1
Please see content warning below Once upon a time, from the midst of normality, an extraordinary story began... In a time when the world was being shaped on the fields of war, a boy named Archie dared to find his own path by looking to the stars. In Part One of Cary, hear the incredible journey of Archie Leach; one that stretched from broken beginnings, all the way to the heavens of Hollywood itself... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Follow The Secret History Of Hollywood on Twitter Follow The Secret History Of Hollywood on Instagram Follow The Secret History Of Hollywood on Facebook CONTENT WARNING BELOW (contains spoilers): This episode begins with scenes including dramatisations of infant death, domestic conflict and physical abuse. These scenes are not glamourised, but they are essential in that they explain the motivations behind certain people’s actions. However, if you feel that you may be triggered by these subjects, you may wish to proceed with caution, as they could be considered upsetting. If you'd like more information about anything before you proceed, please don't hesitate to contact me through Patreon's messaging service, or by email at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep 11Shadows: Midnight Is Come
Following the success of The Body Snatcher, Val Lewton has become one of RKO's most valuable and lauded producers. As well as the many opportunities now being presented to him, Lewton has also embarked upon his first true "A-Picture", a dark tale of madness and cruelty set within the walls of the most notorious asylum in the world. But the shadows upon the screen are not the only ones closing in on Lewton... If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep 10Shadows: The Resurrection Men
ERKO's latest horror movie, 'The Body Snatcher', based upon a dark legacy of crimes from another time, is proving to be Val Lewton's most challenging project yet. Seemingly determined to have his way, Lewton's boss, Jack Gross has agreed to finally give Lewton and his team an "A-List" budget. But this promise comes with a set of conditions... It isn't long before Gross's demands are dragging Lewton's possible masterpiece into exploitation territory. With the budget as a bargaining chip, will Lewton be forced to ruin his own reputation in order to get the film made? Or will a solution present itself from the most unlikely of places? If you’ve enjoyed this episode, and would like to aid in its creation, then please consider becoming a patron of the shows! You’ll earn hundreds more hours of bonus content, including ALL complete series’ of The Secret History of Hollywood, as well as bonus documentaries, extra listening, movie commentaries, and much more! Simply go to www.patreon.com/attaboysecret and choose the tier you’d like to access or CLICK HERE Show Credits CONTENT WARNING BELOW A significant part of the episode deals with the story of Burke and Hare. This was necessary to the overall story, as the film this episode deals with, 'The Body Snatcher', was based heavily upon their crimes. It was very important to me to tell their story honestly, as there has been an unfortunate tendency in recent years to paint Burke and Hare as a pair of somewhat goofy miscreants, instead of the abominable creatures they were in reality. As such, there are certain details that some may find upsetting or disturbing. Burke and Hare murdered many people of all ages. The details of these crimes are more than likely unsuitable for younger ears, and may also cause distress to you, the listener. If you feel that you would like to skip over this section, then it begins at 52:12 and runs through to 1:36:00. The episode also contains a brief history of the science of anatomy, which is not particularly graphic, but it still might not be something you feel easy listening to. It begins at 29:51, and runs to the end of the Burke and Hare section at 1:36:00 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices