Hollywood Godfather

The Life and Crimes of Billy Wilkerson

By: W. R. Wilkerson III

Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

This is the definitive biography of the most powerful man in Hollywood during the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, the man who founded The Hollywood Reporter and the most storied nightspots of the Sunset Strip. In the 30 years as Tinseltown’s premier behind-the-scenes power broker, Billy Wilkerson introduced Clark Gable and Lana Turner to the world, brought the Mafia to Hollywood, and engineered the shakedown of the Hollywood studios by Willie Bioff and his mob-run unions. He also helped to invent Las Vegas, tangled with Bugsy Siegel (and possibly was involved with his murder), and touched off the Hollywood blacklist.

Perhaps nobody in Hollywood history has ever ruined so many careers or done so much to reshape the movie industry as Billy Wilkerson, yet there has never been a solid biography of the man. Billy’s son, William R. Wilkerson III, has done tremendous research on his father, interviewing over several decades everyone who knew him best, and he portrays him beautifully and damningly in this book.

©2018 W.R. Wilkerson III (P)2018 ListenUp Audiobooks

The Best Kept Secret In Hollywood

Anyone studying politics, journalism, social dynamics, organized crime, media or life, would definitely be grateful for this book. The history of the Hollywood Reporter and the Hollywood Black List is thoroughly translated here and in a time when Hollywood figures are creating Blacklists in the here and now in this decade and generating stigmatism against other cultures, religions and political parties. It is flagrant. The social science to be explored in this manifesto is priceless. The story itself and the people in it are extraordinary. An education that alludes us in any other walk of life or exploration. Do not deny yourself the insight offered in this labor of love or the pleasure in listening to this most fascinating tale of manipulation, domination, and survival in the jungle.

Spectacular

So much of the folklore regarding Hollywood or organized crime is grounded in half-truths. Thus book was a such a breath of fresh air. It is more of an academic study as opposed to a casual pleasure read. The historical context is given great consideration and shines through at every turn. In sum, there is much to be learned regarding the life and times of Billy Wilkerson.

Great story

I really enjoyed this book. Starts off a little slow but gets better. Def recommend

masterpiece, anyone interested in Hollywood.

I loved this book. A true historic achievement. Anyone interested in the real Hollywood, this is the book for you.

Loved it!

Great book about an amazing man. Couldn’t turn it off! Interesting Hollywood history. Hate that it ended.