Books, Movies, TV, Music

The number of books about, including or even just mentioning information on The Black Dahlia case is ever growing. Every few months I hear of new materials published, even if they just touch on the case. I'm working on compiling a list of all those, once I can verify the information included.

Books Dedicated to the Case

Black Dahlia Avenger: The True Story

by Steve Hodel

Arcade; New Edition (c) 2003; ISBN: 1559706643

Hodel began working on the case after he retired from the LAPD when he chanced upon an intriguing piece of evidence that led him on trail that he had no choice but to follow since it pertained directly to him. As he dug deeper, he came to believe that the killer was also responsible for over a dozen other unsolved murders in the Los Angeles area around the same time. He also found copious evidence of corruption at the LAPD, leading him to accuse the department top brass of covering up the Black Dahlia murder in order to conceal a deeper conspiracy involving crooked politicians and gangsters.

Support this site and order this book through Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble

Also available in Hardcover Edition

Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder

by John Gilmore

Amok Books; New Edition (c) 1998, John Gilmore; ISBN: 1-878923-10-2 View First Edition Cover

The Black Dahlia murder hit post-War Los Angeles like a bombshell. Beautiful Elizabeth Short's naked body was found drained of blood and cut in half. This, the first true-crime book published on the strangest of all "unsolved" murderes in the annals of modern crime, offers the solution documented by law enforcement and forensic experts. Here, for the first time: the killer's own frightening statement on the gruesome murder. The 'truth is stranger than fiction' has never been so terrifyingly evident.

(review by Web site visitor)

Childhood Shadows: The Hidden Story of the Black Dahlia Murder

by Mary Pacios

Authorhouse; 1999; ISBN: 1585004847

Mary Pacios' book takes you back in time to describe the life of Beth Short. Pacios, who says she was a childhood friend of Beth's, focuses more on the victim's life than other reads. Although Pacios does name a theoretical suspect.

The Black Dahlia Files: The Mob, the Mogul, and the Murder That Transfixed Los Angeles

by Donald H. Wolfe

Regan Books - Dec. 27, 2005; ISBN: 0060582499

Using his writing flair and popularity, Wolfe works to connect Bugsy Siegel and LA Times publisher Norman Chandler to Beth's murder, using a police cover-up as reasoning for the killer never being brought to justice.

Daddy Was the Black Dahlia Killer

by Janice Knowlton with Michael Newton

Pocket Books; (c) 1995 Janice Knowton and Michael Newton; ISBN: 0-671-88084-5; Paperback $5.99 USA

An announced victim of incest and brutality since birth, Janice Knowlton says she repressed memories from her childhood. Now, in the 1990s, she speaks up about life with her father, George Knowlton. Years after her father's death, Janice says her memory surfaces traumatic experiences, including that of the murder of Elizabeth Short, "Aunt Betty."

It's a story of mystery and brutality. And one wonders if it is, in fact, true. Though Knowlton and Newton present several well-known facts of The Black Dahlia case and other going-ons of the LAPD during this high-crime decade, most anything stated is completely one-sided. The book does not represent additional facts regarding Ms. Knowlton's claim.

Ms. Knowlton repeatedly claims to know what happened, yet failed to provide facts or evidence. In 1999, there was correspondence between her and this site ( read it here

This title is available through Amazon.com

Fiction

Although this site doesn't focus on the fictional aspect of the case, James Ellroy's novel has been the introduction to this case for many.

The Black Dahlia

by James Ellroy

Warner Books; Reissue edition; (c) 1987 James Ellroy; ISBN: 0446618128 ; Paperback $7.50 USA

The New York Times called this book by crime writer James Ellroy, "Brutal and at the same time believable."

Ellroy, who has since the murder of his own mother been fascinated with researching cases like that of Elizabeth Short, wrote this novel centering around the LAPD's investigation of the Short case. However, though the initial concept was based on the Black Dahlia murder, this popular novel is a work of fiction. From a fiction reader's standpoint, the novel is well-written and is praised. From the eyes of someone really wanting to know more about this subject, don't expect much supported evidence of the case itself.

Synopsis: Caught up in the investigation are Bucky Bliechert and Lee Blanchard: Warrants Squad cops, friends, and adversaries in love with the same woman. Both are obsessed with The Black Dahlia, and need to know everything about Elizabeth Short.

Prior versions are out of print, you can find used copies all over the place, carrying higher price tags.

There is a new edition available at Amazon.com

Amazon.com also lists an Original Hardcover

by John Gregory Dunne

E.P. Dutton, NY; (c) 1972, published 1977; ISBN: 1874061939

Popular fiction novel based loosely on circumstances surrounding the Black Dahlia case. Made into a feature film by MGM in 1981.*

Original printings of this book are out-of-print, however, No Exit Press reprinted this book in 1998. Inquiries: No Exit Press, 18 Coleswood Rd, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 1EQ

This title is available at Amazon.com

Angel In Black

by Max Allan Collins

Signet, 2002; ISBN: 0451205170 ; Paperback $7.50 USA

Beth's murder is a backdrop for this book, which blends real events and fiction. Featuring Collins' Chicago PI, Nathan Heller, the novel's main characters and a reporter are the first to find the body.

Using a totally different spin than Ellroy, this book creates a relationship between the PI and Beth, who had called him the night before to tell him she was pregnant. Heller attempts to keep the details quiet, in fear the publicity would make him a suspect.

This book is available at Amazon.com

Books Mentioning the Case

Reporters
Memoirs of a Young Newspaperman

by Will Fowler

Roundtable Publishing, Malibu, CA; (c) 1991; ISBN: 091567761X

Former reporter of the LA Examiner at the time of the murder. This book includes a complete chapter on the case, along with graphic photos.*

This title is available used through Amazon.com

The Badge

by Jack Webb

Prentice-Hall, NJ; (c) 1958

Written by the star of the television series Dragnet, this non-fiction account details life inside the LAPD, with 14 pages devoted to the Dahlia case.*

This title is available through Amazon.com

For the Life of Me

by Jimmy Richardson

Putnum, NY; (c) 1954

Autobiography by the legendary city editor of the LA Examiner, believed to be the only person ever to have actually spoken to the Black Dahlia killer. This book includes a complete chapter on the case.

LAPD's Rogue Cops

by Vincent A. Carter

I'm looking for a review on this book.

Amazon.com lists used copies of this book from time to time.

by Tony Blanche and Brad Schreiber

General Publishing Group, Los Angeles; (c) 1998; ISBN: 1-57544-075-X

Subtitled An Illustrated History of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, this book is a great reference source for writers and those interested in how bodies are discovered and viewed by coroners. With a history of the LA County Department of Coroner, with pictures, and various notorious crimes studied by this office, Death In Paradise is an in-depth look at the brutality and study of the most terrifying murders, deaths and suicides.

A section on The Black Dahlia gives a brief synopsis of the case and beliefs, as well as rumors about her name and other aspects. Also covered is the deaths of Marilyn Monroe, Sam Rummel and Dorothy Dandridge.

Intense photographs, as well as celebrity photos grace this professional book, that, though complete with toe-tag cover, could pass as a mature coffee table book.

This title is available through Amazon.com

by Silvia Browne

NAL Trade; Reprint edition (August 31, 2004); ISBN: 0451213270

In a book that takes the reader through a tour of ghosts and spirits, Browne discusses methods of reunions with those on the "other side."

The book includes a chapter on The Black Dahlia, whereas Browne explains Beth spoke to her about her life.

This title is available through Amazon.com

MOVIES

The Black Dahlia
(USA, 2006, Rel: Sept. 15)
This Universal Pictures' Big Screen film is based on James Ellroy's fictional account of the murder and investigation.

Who Is the Black Dahlia?
(USA, 1975, TV, 100 min.)
This movie premiered on NBC-TV. Retired lead detective Harry Hansen served as technical director. The perfect film to show you that a) films don't always tell the entire story and tend to sway from some facts; and b) it's quite difficult to try to sum up Elizabeth Short's life and murder in less than 120 minutes. At any rate, it's a film worth seeing for Black Dahlia buffs.*

True Confessions
(USA, 1981, U.Grosbard, MGM/USA)
Actors: Robert DeNiro and Robert Duvall. Altough the name Black Dahlia is not mentioned in the film, some facts of the crime (for example: dead body found in two parts) are similar to the Black Dahlia case.

Available at amazon.com in regular or widescreen format.

Medford Girl
(USA, Documentary, Kyle J. Wood)
This 30+ minute documentary tracks the last few days of the life of Elizabeth Short. Including maps, photos (life and death) and other visuals, this film is professionally produced and is a must-see for those who are studying this case. Though some "questionable" information is presented (ie. the tattoo, etc.), the documentary does lend itself praise not only for the overall production value, but for its delve into the Black Dahlia herself. This documentary is not being shown on television. The video is no longer available for purchase.

TELEVISION

HUNTER
Popular TV Series, 1980s
The January 12, 1988 showing of "The Black Dahlia" episode starred Fred Dryer and Stephanie Kramer, and guest-starred Lawrence Tierney.*

MUSIC

Jimmy Vargas & The Black Dahlias

Jimmy Vargas and the Black Dahlias, P.O. Box A948, Sydney South NSW 2000-1235, Australia

$22 (Australian); $18 (U.S. dollars, including P/H)

I was going to stay away from this. The last thing I want is for this site to become a forum for music reviews and reviewers. But when this band's rep sent me a copy of their CD, I couldn't pass it up. While the music may not necessarily throw me in the "Dahlia" mood - one I have experienced many times over the past seven years - the yearn to know what happened, it's feel proved to create an aura in my office. Featuring a late '40s & early '50s style, the tunes center around the Black Dahlia and the murder. With songs like "Black Dahlia," "The Girl You Left Behind," El Resurrectione," "Sugar Doll," "High Heels Black Stockings," Diorissimo (El Torchtura)," and "Hollywood Confidential 1947," I do recommend this album to A) anyone interested in getting a feel for the style that might have surrounded Elizabeth Short - as it is as close to that feeling I can find in any compilations of sounds, and B) anyone wanting that real-feel music from the old days, with a bit of modern pop, but not too much. Their site: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~macpet1/vargas/vargas.html

Death Swings

Jimmy Vargas and the Black Dahlias, P.O. Box A948, Sydney South NSW 2000-1235, Australia

$14.98 U.S. dollars

Band: The Black Dahlia Murder