She grew up when Hollywood was at its peak, and her mother, Lana Turner, was one of its brightest stars. Life was a glittering world of privilege and promise...and a succession of "uncles" and stepfathers. Then one night, when she was just fourteen, Cheryl Crane, plunged a knife into one of them - Johnny Stompanato. Now, for the first time, Cheryl talks about her harrowing childhood, about what happened on that violent night in 1958...and the nightmare of public scrutiny that followed. Here is the powerful and personal story of Cheryl's "detour" through hell - suicide attempts, reform school, a mental hospital, and drug abuse. And her triumphant journey back - to a brilliant business career, and finally, to a loving relationship with her legendary mother. Includes 16 pages of personal photographs.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Up Close and Deeply Personal,
By
This review is from: Detour: A Hollywood Story (Hardcover)
"Detour: A Hollywood Story" is the deeply personal account of Cheryl Crane's life as a 'star baby'. She is the daughter of Lana Turner. Her life was privileged, sheltered, and yet emotionally chaotic. She grew up playing only with other 'star babies'(that is, when she got to play at all). Her mother's best friend was Judy Garland, she called Frank Sinatra, 'Uncle Frank'. Cared for mostly by Nannies, and her 'Gran", Lana Turner's daughter did not even realize what a huge celebrity her mother was, and wasnt even allowed to view her films(or any films) for most of her childhood. She viewed her mother as two separate people...Mommy and "that Lana Turner person", the latter of which could make people appear or disappear on a whim.
Cheryl Crane saw a steady stream of step parents and "uncles". Lana's love life, kept her as busy as her career, and spending time with her mother, was a real treat for Cheryl. She digs down deep as she describes her longing for her mother's affections, a young girl's admiration of her father, the sexual abuse she(Cheryl) suffered at the hands of Lex Barker(from the Tarzan movies),and the stormy relationship of Lana and Johnny Stompanato, who she would kill by her own hands(she was only 14 at the time), in defense of her mother. Her life goes on a downward spiral afterwards, being sent to Juvenile Hall, schools for troubled girls, and even a santitarium, where she is kept heavily sedated for most of her incarceration there. And this all before she even turned 18. Lana is not painted as Joan Crawford was, in "Mommy Dearest", but it seemed to be more about the lifestyle of the rich and famous in the 1940's and 50's that goes on trial here. Cheryl Crane must have had to summon up quite a bit of courage to tell this story. It could not have been easy reliving many of the events. She describes in remarkable details, her life as a child, her "detour" through life, and how she finally found peace with herself. It is a compelling and inspiring story that evoked quite a bit of emotion throughout the read, as she sets the record straight for us and for herself. Thank you and enjoy the read....Laurie
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One Hollywood Classic That Won't Let You Down,
This review is from: Detour: A Hollywood Story (Hardcover)
I have read dozens of non-fiction books, many in the True Crime and Hollywood genres, but no book left me more stunned that the spectacular, horrifying, amazing story of screen siren Lana Turner's daughter Cheryl Crane. Cheryl grew up during the heyday of movie gods and goddesses, and, as a bona fide Hollywood princess herself, saw first-hand the over-the-top lifestyle of excess and spoilage the industry wrought. The heart of the book is about one of the most talked-about scandals in Hollywood history--the murder of reputed mob soldier Johnny Stampanato. It was 14-year-old Cheryl, overhearing a fierce argument between her mother and then-boyfriend Stampanato, that compelled her to rush into the boudiour and stab the man to death. What followed is a well-documented, horrific life that only the softspoken and well-mannered Cheryl Crane could live to tell--the true detour of this forceful and harrowing story. Throughout the book are tales of growing up abused, rich, spoiled and sheltered in the demanding world of Old Hollywood. Ms. Crane's story is sure to shake awake the demons of yesteryear with her unblinking portrayal of her mother, Ms. Turner, and the situations that led up to her betrayal by the Juvenile Courts and her own family. If the classic Mommie Dearest was about murder, you'd have Detour. An amazing read that deserves a space on your shelf.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best insider Hollywood book I have ever read.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Detour: A Hollywood Story (Hardcover)
Maybe I am the wrong person to ask since Lana Turner is my all time favorite hollywood star but her daughter's book "Detour" is the best hollywood book I have ever read. She tells what it was like to be a Hollywood Princess, back when the word really ment something. The tells what it was like to be pampered and spoiled. She tells about having one of the most famous stars in the world as her mother. She lived next door to Judy Garland and across the street from Humphry Boogart. Ava Gardner gossiped in her mother's room and Tarzan star Lex Barker became her step father-later sexually abusing her for years. But mostly, she tells the story that only Cheryl Crane can tell-what it was like to be the key player in one of the great Hollywood scandals of all time; the murder of Johnny Stompanato. Cheryl lived an amazing life under amazing situations and now lives quietly in a loving, stable relationship of love and respect. She writes a true Hollywood story, un! like anyone else could write.
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