#8: A Competitive Edge in Classic Hollywood

In the golden era, Fox and MGM were rivals, each striving to outdo the other. Fox took the lead with figure skater Sonja Henie enhancing their movies. MGM responded by courting swimming star Williams, setting the stage for a dramatic industry showdown.

Esther Williams, approached by MGM, had conditions before joining: ample time to hone her acting and access to the Beverly Hills Hotel pool. Her journey underlines the challenge and allure of Hollywood, revealing that not everything that shines is splendid.