Paul Bern

Paul Bern is best known today for being found shot to death in his bathroom just two months after marrying Jean Harlow in 1932. Born in Hamburg, Germany, as Paul Levy, he moved to the United States with his family as a child. His mother died of drowning in the fall of 1920, as noted on her death certificate, contrary to earlier speculation that it was suicide. Bern spent most of his adult life working as a screenwriter, director, and producer at MGM before advancing to upper executive roles. He co-produced the all-star film *The Broadway Melody*, which won the third Oscar and was credited in part to the unacknowledged contributions of Irving Thalberg. Known for his discretion, Bern became a trusted confidant for many stars dealing with personal issues, often serving as a go-between with Louis B. Mayer. His calm, intellectual demeanor attracted Harlow, who, despite her glamorous screen image, was interested in more intellectual pursuits. However, his marriage to Harlow brought him into conflict with her demanding family, which placed early strain on the relationship. His death, officially listed as a suicide, became one of Hollywood’s most scrutinized and speculated-upon cases. The alleged suicide note remains ambiguous, with questions about its authorship and intent. Harlow never publicly addressed the matter, though she was interviewed by LAPD detectives and appeared before a grand jury. Screenwriter Ben Hecht suggested that Bern was murdered by Dorothy Millette, a former lover with whom he had a common law marriage and whom he continued to support financially. Millette was found floating in the Sacramento River the day after Bern’s death. The case also involves E.J. Mannix, the studio’s unofficial "fixer," whose role has been the subject of ongoing speculation, most recently referenced in the film *Hollywoodland* (2006).