Girl 27

Having been led to believe it was a movie call, Douglas showed up at the Hal Roach Ranch for what in reality was a free fall party for MGM film salesmen.  Douglas was one of 120 girls (most underage) who were lured there.  They were dressed in revealing cowgirl outfits and more or less offered up as “party favors” to the conventioneers.  David Ross, a conventioneer from Chicago, forced liquor down Patricia Douglas’s throat and proceeded to beat and rape her.  Douglas tried to complain and seek help, but to no avail.  No one would listen or believe her.  She took the bold step (particularly considering attitudes of the time) and took the case to court.  She was humiliated and smeared terribly by the studio who tried to portray her as a tramp, alcoholic and party girl.  The story become front page news and even took precedence in the headlines over the sudden death of Jean Harlow and the marriage of King Edward to divorcee Wallace Simpson. 

Then MGM proceeded with highly effective damage control by buying off Patricia’s mother and her attorney.  Their efforts practically erased this entire event from the pages of history.  Patricia Douglas vanished from sight.  When questioned about it in later years, MGM’s Eddie Mannix said, “We had her killed.” 

David Stenn first learned of the case while he was researching his book on Jean Harlow. He spent 10 years researching Patricia Douglas and her case and trying to uncover the truth.  He presents rare archival footage, film clips and interviews that are compelling and at times even shocking when placed in the proper context.  He gives the audience solid historical perspective on how secrets, lies and hypocrisy impacted Hollywood from the top stars on down.

The title of the film derives its name from the roster of girls who were at the party.  Patricia Douglas was “Girl 27” on the list. 

About half way through the film, we finally meet Patricia Douglas.  She has a commanding voice and an arresting presence.  She is surprisingly sharp and articulate.  In spite of what Eddie Mannix claimed, she is alive and living as a recluse in an apartment in Las Vegas.  The film tells two interwoven stories of both Patricia’s terrible ordeal and of David Stenn’s search for the truth about the events surrounding it.  Even though she is reluctant, Patricia Douglas finally opens up and tales her story.  In doing so, she seems set free and vindicated.  Through it all, Patricia and David form a close bond that seems almost like an unconventional love story. 

Girl 27 is a haunting, compelling and powerful documentary that will stay with you long after the final credits.

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