Detour: A Hollywood Story

by Cheryl Crane, Cliff Jahr

The author tells the true story of the night she, at age fourteen, murdered her celebrity mother's mobster boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, and reveals the shocking sexual abuse that led up to the fatal stabbing

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Crime, Autobiography

334 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Cheryl Crane is the daughter of movie star Lana Turner. She became infamous in 1958 after stabbing Turner's boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato. It was ruled to be justifiable homicide as Crane had been protecting her mother. Crane is the author of the autobiography Detour: a Hollywood Tragedy - My Life With Lana Turner, My Mother and other books.

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I revisit several times a year. I guess being a fan of Lana Turner is part of it, but I have admiration for Cheryl Crane, as she is a true survivor. Her life is a fascinating, sometimes difficult read. And, despite all the problems between herself and her mother, you can always feel the love and good intentions, even if it didn't always turn out the way it was intended. I do think that Lana was self-absorbed, but she was not deliberately cruel or abusive. She was so preoccupied with her career and love life that she missed out on her daughter's childhood and was unaware of the horrors that her only child suffered.

Contrary to what another reviewer stated, there is nothing to suggest that Cheryl's father, Stephen Crane, was gay. If there was any truth to that Cheryl would have no problem admitting it, as she is very open about her own sexuality and makes no excuses for it. She was aware that she was a lesbian from an early age, long before incidents in her life that have been argued to shape it took place. Also, there is no way that a ten-year-old girl should be expected to enjoy being brutally raped repeatedly. I'll never understand people who make insinuations like that.

Cheryl has continued to thrive in the business world and has published three more books: one a gorgeous coffee table book devoted to her mother's life and career and two murder-mystery books featuring real estate agent/sleuth Nikki Harper. I hope there will be more for years to come!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mickey Cohen sent her death threats. Frank Sinatra sent her a record player in juvenile hall, and Jonathan Winters saw her through a stint in an asylum. Cheryl Crane won't agree to the Hollywood treatment of her story yet, which is why it only gets a quick nod in L.A. Confidential, but when she does, it's going to be amazing. Johnny Stompanato isn't even the best part.

[Martin Turnbull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Maria Riva's autobiography about her life in the shadow of her mother, Marlene Dietrich, I became curious to see how Cheryl Crane documented a similar story. Although perhaps not written with the mastery of Riva's book (which, in my opinion, sets the gold standard in the My Mother Was A Hollywood Movie Star genre), I very much enjoyed Crane's clear-eyed account of her troubled childhood and youth and how she ultimately got her act together. It can't have been easy to relive some of those terribly moments (and there were many) but I felt Crane gave us an interesting insight into what life inside those golden mansions can be like, and the price that is all-too-often exacted.

[Michael Thomas Angelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still own my original copy of this book which my mother gave to me as a gift in 1988 after inscribing it with best wishes for the year. I was an 8th grader already in love with the dames of the silver screen from Hollywood's golden years. I had read Lana Turner's biography the year before and knew all about her lucky day at Schwab's Drugstore. Thus, it was with renewed interest that I picked up this hot copy of Detour, her daughter's story. The book was written by Turners' daughter Cheryl, from her marriage to gay restaurant proprietor Stephen Crane (that's one tendency she had in common with pal Judy Garland). Cheryl played the neglected dress-up doll left to the mercy of her mother's whims and publicity purposes. She was given everything under the sun, including a room full of Madame Alexandra dolls that she wasn't allowed to play with. (Sounds like Tori Spelling's story)
Her mother was wont to fly out of the country on the arm of her current boyfriend leaving Cheryl to fend for herself under the nanny's care. The book maps the trajectory traveled by an aging sex goddess under the context of ways in which she relates to her daughter as rival. Cheryl's advancing age implied more about Lana's transition from Sweater Girl to knitting sweaters. Her marriage to Tarzan's Lex Barker ended bitterly after Cheryl's claims that he had repeatedly raped her under Lana's oblivious denial. The sexual abuse is largely a source of trauma for the damaged dyke to be but I can attest to the hotness factor achieved as I read about Tarzan's groping grip. I was 14 when I read about it and was intrigued by Turner's graphic descriptons of Barker's milky ropes that melted into the sauna floor. By the time LT hooked up with the Guido goon Johnny Stompanato, she was pushing 40 which was more like 80 in 1950s Hollywood. She had reached beyond her nubile years and was hurting for roles. She earned accolades for Peyton Place and for her role in Imitation of Life, which Cheryl points out is a replica of their own life as mother and daughter. Similarities as striking as the color of the daughter's (played by Sandra Dee) bedroom to the school campus were identical. In one scene where Lana playing Lora scolds her daughter Suzi, the daughter recognizes the speech from one of her mother's movies. "Oh Mother, she wails, stop acting. Stop moving people around as if they were pawns on a stage.!" Cheryl claims she could have said the lines herself and probably did. She claims to have felt inferior to Sandra Dee's portrayal of the daughter. "Pert, pretty and blond," she was everything that Cheryl felt she couldn't live up to. After an evening spent as her mother's escort to the 1958 Academy Awards where Imitation of Life was lauded, they retired to their home on Bedford Drive in Beverly Hills only to be interrupted by Johnny's unwelcome invasion. Cheryl witnessed the familiar abuse her mother suffered at the giant hands of Johnny's lethal hooks. Rushing to her aid, she grabbed a kitchen knife and allegedly caused the gangster to fall into the knife, killing him instantly. The event was like the OJ trial of its day and played out in the media one step ahead of the courtroom. Cheryl was sentenced to reform school which she repeatedly ran away from out of rebellion. She was barely 16 at the time of the manslaughter.
The scandal serves as crux for the book and the rest of the tale is fleshed out as Cheryl grows up and struggles to claim her own identity. At the time the book was written, Cheryl had come into her own as a modern lesbian who shared a home with her longtime partner, a woman named Josh. She speaks of reaching a comfortable place in the on again/off-again love hate relationship shared with her star mother.
In 2002, I bought tickets to Cheryl Crane's appearance at San Francisco's Geary Theater. Billed as Cool Hollywood Blonds in reference to honor Alfred Hitchcocks' choice to cast such actresses, Cheryl's night played out as testament to her mother's career. It was a real life version of the tale she spun in her book. One wonders how much Ms. Crane is netting from such appearances.

[Iza Moreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheryl Crane was the daughter of iconic Hollywood sweater girl Lana Turner, who had a bad habit of choosing her men unwisely. One of the men with whom Turner had a relationship was a small-time hood named Johnny Stompanato. A jealous and abusive man, Stompanato was eventually stabbed to death by Crane, who was 14 at the time and claimed she was protecting her mother. The court agreed and ruled the killing a justifiable homicide. And there the story ends. Or so I had supposed.

In truth, Cheryl's story is just beginning. After her trial she was made a ward of the state and sent to a girl's boarding school, where she rebelled and eventually escaped. She later had a bout with drugs, was arrested for lewd conduct, and placed in a mental institution, where she attempted suicide. After treatment, she was released and began working in her father's upscale celebrity restaurant as a seater. Her life was finally on the upswing.

What really changed her life, though, was meeting Joyce "Josh" LeRoy at a party at Marlon Brando's one evening. The two quickly became a couple and are still together at this writing, over 35 years later.

Because Crane was assigned a co-writer for Detour, it is impossible to know which actual words are hers and which Cliff Jahr's, but it is the story--the history--that is the main lure of the book. It gives us a glimpse into the very interesting life of a woman who became an early gay-rights pioneer and influential AIDS activist. Not something you would have guessed from the scandalous tabloid headlines about her in the 1950s.

It is not a literary classic, but it is an important autobiography. For its insights and its revelations, I am rating this book a 3.5 or a little higher--closer to a 4 than a 3.

[Denis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account of a true Hollywood nightmare through the eyes of someone who lived it. One of the best books about the dark side of the Dream Factory, where Cheryl Crane talks quite candidly about what it can mean to be the child of a world-famous superstar - in this case the blonde siren Lana Turner. Her descriptions of her sheltered, privileged, yet infinitely lonely life are riveting, and the whole story of the murder that shocked the world in the fifties (Crane killed the abusive lover of her mother) is worth any thriller about Hollywood. The fact that Crane avoids doing what Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's daughters did to their mothers makes for a much more complex and subtler portrayal of movie stardom and its traps.

[Nancy Loe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on Hollywood, this is the story of Lana Turner's daughter, Cheryl Crane, who grew up both privileged and neglected in Hollywood. At the age of 14, she came to her mother's defense and accidentally killed her mother's boyfriend. The aftermath of that night and how Crane overcame her demons makes for an absorbing read.

[Karla Osorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 stars.

After finishing Lana Turner’s memoir, I had to read Cheryl Crane’s memoir for comparison and for her perspective. I am so glad I did. This is a well-written story, more vulnerable and honest than Lana’s. Reading the perspective of both mother and daughter was enlightening. The connections and impact of Lana‘s choices on Cheryl were tremendous. I enjoyed seeing Cheryl’s full life, learning, and loves, and not just her early traumas and struggles. This is a great memoir - engaging and enjoyable - that tells of life’s disappointments, challenges, and relationships. Celebrity or not, real life happens to us all.

“I think everything happens for a reason, and life is seldom fair… The outrageous privilege and travail my early years strike me now as a distant adventure, a detour that I was able to survive with only the tiniest scars to show for it.“

[Barbara Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story. Felt bad for her past but glad she could overcome it all.

[Sallee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating and sad at the same time. The story of Cheryl Crane, Lana Turner's daughter made for page turning reading. In spite of growing up as a Hollywood baby, her life was anything but happy. With the exception of her first nanny who was from Scotland, she had a number of nannies who were unusual to say the least. Her mother did not have much time for her as she was always working. Cheryl had so many stepfathers, one who sexually abused her and plenty of "uncles", it is a wonder that she came out as successful as she is today. Recovering from the stabbing of Johnny Stompanato, she acted out and ended up in a reform school and then in a mental health facility. Somehow, she endured and found a career and a loving partner to share her life. Cheryl Crane is a survivor.

[Bonni Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice reading about "Old Hollywood" glamour days. When stars still dressed up to go out, when the publicity departments still kept track of what their clients were doing, and when everyone was expected to act like a grown up. I was surprised to read that so much had happened to Cheryl Crane at such a young age. Rape, murder, juvenile hall. I'm surprised the girl turned out as well adjusted as she did. Although I think Lana Turner had very little to do with it. Seems she was more interested in husband # 1,2,3,...... than her own child which is sad, but I thought the book was exceptionally written. She had to open up about a lot of things that would have been hard to go through once, she did it a second time for readers. I believe Cheryl to be a very strong woman and I am happy that she has found happiness of her own.

[Jazmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

You would think being the daughter of one of Hollywood' s greats would make life a cake walk, but that's definitely not the case for Cheryl Crane. I learned a lot more than I thought I would from this book. She had a co-writer so it's hard to tell what's actually her words or not but this is a decent read regardless.

[Irmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than a Hollywood memoir, this is a coming-of-age story, a story of a "poor little rich girl" and her growing up with abuse and neglect. Among other things it explores in an honest way living with trauma, learning to love and forgive, and discovering your sexuality.

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry, it gets the trashy tag. I was never a huge fan of Lana Turner's anyway, so it was a bit of a stretch that I read this.

[Chamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get through so I have to rate it a one.

[Paula Galvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detour is the shocking and sad autobiography of Stephen Crane and Lana Turner's only child, Cheryl. Told from her own perspective, starting when she was old enough to recall snippets of her odd childhood, Cheryl candidly speaks of a nightmarish upbringing filled with nannies, step-fathers, an absentee Hollywood Star mother, and abuse at the hands of all of them. Back in the 1930s and 1940s, when the studios recruited and cultivated teenagers with "Star" appeal, the unforgettable faces we all love on the big screen were, in reality, narcissistic, spoiled monsters with no moral compasses. When they had children, it was often a disaster for the kids. Cheryl's story is horrifying in every respect, and it's a miracle she lived through it. Filled with her encounters along the way with other star-babies, Cheryl relives her rape at age ten by Lex Baxter—an actor that played Tarzan—the accidental murder of Johnny Stompanato—a small-time gangster—who was dating her mother, and her court-controlled incarceration for years until she was eighteen. Interesting and well-documented, this is a story that will curl your toes.

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a classic movie buff, I was well aware of the scandal surrounding the glamorous Lana Turner, her daughter, Cheryl Crane, and Lana's gangster boyfriend, Johnny Stampanoto. Ms. Crane's book was excellent as it provided her take on what really happened when she was just 14 years old. Fearing for her mother's safety, she stabbed Stampanoto and killed him. After that, Crane's young life spiraled out of control even though the incident was officially closed as a 'justifiable homicide' and she was never charged. Prior to the stabbing, her life was no picnic. Although, she didn't really speak ill of her mother, it seems Turner was always more interested in the next man than she was her daughter. She left much of the child-rearing to her own mother and various nannies. Living in the lap of luxury was not what it seemed. I am glad Ms. Crane was able to move on with her life, make amends with her parents and find success both personally and professionally. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in what happened the night of Good Friday, 1958.

[Steve Indig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I did not know many details about Cheryl Crane's young life, and they were certainly a rollercoaster. While she had exposure to great privilege, she also went through much trauma. With the book's co-writer, she details a gripping personal story, and someone you really root for. The final pages that reveal a successful life journey, and strong relationships with those she loves, are a true triumph, and very touching. If you come to this book with a fascination for the dark side of the story, you will get that, and much more. A well written and constructed story of an inspiring survivor.

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book about what it was like to be the daughter of a big star.I think that she was at times too kind to her mother who was still alive when the book was written. She appears to be the victim of a dysfunctional family.
I didn't like the way the book started with Stompanatos killing,and then came back to it a few hundred pages later.That was my only criticism.

[Reet · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is the daughter of Lana turner, one of the so-called greats of post-war hollywood. Her claim to fame is starring in the movie The Postman Rings Twice. The daughter stabbed the abusive boyfriend of her mother but was acquitted by courts.
I'm not that much into movies and I don't really remember why I thought I would like this book.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little embarrassed to say this but I couldn't put it down! Yes, it's Hollywood trash. But,...it's very well written Hollywood trash. I was expecting it to be soapy and tired but it was fascinating!
I highly recommend it.

[Stephanie Dargusch Borders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely dated but a great story nonetheless. Cheryl is the anti-heroine everyone is rooting for. Her courage is admirable and her upbringing absolutely harrowing. That she continued on to be a well adjusted adult is a miracle.

[Ilena Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. Lana Turner had a lot of secrets. She was the Madonna of her times.

[Sandra Calderon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking Hollywood history.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1958 Lana Turner's boyfriend was stabbed to death in her home. It was established that her teenaged daughter committed the murder to defend her mother. I found this book to be far more interesting than a regular detective mystery. The story has it all; one of the most beautiful and adored movie stars of all time, a lovely daughter, Tarzan, abuse and rape, money, the mob, the glamour days of Hollywood, sex and a murder. I read this book when it first came out and it seemed that Cheryl may have been taking the fall for her mother. Who knows what cover ups occur in Hollywood example: did Marilyn Monroe commit suicide or was she murdered? I gave away my copy of the book so have not been able to reread the part of the book which details the trial.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is extremely well edited. Has to be one of the best Hollywood tales around. It is apparent Ms. Crane was not brought up to "be herself", but in the end, became her true self, a compassionate and forgiving person. I am not completely convinced there is something that is not meeting the eye concerning the Stompanato issue, whether it be Ms. Crane's state of mind at the time, or Ms. Turner's subtle drawing of a teen girl into her fray (and knowingly exposing young emotions to her violent relationship).

[Susannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd actually give this 3.5 stars (WHEN WILL YOU GIVE ME HALF-STARS, GOODREADS?!?). It was fun and tragic and dishy, but it was about 100 pages too long and I kind of had to force myself to finish after all the juiciest parts were over. But it's worth it for the glimpse of old-school Hollywood and sentences like "his brother owned the Yankees and was dating Sonja Henie." That level of name-dropping is what I'm looking for in a celeb bio, and this book DELIVERED.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more than a bio; it's one of the best published descriptions of Hollywood of the Golden Age. Lana Turner's life is used as a road for us to travel as we experience that environment. Don't kno if it was Lana's daughter or her co-writer (now deceased, sadly), but however it got done, this is a classic.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

this scandal was way before my time, so I had no preconcieved notions about it. I was very impressed with how the story unfolded, and found the pace wonderful. Too many memoirs linger on certain aspects that hinder the story telling. Cheryl Crane was able to avoid the poor me, poor me and really edited nicely. Her story was told in such a way that I empathised with her but did not pity her.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a Lana Turner fan since childhood, watching the crime-themed movies from the 30s and 40s with my parents. Lana Turner and Ida Lupino were at their best when bad! My aunt told me about the Cheryl Turner scandal when I was young and of course when Cheryl's book was released I quickly bought the book.