Chasing Salomé: A Novel of 1920s Hollywood

by Martin Turnbull

Hollywood, 1920

Alla Nazimova has reached the pinnacle of success. She is the highest-paid actress in town, with a luxurious estate, the respect of her peers, adoration of her fans, and a series of lovers that has included the first wife of her protégé, Rudolph Valentino.

But reaching the top is one thing. Staying there is an entirely different matter.

Nazimova dreams of producing a motion picture of Oscar Wilde’s infamous “Salomé.” It will be a new form of moviemaking: the world’s first art film.

But the same executives at Metro Pictures who hailed Nazimova as a genius when she was churning out hit after hit now turn their backs because her last few movies have flopped.

Taking matters into her own hands, Nazimova decides to shoot “Salomé” herself. But it means risking everything she has: her reputation, her fortune, her beautiful home, and even her lavender marriage. But will it be enough to turn her fortunes around? Or will Hollywood cut her out of the picture?

From the author of the Hollywood’s Garden of Allah novels and based on a true story, “Chasing Salomé” takes us inside Nazimova’s struggle to achieve a new level of stardom by raising the flickers to an art form.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Film, Biographical Fiction, Historical

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2019

About the author

Martin Turnbull has worked as a private tour guide showing both locals and out-of-towners the movie studios, Beverly Hills mansions, Hollywood hills vistas and where all the bodies are buried. For nine years, he has also volunteered as an historical walking tour docent with the Los Angeles Conservancy. He worked for a summer as a guide at the Warner Bros. movie studios in Burbank showing movie fans through the sound stages where Bogie and Bacall, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, and James Cagney created some of Hollywood’s classic motion pictures.

From an early age, Martin was enchanted with old movies from Hollywood’s golden era–from the dawn of the talkies in the late 1920s to the dusk of the studio system in the late 1950s–and has spent many, many a happy hour watching the likes of Garland, Gable, Crawford, Garbo, Grant, Miller, Kelly, Astaire, Rogers, Turner, Welles go through their paces.

When he discovered the wonderful world of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, his love of reading merged with his love of movies and his love of history to produce a three-headed hydra gobbling up everything in his path. Ever since then, he’s been on a mission to learn and share as much as he can about this unique time.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s.

Reviews

[MAP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how, but somehow this Martin Turnbull guy has been writing stories about my LITERAL FAVORITE THING EVER (Early 20th century Hollywood) and NOBODY TOLD ME. Seriously, I don't even bother talking about my love of silent films or pre-code talkies anymore because everyone around me just has big old question marks over their heads when I try.

So this story is about Alla Nazimova and what is essentially the end of her silent film career. I primarily knew about her through her connection to Natacha Rambova so I went in knowing that, at least the films she worked on with Rambova didn't go greeeaaaaaat box office-wise so I was interested to see how it would end, since it seemed like it would be kind of a downer. I really enjoyed reading more about how the movies were actually made and just more about Nazimova in general.

[Creolecat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Helen Robare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Martin Turnbull's Garden of Allah series so when I heard, via email/newsletter, that he was writing a biography of the great Alla Nazimova, silent film movie actress, I wondered would it be as entertaining as the Garden of Allah series.

Fortunately, Martin Turnbull, is a GREAT writer! This book was great. Madame Nazimova is a complex character that the author has captured perfectly in print. She is arrogant, yet kind, intelligent yet unaware, depressed by knows how to enjoy life to the fullest.

Unfortunately, this book only chronicles part of Madame's life. Her early childhood is alluded to and sometimes talked about and her life after the film Salome is not even mentioned. I would have liked a full biography about this interesting actress by this author who writes like no one else I have found. Instead this book chronicles the years just before Madame directed, acted in, and financed her film "Salome".

Still, it was a very good telling of a short portion of a fascination actress's life. If you are interested in the age of black and white film, then you will love this book. If you are interested in biographies, then you will love this book (hint: there is also gossip and stories about other legendary film stars like Rudolph Valentino). If you just plain, flat out, want a good read...this is the book for you!

[Michelle "Champ" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone that likes Old Hollywood should read all of Martin's books. I love them! They all are liking stepping back in time. This one takes you further back to the woman who gave us the Garden of Alla. I didn't know much about Madame until I read this book, but I like it. Seeing her interact with the early film (pre-code) stars was so much fun. Seeing her give up so much to make her dream role (Salome) was a fun journey. I am not sure I would have the guts to do all that she did. What did she do? READ THE BOOK, you won't be sorry.

[Linda Edmonds Cerullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction based on a roughly three year period in the life of silent screen star Alla Nazimova and her struggle to bring Oscar Wilde's Salome to the screen. Born in Russia Alla comes to the United States and learns the English language in record time, then turns to Hollywood to make her career. She becomes a major screen star and her friendships with Rudolph Valentino and his wife, Natacha Rambova (whose real name was Winifred Shaughnessy and was the granddaughter of a Mormon apostle!) are explored in this novel, as well as her frequent dalliances with both actors and actresses. An interesting study of early Hollywood in all its decadence and scandal and the struggles unique to the silent film era. "Salome" is available on YouTube and is a strange and spellbinding film that will add to the understanding of this well-written work of fiction.

[Leila Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! I’m transported back to the era of the moviemakers in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. From the male dominated companies to women trying to enter the movie business, Alla Nazimova tried it all (almost). Excellent historical fiction!well worth the read for anyone.

[Gary R Borman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic Novel

As in all the previous novels, once you start it is an all night reading experience. This is an amazing look into a true Hollywood Legend

[Leslie Nipkow · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I'm feeling low or exhausted, I turn to Martin Turnbull's books about Hollywood. Historical Hollywood fiction that reads like a dream. And at the end, he often gives you the deets on where he found his info and what he had to invent.

Chasing Salomé takes us back before the Garden of Allah novels to the origins of Alla Nazimova -- and it's terribly satisfying. It will also ring too true to any women who work in the film industry, even today.

Turnbull is a go-to for me. May he never stop writing!

[Coffeenoir (David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Martin Turnbull book I have read but will not be the last! I would definitely recommend this to any with an interest in early Hollywood. I was especially happy with tge authors notes at the end because I had wondered how much was based on real life, so thanks for that info. Also thank you for the website. As for the book, it is well written and pulls you in. I look forward to the next book of his that I pick up.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

If you’ve read Martin Turnbull’s Garden of Allah Series you will love knowing more about the “landlord.” Alla gave me major Scarlet O’Hara vibes in how she deals with people and her troubles. I’m not even a Valentino fan and now I want to read about him! So many good, real, personalities to investigate after reading about them in Salome.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Novel by Martin Turnbull

What a wonderful story on the history of The
early days of Hollywood! I
Learned so much about Madame Nazrimova and was so deeply emersed in her life that I watched"Salome". I truly am grateful to authors like Mr Turnbull for bringing to life these actors and actresses who are no longer with us!

[Carl Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turnbull takes Hollywood—again!

This time the story is over 100 years old – that of the film career of Alla Nazimova, a woman well in advance of her time.

Indeed, her film of “Salomé” can be found not only on YouTube, but under its title in Wikipedia. It is a fascinating piece of stylized filmmaking.

[Alicecake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular look at Hollywood

This is a splendid piece of historical fiction set in the very early 1920’s in Hollywood. The movie industry was chaotic and competitive. This is the 10th book by Martin Turnbull this did not disappoint.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved being back in Holywood 1920. Prequel to Garden of Allah series. Will have to read them again now!

[David Bravi-Thome · Rating 3 out of 5]

A difficult read

I found this book a difficult read for reasons I don’t understand, but it likely has much to do with my own personality and preferences.

[Holly S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, but

I was hoping the story would be longer and end up with Madame at the Garden of Allah with the three marvelous characters who come to Hollywood.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin never disappoints! Loved this story about Alla. I must admit I am a Super Fan of Martin’s…but it’s easy…his books are just too amazing to not be! He brings the story to life, as I read I see it played out! I can’t wait to read his World War II Series!

[Rachel Ekberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so after I read this, I googled a clip of Chasing Salome. The leering look on her stepdad's face as Salome danced gave me the absolute icks in the pit of my stomach! The actors capture that perfectly. We have to remember that in a time before 'talkies', actors had to be more expressive.

But, this isn't a movie review. This is a book review. That being said, I am not the biggest fan of biographies. I mean, I am a fan of biographies, but I am a bigger fan of fiction. For me it goes:

Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Celebrity Biography
Historical Romance that's not highland warrior bodice ripping (eye roll).
Mystery
Romance with an actual engaging story.

I can see why the studio didn't want to do this movie at first. It touches on so many taboo subjects. Prohibition was in full swing and a constant antagonist to all in Hollywood at the time. Not to mention what was perceived as moral and decent. What this biography does, and Turnbull's Heart of a Lion does, is gets me researching. I want to know more. And, in retrospect after my first star rating, I got to thinking that that is the best thing a book can do. It gets you wanting to know MORE. By doing that, the book stays with you. A book that positively stays with you, whether you prefer the subject or genre, is a damn good book. So, while it may not be your top choice genre, if a book can pull you into the depths of wanting to absorb yourself in wanting to know more and more, well, there ya go.

This is almost like a prequel to the Garden on Sunset series. It tells us who Allah was, how she operated, and how she likely paved the way for other women to step into leadership roles. Honestly, before The Garden series, I'd never heard of Nazimova. I grew up watching Movies of the 40s and 50s with my grandma, but I don't know if I've ever seen anything from the era before sound. I will say, what an extraordinary woman she was. A trailblazer! She went after what she wanted and got it! Her and Natasha (oh to see more of her costumes!) were a force and they made history! It makes me fervently wish I could have been a guest at the Garden on Sunset and to see the attire of the day in person. The lights, the sounds, the cars, the stars. When things were new and shiny and not boarded up or demolished. I was only born about 55 years too late. It's heartbreaking to not be able to experience it first hand, but heartening to be able to live it through Turnbull's books.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully-written, well-researched, and well-imagined (where it needed to be) novel on the great silent film actress, Alla Nazimova, and the events leading up to her masterful movie, “Salomé,” (1923) and the other people involved. Yet, this novel is not that simple; it includes a wide variety of people she met and knew well, those whom she helped further their careers, and parties, perfumed cigarettes, and breathtaking gowns and environments. One particular scene (of many) that took my breath away: “As she moved forward, Alla noticed her silk Japanese kimono. It was crimson, trimmed with black, and eddied about her like mist.” (sigh, and double-sigh)

Mr. Turnbull is a talented writer in that he smoothly and creatively gets his – or rather, Hollywood’s – story told. I particularly like how he incorporates era-specific products, perfumes, films, colors (l love the aubergine automobile in one scene with actress June Mathis), extant buildings, current events (The Volstead Act), and the like.

Furthermore, Mr. Turnbull can bring a little humor to an otherwise ordinary scene, particularly when Rudolph Valentino pronounces “picknick” and it comes out, well, a little thick-accented. I could see Valentino’s slightly bashful look, the others’ faint and understanding smiles. And that is real life, and as much as Hollywood portrayed its actors and actresses as somewhat god- and goddess-like, these were human beings just like everyone else, with all their charms and foibles, private and public personas, emotions, and intellect. Mr. Turnbull makes these scenes very believable.

I did not want to give a full blow-by-blow synopsis of “Chasing Salomé,” but rather, comment mostly on the feel and believability of it, and I hope that I have clearly conveyed this in my brief review. Ever since I first read Mr. Turnbull’s short story, “Subway People,” I have become a fan.

And with”. Chasing Salomé,” he still delivers.

Bravo! (And would I be greedy if I asked for more, more, more?)

[Lorraine Herbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Martin Trumball does not disappoint. I loved the Garden of Allah series, shared it with my father, who shared the books with still more people. I’m sorry about the royalties the author will miss, but the books were a hit in our circle.

And now we can add Chasing Salome. This peek into the life of Alla Nazimova, as told from her perspective, illuminates the hard knocks of being a woman in the latter stages of the silent era. But, damn, that Nazimova took every setback and still kept going. If I ever have half that spirit of perseverance, I’ll
consider myself fortunate.

Trumball’s charming prose cradles Nazimova in a sympathetic and respectful cocoon, and I can’t think of any better way to honor her. I actually feel inspired by her story to pursue my own goals with her indomitable passion. If I fail, well, I’ll just try something new. Like Alla

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an Advance Reader Copy and I enjoyed it very much.

This is by the author of the nine Garden of Allah novels. Those take place at the apartment buildings that were converted from the home of silent movie star Alla Nazimova. When she needed an infusion of money in order to make her "Salomé" movie, she opened her home as apartments. Notable residents included Humphrey Bogart, Tallulah Bankhead, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A fictionalized history of Nazimova's career, this looks at her relationships with both men and women and her business acumen. She was a woman standing up for herself and her artistic pursuits in Hollywood long before many felt empowered or comfortable doing that.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible book by Martin Turnbull

This book was amazing and I couldn't stop reading it. I've read the entire series and was so excited for another book and it didn't disappoint. I really felt like I was there with these amazing individuals. And of course I had to watch Salome after reading the book (its available on YouTube). I could not recommend this series more. Another amazing book by Martin Turnbull!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Hollywood History

Another outstanding Hollywood historical fiction book from Martin Turnbull. Beautifully written. A must read for all. Hollywood history that would be otherwise forgotten. Thank you Martin!! If you have not read the series "The Garden of Allah" novels (a total of 9 books) but them now. You will not be disappointed.

[Annie Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

He did it again!

The woman behind the Garden comes to life in this wonderful story. I love how the author of my favorite series shows us what women like Alla Nazimova sacrificed and endured for their art. I love reading about old Hollywood, so I savored every moment of this beautiful novel!

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. It explains quite a bit ...