As The Money Burns

Wedding bells are ringing for trip down the aisle number three. Only there is not an actual aisle, and not everyone is full of glee. Part 2 of 2 November 1933, despite her broken arm Madeleine Astor marries Enzo Fiermonte from her hospital bed. More press scandal follows them on their way to honeymoon in Palm Beach. Other people and subjects include: Madaleine Talmage Force Astor Dick Fiermonte, C...

Once for money, twice for love, maybe thrice for lust. Some women become brides more than bridesmaids. Part 1 of 2 Returning from Bermuda to New York in November 1933, Madeleine Astor prepares for her third wedding to Enzo Fiermonte and more press scandals. She takes back a trip down memory lane of the seduction and scandal with her first marriage to John Jacob Astor IV leading to their fateful tr...

This is the 6th Year Anniversary recap and teaser of future storylines. Allegory about seduction and betrayal in greenhouse with parallels to storylines. Playful hints and teasers of themes involving love and fortune, along with updates on podcast history and goals of the series. Other people (*referenced not specifically mentioned) and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, John Jacob Asto...

A big birthday with a big inheritance comes with more attention and trouble. So would a birthday party even be worth the risk? November 1933, after Doris Duke turns 21 and receives the first portion of her inheritance, she must now face threats from kidnappers, ill-intentioned suitors, and lawsuits. Meanwhile another kidnapping situation turns deadly. Amidst the threats, Doris has a small birthday...

Another heiress turns 21 thus gaining part of her fortune, but what the richest girl wants most horrifies her mother. November 1933, Doris Duke attempts to spend a quiet 21st birthday at her mansion in Manhattan in remembrance of her father Buck Duke, only to have to flee the press and public attention for Duke Farms in New Jersey. To quell the young heiress's restless spirit, her mother Nanaline...

Divorces come in several stages – physical, financial, legal, and emotional. The latter might be the hardest if ever to achieve. As one reporter learns with a slap in the face. November 1933, opera singer Mary McCormic and Prince Serge Mdivani are officially divorced. But when Mdivani biographer Grace Williams tries to expose the terms of the settlement, Grace faces Mary’s wrath. Other people and...

A fortune hunter returns with his heiress bride from their honeymoon to collect her inheritance. Has he finally secured his ultimate prize? November 1933, as birthday girl Princes Barbara Hutton Mdivani turns 21, she seems to have it all a prince for a husband and a large fortune all her own and now is a fashion and pop culture icon. But will it be enough? What else could an heiress want? Other pe...

When a prized debutante makes her debut, one heir is determined not to miss it. November 1933, one of the most prized debutantes of this season Virginia Kent has her first coming out ball. To not miss out, John Jacob Astor VI, aka “Jakey,” charters a vehicle to bring a crew to the party. Will a love match be made? Other people and subjects include: Princess Barbara Hutton Mdivani, Doris Duke, Jame...

It’s time for another Tuxedo Ball with plenty of beauties, so has this year’s most eligible bachelor finally found his future wife among them? October 1933, the top 50 debutantes of this social season mix with the most eligible bachelors at the ultra exclusive Tuxedo Park’s Autumn Ball. Will “Jakey” John Jacob Astor VI, “Alfy” Alfred Vanderbilt, Jr., Atwater “Atty” Kent, Jr., Pierre Barbey, Jr., o...

The freedom of travel and adventure is cut short when one heiress is spotted, and too much attention could threaten her safety. October - November 1933, Doris Duke travels incognito to the Pacific Coast but eventually gets spotted everywhere she goes. Eventually, she ends up in Hollywood for a few special meetings. Other people and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, James H.R. Cromwell aka “Jimmy,”...

Marrying in haste is easy, but divorces can be oh so much trickier. Two complicated marriages finally dissolve in the courtroom. October 1933, Mae Murray is on her third attempt to divorce Prince David Mdivani. Amidst their divorce proceedings, she has several other cases related to an unpaid debt and a personal injury claim. Meanwhile Hope Diamond owner Evalyn Walsh McLean requests an insanity he...

Another debutante season is beginning, and a new crop of beauties are already making a splash. September – October 1933, Jakey Astor enjoys being the most eligible bachelor and is looking for a wife. Several debutantes attend early debut events before the official social season begins, while one lad turns into a professional party thrower to survive his economic downturn. Other people and subjects...

Fifth Year Anniversary recap and future storylines. Hints and teasers of themes involving love and fortune. Series tagline: All they want is love. Everyone else wants their fortune. Other people (*referenced not specifically mentioned) and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Prince Alexis Mdivani, Frank Shields, Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick Fiermont...

Some weddings might be grand, but nothing catches more attention than a good divorce scandal. August – September 1933, the marriage of Prince Alexis Mdivani and heiress Barbara Hutton has caused a lot of press attention on the couple as well as those around them. His two older brothers, Prince Serge Mdivani and Prince David Mdivani are in the papers again for their divorces and issues around their...

Another day, another danger as an heiress finds herself in double trouble, but a minor medical emergency is nothing compared to the tax man. September – October 1933, Doris Duke finds herself in the hospital only weeks before her tax case heads to the Supreme Court. In both instances, more attention is given to her vast fortune in the press. Other people and subjects include: Nanaline Duke, James...

Another heir, another birthday, 2 fortunes, a special gift, and by chance possibly someone to share it with? September 1933, three new bachelor heirs are fresh on the market, or are they? Alfred “Alfy” Vanderbilt Jr. comes into his fortune but gets an even better gift from his mother. Alfy along with Jakey Astor and Wooly Donahue are more serious and not interested in being the typical playboy hei...

Fiery passion not only infects the young but the old as well, including one heir’s mother caught up in another scandalous affair. September 1933, recently divorced Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick waits for her much younger lover Italian boxer Enzo Fiermonte to be divorced as well. They rush to get married only to have more complications in Bermuda, where more than a heart gets broken. Other peo...

Young love burns bright and impulsively as an heiress runs off to marry her prince, only to regret it days later. August 1933, Janet Snowden finally meets her very own Prince Caravita and rushes into marriage. When days later she has a sudden change of heart, their story is all over the press, and her life gets into danger. Other people and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani,...

As Tennis Week ends, the real competition is over the three best finale parties, with one hostess playing with all her might. August 1933, Jakey Astor and Doris Duke return to Newport for the end of Tennis Week with plenty of romantic and marital speculation. Henrietta Hartford hosts the biggest finale party with a special technological innovation. Other people and subjects include: Nanaline Duke,...

A big birthday arrives with a large inheritance and thus the ability to finally control one’s life or so it seems. August 1933, Jakey Astor finally turns 21 and comes into his fortune. Only other troubles complicate his rise into Society. Meanwhile several debutantes are lining up to be the future young Mrs. Astor. Other people and subjects include: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivan...

As tough times persist, several dangers lie ahead for dreams, fortunes, and more importantly life itself. May – August 1933, many struggle as Prohibition and the Great Depression continues. Evalyn Walsh McLean attempts to sell the Hope Diamond and buy back the Washington Post. Doris Duke and other heiresses are under threat of kidnapping in Newport. Cobina Wright’s new attempt to rebuild her fortu...

While one honeymoon falls apart, another set of bachelors appear on the matrimonial market. #BarbaraHutton, #PrinceMdivani, #honeymoon, #Stotesbury, #MarryingMdivanis, #politicalspeech, #Astor, #restoringthethrone Barbara Hutton, Prince Mdivani, honeymoon, Stotesbury, Marrying Mdivanis, political speech, Astor, restoring the throne June - July 1933, Barbara Hutton and Prince Alexis Mdivani continu...

A large crowd gathers for a fairy tale royal wedding, but will the honeymoon have a happy ending? Part 2 June 1933, Barbara Hutton and Prince Alexis Mdivani have the second and grandest of their two wedding ceremonies in Paris. The elaborate and beautiful ceremony draws a large and excited crowd, followed by a reception then off to their honeymoon. Will Barbara finally have her happily ever after?...

A royal wedding draws a large crowd, but could the honeymoon be over already? June 1933, Barbara Hutton and Prince Alexis Mdivani have the first of their two wedding ceremonies in Paris. With all the press attention, the Prince’s royal title comes back into question, while his brothers Prince Serge Mdivani and Prince David Mdivani deal with divorce petitions. Other people and subjects include: Fra...

It’s another season of international sports competition, so where has one tennis star disappeared to this time? June 1933, Frank Shields loses at the French Championship then disappears only to be found later crossing the ocean. Meanwhile another sport takes notice with a superb knockout. Other people and subjects include: Cobina Wright, Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Rebecca “Billie”...