Killing On Good Friday Relived In Memoirs (Press, 3 March 1988)

Cheryl Crane, the daughter of Hollywood actress Lana Turner, recently released her memoir, "Detour: A Hollywood Story," which delves into her tumultuous past and aims to set the record straight about events that have long been shrouded in myth, particularly the notorious 1958 killing of Johnny Stompanato. Stompanato was fatally stabbed by Crane during a confrontation with Turner, an incident that was ruled justifiable homicide but had profound and lasting repercussions on her life. Cheryl, now 44 years old, felt compelled to write her memoir to correct the many misconceptions about that fateful day, where speculation cast shadows on her mother’s character and her own motivations. She expressed frustration over claims made by others, such as B.D. Davis in her memoir about Bette Davis, which incorrectly suggested that Crane had an affair with Stompanato. The aim of Crane's book is not only to clarify her own story but also to confront and exorcise the demons from her past, including a childhood marked by abuse. Crane's childhood was marred by trauma beyond the Stompanato incident. She alleged that Turner’s fourth husband, Lex Barker, sexually molested her starting at the age of ten, a situation that she kept silent about until years later. While writing her book, Crane came to realise that her experiences of child abuse were not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger, troubling reality. This discovery shifted her memoir's focus from merely correcting false narratives to highlighting broader issues of abuse and silence that many experience. The relationship between Crane and her mother was strained following the Stompanato incident. Although Crane's actions that day were framed as protective, her life spiralled into despair, leading her to run away from home, attempt suicide, and spend time in mental institutions and reformatories. It was not until she began writing her book that she and Turner found the opportunity to discuss the killing and the impact it had on their lives for over 30 years. Through their conversations, Turner expressed gratitude to Crane for her actions, acknowledging that her daughter had saved her life that day. Crane’s memoir has garnered attention for its candid portrayal of her life and the unique challenges she faced growing up in a world filled with fame, scrutiny, and personal tragedy. The book has already attracted interest from film producers, indicating that her story may soon reach a wider audience. Cheryl Crane's narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities behind the facades of Hollywood life and the hidden truths within family relationships.

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