Stephen Karadjis

Betty Short Goes Hollywood Stephen Karadjis

The murder of Elizabeth Short in January 1947, led to the largest manhunt in California's history, involving local, state, and federal law enforcement."Betty Short Goes Hollywood - A Story of the Black Dahlia" is a fictionalized account of the months she spent in Los Angeles and San Diego. There is also historical reference throughout, along with elements of intrigue, drama, and humor. It is a Hollywood story in the truest sense. A young woman, unsure of herself and her place in the world, with a clouded vision of becoming an actress, yet in a disabling search for love, arrives in town. It is the late summer of 1946 and the post-war era. Elizabeth Short is new to Hollywood. The story finds a young and vivacious Betty, out every day and evening, meeting many people, making friends and connections as she goes. She dresses well and is seen by those around her as a supportive, loyal, and genuine person with good character traits. She does not drink or smoke and never stays out too late. A core group of confidantes are introduced, including several close girlfriends with whom she spends social occasions and shares similar interests. There are also many other odd, shady figures and endearing characters she meets along the way. The book concludes with Betty leaving the Biltmore Hotel on the night of January 9, 1947, the last time she was seen alive.