Paul Bern, a German-born filmmaker, was a key figure in early Hollywood, known for his talent as a producer and his tragic end. His work at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and his marriage to Jean Harlow made him a legend, but his mysterious death left a lasting mark.
This article delves into his early years, career, personal life, and the enigma surrounding his passing, offering a relatable look at a man behind the glamour.
Early Life: From Germany to New York
Born Paul Levy on December 3, 1889, in Wandsbek, Germany, Paul was one of six children in a Jewish family led by Julius and Henriette Levy. His father ran a candy store, and the family moved to New York when Paul was young, seeking a better life.
Tragedy struck when his mother drowned in 1920, a loss that shaped his quiet, empathetic nature. Paul’s immigrant roots and early struggles make him relatable to anyone starting over in a new place. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, adopting the stage name Paul Bern, but found acting wasn’t his strength, setting his sights on other roles in show business.
Hollywood Career: Rising at MGM
In the early 1920s, Paul moved to Hollywood, starting as a film editor before becoming a screenwriter and director for United Artists and Paramount Pictures.
His big break came at MGM, where he worked as a production assistant to Irving Thalberg, a top producer. Paul’s talent shone in films like Grand Hotel, which won the Best Picture Oscar in 1932, though he wasn’t credited due to MGM’s practices.
Known as “Hollywood’s Father Confessor,” he earned respect for his kindness and smarts, helping stars like Barbara La Marr with their careers and personal struggles. His behind-the-scenes hustle shows the hard work needed to succeed in a tough industry.
Jean Harlow Marriage: Love and Controversy
Paul met Jean Harlow, a rising star, around 1930, before her breakout in Hell’s Angels. He saw her potential when others didn’t, helping her land major roles at MGM. Their friendship turned romantic, and they married on July 2, 1932, despite a 22-year age gap. The marriage shocked Hollywood—Paul, a reserved 42-year-old, and Harlow, a glamorous 21-year-old, seemed an unlikely pair. “I believed in her talent,” Paul said, reflecting his genuine support.
Their brief union was happy but complicated, as Paul had a past common-law relationship with Dorothy Millette, who struggled with mental health issues. His loyalty to others, even at personal cost, makes his story deeply human.
Mysterious Death: A Hollywood Tragedy
On September 5, 1932, Paul was found dead in his Beverly Hills home, shot in the head. A note read, “Dearest Dear, Unfortunately this is the only way to make good the frightful wrong I have done you… I Love you.” The coroner ruled it suicide, but theories swirled. Some, like MGM’s Samuel Marx, believed Dorothy Millette, Paul’s former partner, killed him and later drowned herself. MGM’s push to call it suicide protected Harlow’s career, but questions linger. Paul’s death, shrouded in mystery, reflects the pressures of fame and personal secrets.
