Dorothy Millette left the Plaza Hotel in San Francisco upon hearing the news of Jean Harlow’s husband’s death.
After living at the hotel for four months, she settled her bill and secured a $3 stateroom on the Delta King riverboat on September 6, 1932.
Riverboat officials confirmed her boarding later that day.
She was spotted a few times onboard, looking distraught and tearful near the water in the early hours of the morning.
A night watchman later found her coat and shoes abandoned on the deck.
However, when the riverboat docked the next morning, Millette was nowhere to be found, prompting a search by the Delta King staff.
Meanwhile, in Beverly Hills, police were investigating the death of MGM studio executive Paul Bern in Jean Harlow’s home bathroom.
It came to light that Bern had a hidden past – he was still legally married to Dorothy Millette, whom he had wed before marrying Harlow.
Bern and Harlow’s relationship had raised eyebrows due to their stark differences in age and personality.
Despite Harlow’s rising stardom, Bern’s suicide just two months into their marriage shocked many, revealing a complex web of relationships.
Bern’s friends testified at an inquest that he had long expressed thoughts of suicide, indicating ongoing struggles with depression.
MGM’s efforts to protect Harlow’s image painted Bern as unfit for marriage, deflecting blame away from the actress.
As details emerged about Bern and Millette’s marriage, it became clear that she had been financially supported by him even after their separation.
Letters found in her possession suggested ongoing communication between them, adding layers of complexity to the situation.
Millette’s tragic end came when her body was discovered in the Sacramento River a week after she disappeared from the Delta King.
Despite speculations and rumors surrounding her involvement in Bern’s death, her actions seemed driven by despair over losing her husband and financial stability.
Harlow, on the other hand, faced her own challenges following Bern’s death and subsequent marriages.
Her health deteriorated rapidly, leading to her untimely demise at just 26 years old.
The film industry mourned her passing, marking the end of an era in Hollywood.
While Harlow found a final resting place in Glendale, Millette lies in Walnut Grove, their stories forever intertwined in a tale of love, loss, and tragedy.
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