The Tarnished Rainbow, a nonfiction book written by Studio 2055′s Richard Dowdy, has recently been published by Mighty Press Publishing. The 247-page book (with 12 pages of photographs) surveys the early days of Southern California and more specifically Los Angeles. Subjects include the geography, sociology and climate of the region, along with cults, the end of World War II and its impact upon the populace and the explosive growth of Los Angeles. Other subjects covered are the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and their battles with mob-controlled unions in Hollywood; The House Un-American Activities Committee’s investigation of Communists in Hollywood, and the Blacklist; Racketeering and police corruption within the Los Angeles Police Department; Mickey Cohen and Bugsy Siegel’s control of the city’s underworld; and other scandals that rocked L.A. in the late 1940s. Extensive research by Richard Dowdy led to the publication of this hardbound volume that has received excellent reviews. The first edition has sold out. Second printing now available for $40.00, contact richard@studio2055.com.

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