Walter Wanger, who suspected that his movie star wife was having an affair, had enough.
On Dec. 13, 1951, the once hotshot film producer, who had fallen on hard times, grabbed his gun, determined to teach Joan Bennett and her Hollywood agent, Jennings Lang, a lesson. Wanger headed to MCA, Lang’s agency, where he saw his spouse’s Cadillac convertible parked outside.
Hours later, after the sun had set, the couple arrived in Lang’s car. Wanger, who was “gripped by a jealous rage,” leaped out of his vehicle and confronted the pair. Following a war of words, Wanger shot Lang twice. One bullet grazed the agent’s thigh, while the other struck him in the groin.
FRANK SINATRA, DEAN MARTIN’S BEVERLY HILLS BRAWL ALMOST LEFT PROMINENT MILLIONAIRE DEAD: AUTHOR
Jennings Lang is seen here recovering from a bullet wound inflicted by movie producer Walter Wanger. He received a bedside visit from his wife and his attorney. (Getty Images)
The shooting that rocked Hollywood during its golden era is featured in a new book, “Beverly Hills Noir: Crime, Sin, & Scandal in 90210,” by author and longtime People magazine contributor Scott Huver. It explores some of the most outrageous incidents to occur in the star-studded city.
“When [Wanger] made the decision to physically confront his wife and her agent, he was in a bad place financially and emotionally,” Huver told Fox News Digital.
