Movies Way Back When: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Lawsuit

By Betsy J. Green

It’s hard to say who was the good guy and who was the bad guy in this case – both sides were pointing fingers at each other. In one corner was the golden girl of the “Flying A” studio – Mary Miles Minter. In 1919, she abruptly left the company, and was suing for $4,125 in back pay.

In the other corner was the general manager of the film company who stated sternly, “There is no salary due the young lady. We have paid her all she has coming.” The situation sounded like the scenario for a “Flying A” movie with lots of exaggerated gestures and frowny faces. But certainly, it was the end of a beautiful friendship.



Betsy’s Way Back When book — Movies & Million-Dollar Mansions — is now available in local bookstores and at Amazon.com. This is the seventh book in her series on the history of Santa Barbara. Learn more at betsyjgreen.com​.

bjgreen

Written by bjgreen

Betsy J. Green is a Santa Barbara historian and author. Her books are available in local bookstores, and at Amazon.com. (Shop local if you can.) Learn more at betsyjgreen.com.

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