The Tragic Life of Audrey Munson

This is the story of the mostly-forgotten model Audrey Munson, and her attempt to put her life's story on film.

[@patrickmcmillan2431]

Happy to say I knew Miss Audrey when she resided at St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. Hair white as snow with porcelain skin.

[@Twisterjoe]

were you able to have conversation with her?

[@henryottis295]

Patrick, can you elaborate?

[@patrickmcmillan2431]

@@henryottis295 The only interaction I had with her was in passing. I worked at S.L.P.C. from 1980---1994. She was elderly.....wore a house dress and slippers with a shuffling gait. Everyone addressed her as "Miss Audrey."

[@velocitygirl8551]

@@patrickmcmillan2431 what a memory!!

[@HBADGERBRAD]

Fascinating I always wonder what happens to some of the reputations of these young women used by men

[@joanbrennan2534]

Oh poor woman! She died at 104 with no visitors for more than 26yrs?! She was an beautiful artist. Had I known she was still alive that long, I wouldda respectfully visited her🤗💖

[@joanbrennan2534]

@@sarahbartlett1196 I merely felt bad that she had no visitors for 26yrs. That's a very long and lonely existence. As a RN, I worked many years in long term care. And yes, there were a few patients/residents that had nobody. But, not for 26yrs. That's awful...simply awful.

[@kesmarn]

Thanks so much for presenting this fascinating and tragic story. I had never heard of Audrey Munson (and I have been a fan of 1920s films for years). The fact that she survived until 1996 and to the age of 104 is amazing. Your research and hard work are so much appreciated.

[@Tr0nNick]

This is why I love this channel. I don't know half of the people he spotlights but it's so fascinating after the fact

[@kesmarn]

@@Tr0nNick Totally agree with you on that!

[@kimberlypatton9634]

Same here! My most beloved era in history!

[@mattmammone2338]

My grandmother had a statuette of Audrey Munson! They were from my great grandmother and them were used as book ends on her shelf.

[@amiedetherese]

She is the statue on the roof of the state capitol where I live in Wisconsin

[@kesmarn]

Sad that she was shamed so mercilessly for doing something that was so harmless when it comes down to it.

[@cindychristian1700]

@@kesmarn The crazy thing is art deco is full of nudity and was very popular!

[@randyhebbebusche3644]

Didn't know that. Will have to look closer at it. I'm from Wisconsin too, Lake Mills, not that far from Madison.

[@yelloworangered]

A woman who has nothing but beauty finds that life is cruel. Very sad.

[@hankochai]

Except for her being an antisemite.

[@barbarat5729]

@@hankochai I didn't find her particularly "beautiful."

[@kmp8985]

@@barbarat5729 it was the times

[@SSN515]

@@barbarat5729 Perhaps in person, in her youth, she had the "aura". Like they say about Liz Taylor.

[@karenolson4000]

Yes. It's sad that she was locked up in a mental asylum for 65 years even though there are medications to treat people with shizophrenia. Heaven knows there are a lot of people out on the streets who are probably way crazier than Audrey Munson, yet she was essentially given a life sentence in prison without even having been given her day in court. This is how annoying or embarrassing women were treated.

[@masonbricke4568]

There are two books on her life: "The Curse of Beauty" and "American Venus". I've read the second one, which was very enlightening and poignant. Had I known about her in the 1990s, I would have paid Ms. Munson a visit and thanked her for her contribution to figurative art. Thank you for this biographical article and increasing awareness of this American original.

[@tessaducek5601]

Thank you. 😊

[@thjonez]

informative

[@Magnetron33]

and freedom of expression.

[@MonaLisa-zz5cv]

I read about this lady years ago and what I'd read started to come back to me in bits, a bit hazily. I was beginning to wonder how I could find material for further reading when I could not remember the girl's name when I saw this, so your timing is crazy perfect. Almost scary.

[@valbrd77]

James bone wrote an excellent factual research book on Audrey Munson's Life

[@mariacardenas4665]

@@valbrd77 where Can I Find It???

[@valbrd77]

@@mariacardenas4665 amazon

[@theresaholguin699]

She was considered the very first super model. She was beautiful

[@ilanamillion8942]

I read a biography of her sometime in the past year which focuses mostly on her career as a highly prized artist model. There is no doubt that we have all seen statues of her somewhere.

[@JM-lw3nx]

She probably should not have been committed at all. This reminds me of Frances Farmer's story.

[@bennorwood8433]

Can you do a list of five corruption scandals of the 1920s

[@sarahgray430]

This woman's life sort of presages the sad lives of so many later Hollywood starlets, popular chanteuses and fashion models who bartered their youth and good looks for a bit of fame and ended up largely forgotten. Quite frankly, I think the way our culture objectifies the human body is disgusting and downright weird!

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

How sad for you that no one has ever desired you. No wonder you are so bitter.

[@spmoran4703]

@@barnabyaprobert5159 Do you know Sarah Grey? Do you Know if she is " attractive" or not? If not then your ugly opinion is not worth a hill of shit. Men think they can get away with insulting women . Without getting insulted back. Go and play with your little winkle.

[@bostonblackie9503]

You know it sounds like the Windmill Theatre in London. Women could be nude as long as they didn't move. She did hold a considerable number of titles in her day "Miss Manhattan," "Panama-Pacific Girl," representing the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition of 1915, held in San Francisco, the "Exposition Girl" and "American Venus." However her life appears to show the beginning of the celebrity culture thrust upon us today. Although I do believe the first was Lillie Langtree "The Jersey Lily." The first I believe to do a commercial endorsement ....for soap.

[@ivorybow]

1920s channel, where have you been all my life! This was just suggested to me and I have a passion for the 1920s and 30s and the silent film era. What an amazing story This woman's life is

[@Baskerville22]

Born in 1891 - died in 1996

[@sendachimptospace]

Friggin love this channel man

[@06BIBOI]

YAS !!

[@JSB1882]

Wow! I had never heard of her. and the fact she lived into the 1990s is amazing that no one had tried to track her down based on her celebrity like they did with Louise Brooks.

[@barrypopik9315]

I tried to track her down in the early 1990s. An article was published in the New York Times on April 14, 1996, and this was the inspiration for his first biography, AMERICAN VENUS (1999). I went to the Manhattan Borough President and the Public Advocate with all my papers, and said that she's the "Civic Fame" above their heads. No one would speak to me. I approached the Metropolitan Museum of Art (which once had 40 of her pieces) and the Brooklyn Museum (where she is "Miss Manhattan" and "Miss Brooklyn" at the entrance). The Met had no records and wasn't interested. The Brooklyn Museum didn't reply. I told anyone who would listen that we had to get out the phone books and contact every Munson in Mexico, NY and Rochester, NY. No one in New York City would help me!

[@davidlong1786]

How sad that she was carted off to rot for 65 years in an asylum. I'm sure that place did nothing to help her.

[@patricias5122]

tragic

[@patrickmcmillan2431]

I knew Miss Audrey while she resided at St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. She was lived and respected by the staff and personnel.

[@davidlong1786]

@@patrickmcmillan2431 Out of curiosity who paid for her to stay there when her mother passed on? Was she lucid and mentally fit?

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

@@patrickmcmillan2431 that's a relief and good. did she tell any stories?

[@patrickmcmillan2431]

@@carlcushmanhybels8159 No.....Miss Audrey never spoke much. When I worked at S.L.P.C. (1980--1994) I never fully understood her fascinating past. The story I was told was her profile was used on the mercury dime. That's all I knew. It wasn't until after I left state service that I discovered she had such a vast and colorful youth.

[@pamelaingold5601]

Great story. I knew she modelled for sculpture, but the rest of the story..just wow!

[@ianpeddle6818]

Fascinating story thank you so much for posting - this is what I love about this channel.

[@MzVWeb]

Fascinating🦩 so very interesting. Thank you for your hard work in putting this and all of your videos together. I appreciate it 🙏🏻

[@sunnybeaches1331]

Thanks for doing these videos 1920s was a great time.

[@AllenMQuinn]

Fascinating story. Thanks for doing this!

[@FaeDruid]

Great video. So interesting. Please keep doing this sort of thing. It’s a real treat.

[@hotjazzbaby]

Great presentation, thank you

[@johnholland723]

This is sad beyond sadness.Has anyone ever written a song of her?

[@sylviacarlson3561]

It reminds me of a similar case regarding Opal White. There is a book called "The Singing Creek where the Willows go." She wrote a small book when she was 6 but they said she couldn't have written it. She eventually was diagnosed as a Schizophrenic and ended up in an Asylumn in England. Locked away until she died. I believe both cases would make a wonderful film with the right person directing it.

[@redshirt1917]

Love the channel. Very interesting content on Audrey Munson, in spite of the very boring narration.

[@mauricedavis2160]

What a tragic yet fascinating biography, thanks for the episode!!!🙏😢

[@kimberlypatton9634]

Ecstatic to have your channel recommended by YT! I've never subbed so fast to a channel before!

[@thresagraham8181]

Wow, that upload was fascinating and sad, how come this is the first time I have seen this channel😳 love your delivery and detail. Subbed straight away👍🌺✌️

[@kendn01]

WOW - What a story. Thanks for sharing it!

[@tessaducek5601]

Very interesting and sad case. Such a different time back then. I have always been fascinated by the 20s through the 50s. Desmond Taylor and Fatty Arbuckle were headliners and others faded into the shadows. Thank You for this fascinating story. Have a Safe and Happy New Years Everyone!

[@addie_is_me]

It’s too bad she didn’t try riding her modeling fame into an actual acting career or something else positive. Maybe she thought all she had of value was her nudity and didn’t try to think beyond it. Or thought shocking people would keep her popular. I don’t know if it’s sad or pathetic.

[@texas1949]

So great! Thanks!

[@JustMe-vt6ie]

She was a beautiful iconic model! So happy to hear that she had some family before she left us. In the beginning of the Columbia pictures where they show the statue of the beautiful woman who is supposed to represent Columbia the Gem of the ocean, that is Audrey Munson. One of her most iconic modeling jobs

[@kimsherlock8969]

The Critics were hammering them The Critics show bitchy jealousy and envy in the phrases. The Critics make you or brake you . Beware of what you hear before agreeing. Life is not a straightforward process There is always the other truth not seen .

[@pammienakh]

❤️❤️❤️ this channel. Well done.

[@jcksnghst]

Great piece. Tragic story.

[@annmariewalker3879]

Very interesting video. I enjoy learning about the lesser-known aspects of 1920s pop culture.

[@karlachilders1145]

Extremely interesting! I’d never heard of her and her tragic life story

[@ohmeowzer1]

I loved this ty so much wow great video

[@gforceeatingcorrect]

Wow !!! Amazing !!! Thank You !! My grandma lived to 104 also !!

[@eileencorsano7755]

Interesting story I enjoyed this video very much but what a sad sad ending

[@johnbryan5608]

Thank you!

[@brennocalderan2201]

Gotta love the song: Jack Teargarden - Junk Man.

[@caroltenge5147]

Really great stuff. You do a lot of research.

[@jojosfunkythreads]

Oh, what a 😢 sad story. Thanks 🙏 for this video.

[@robanderson1470]

Great channel, any plans for merch?

[@cindychristian1700]

I heard of her! I was reading a magazine, Vogue I think, and ran across an article about her! For what I believe the doctor was her landlord and just became obsessed with her! Fatal attraction wasn't thought of as a thing then but I don't think they ever had a relationship. She really was before her time. Beautiful lady! Shame what happened to her!

[@loulou3472]

Noooooooo, I think it would make a fabulous movie... Set in the 20s. Come on. Stunning. Lets hope someone makes it. She deserves to be remembered....🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@ams5156]

She is buried in the family plot in Hastings, New York. We tried to find her grave but bad no luck. A marker wasn't added until fairly recently.

[@jon780249]

Fascinating. Thank you

[@davidyoung8521]

She was the model for the Ruth Ann Dodge memorial located in Council Blufs, Iowa. Known locally as the "Black Angel" due to the oxidation of the bronze used in the statue. The surviving Dodge sisters were scandalized by her reputation once the cat got out of the bag. What was to be the event of the year became a non-event..

[@coreywelch1601]

I enjoy you and your channel. Very good energy

[@TTCandlevibe]

104 Years that’s crazy what a life.

[@ge_mail]

Thanks for a good one

[@bennorwood8433]

Can you please do a video about Science fiction magazines in the 1920s and there contacts

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you.

[@heru-deshet359]

I would love to find a book with all the sculptures she posed for with a back story for each.

[@cojaysea]

Wikipedia lists all the statues

[@heru-deshet359]

@@cojaysea Yes, but I prefer a book.

[@cojaysea]

@@heru-deshet359 that may be difficult

[@heru-deshet359]

@@cojaysea If a movie about her is ever made, a book about the statues she modeled for just may happen. It would be a wonderful historical tome as well as a biographical one.

[@cojaysea]

@@heru-deshet359 I’m going to keep googling, see if I find anything else .

[@dianacooper-havlik9085]

So tragic!

[@daisycassidy2448]

A very interesting and unusual story.

[@kippytx]

This was extremely interesting

[@roselyncampisi822]

She is beautiful! This is very intresting

[@MA-rn2xp]

There Should be a movie about her life 🎬

[@pamela2798]

My lovely cousin who was very courageous

[@kimsherlock8969]

Sad tragic 😥

[@gmanette188]

Thank you

[@kentuckylady2990]

Fascinating

[@randyhebbebusche3644]

Interesting story. Is sad though that she had no friends or anyone who cared about her.

[@BenState]

Well that was 10 minutes never to return...

[@BenState]

@Patrick Dolan multitasking, look it up, may be it is too complex for your mate?

[@sylviacarlson3561]

It's amazing that she lived that long without having a lot of socializing. Blue zone people (those who live to be 100+ socialize every day because it's very important). She must have had something to keep her going.

[@johnryan3913]

I wonder if the niece is still alive? Or any of the people who worled with her in the hospital?

[@Steveross2851]

If we didn't know better we could almost imagine that Audrey Munsen at 1:15 - 1:53 of the video had a smartphone in her right hand. In that photo it almost seems like she wouldn't look out of place 100 years later.

[@notbill08]

It looks like a bowl 🥣

[@shelleynobleart]

What a story!!!!!

[@hawk622is306]

Terribly sad life. There's something that beckons trouble for a woman self-defined by nudity as a career choice. Other women hate her and men despise her even as they ogle her. A current case in point is Holly Madison, former Playboy Playmate and Centerfold, who is staring in a new A&E series next January that portrays Hugh Hefner and his Playboy Empire as sinister, manipulative and misogynistic. So far, in previews, message boards, including female posters, mostly defend Hefner, but revile Holly Madison as a w----e. Why? Because Holly Madison posed nude in Playboy, they say. Publicly scorned Holly is the Audrey Munson of our day.

[@miketemple7686]

Bravo good sir, bravo!

[@vegasdano7569]

Cool 👍🏼

[@stephaniehand503]

great

[@timba3olf568]

"A considerable extent of unnecessary and unstimulating epidermis." Wow, tell us how you really feel.

[@MIO_816]

Ogdensburg, NY

[@patrickmcmillan2431]

My hometown

[@heru-deshet359]

WSith all the trash Hollyweird is putting out, a movie of this incredible woman is what we need.

[@Tadfafty]

Are her films lost or are any extant?

[@The1920sChannel]

Only one of her four films is extant: "Purity" (1916), though it was only found in 2004!

[@brober]

Wow! Fascinating story. You are spot on it would make a interesting film: Naked & Crazy The Audrey Munson Story!

[@patricias5122]

Don't see an ounce of pity for her.in your reply ....

[@kimsherlock8969]

Im interested in" Heedless Moths " being 2 different people wanting fame. Especially when the title comes to my mind as ....Moths batter themselves to death in the lights some even end up in candle wax Destined to be distinguished by the bedazzled.

[@jmeyer3rn]

True story: My organ teacher played for silent movies at the old Rivoli Theater in Indianapolis.

[@ceridwenmckenna7313]

wow.

[@MrWitchman1967]

I love the criticism of the Village....

[@keridane9381]

♥ ♥ ♥

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

i can't believe there hasn't been a movie (or two) made about her life by now. not surprised she didn't seem that cray cray when she was found in the asylum, back then it was much easier to put people away for the smallest quirks.

[@kaarlimakela3413]

👍👵

[@mariacardenas4665]

Was She A Great Actress???

[@marymary5494]

👌💕

[@louisemurray9282]

So Fast Commentary! Dreadful! No Time to Think! The Historical Facts Get Lost, in trying to keep up with the Narrator! Would love this at a More Subdued Pace with an Understanding of the information and Verbal Colouration of The Time!

[@theresaschmidt1183]

You could watch it again and pick up more nuances! In fact, as many times as you want.

[@KealaniAlexandra]

A woman, too old, too beautiful, too headstrong, chewed up by fame. Alas

[@gregakinson2800]

In pics that were not glamour shots she was down right homely, except for her figure.

[@theresaschmidt1183]

No airbrushing and fillers/cosmetic surgery back then! Her looks seem pretty and Her features symmetrical to me.

[@filmsforsmartpeople3587]

I also "Bared my body and gave the world a masterpiece" but i was arrested by the NYPD. Next time, maybe not Times Square.

[@CityThatCannotBeCaptured]

OMG how horrible.

[@spindalis79]

Ha! Your avatar is a Summer Tanager. Mine is a former tanager, but now placed in "Incertidae sedis."

[@oldcremona]

"unstimulating and unnecessary epidermis" lol

[@PaulJHershey1]

I am a fan of statues based on Audrey Munson posing but honestly, figure aside, she was rather plain looking - even for that day and age. Still, a tragic life to be sure.

[@freddytw206]

Look in the mirror bud.