Hollywood Hellion

Heralded by a former Editor-on-Loan to USA Today as “the most compelling true-crime story I’ve dealt with in my 40-year career,” the Hollywood Hellion grabbed headlines nationwide amid an intense manhunt in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Now more than 80 years old, Haslett Smith Jr., the heir to two of California’s largest fortunes, confesses the shocking details of his exploits as gunman in dozens of brazen robberies. While still on the run Smith stole the hearts of heiresses to some of the nation’s greatest dynasties. Beginning in 1980 at age 50 after more than 10 years behind bars, Smith became a non-paid volunteer helping alcoholics, addicts and homeless people—a process he continues today. Among the compelling questions that Smith answers here: Why and how did he pull off these exploits, always one step ahead of police? And, how can other alcoholics and criminals change their lives for the better the same way?”