'50s film producer shot movie star wife's agent after being gripped by a jealous rage': book - Rewritten: A 50s film producer shot his movie star wife's agent after being consumed by jealousy, according to a book.

Walter Wanger, believing his movie star wife was having an affair, had enough.

On December 13, 1951, the struggling film producer, determined to teach Joan Bennett and her Hollywood agent, Jennings Lang, a lesson, grabbed his gun and headed to MCA, Lang's agency, where he saw his spouse's Cadillac convertible parked outside.

After the sun had set, the couple arrived in Lang's car. Wanger, consumed by jealousy, confronted the pair and fired two shots, one grazing Lang's thigh and the other hitting him in the groin.

The book "Beverly Hills Noir: Crime, Sin, & Scandal in 90210" by Scott Huver features the shooting that shook Hollywood during its golden age and delves into some of the most shocking events that took place in the city of stars.

Huver told Planet Chronicle Digital that when [Wanger] decided to physically confront his wife and her agent, he was in a financially and emotionally bad place.

Huver shared that "He was a very influential, respected producer in Hollywood," but when things started to go badly, his whole self-image began to crumble.

"When he learned that his wife was involved with her representative, he made insinuations about taking action. However, it was the receipt of the private detective's reports that confirmed his suspicions and pushed him over the edge."

"Huver knew that he had to confront them, and he couldn't stop himself. He did it in the parking lot outside the talent agency, which was right across the street from the Beverly Hills City Hall and police station. It wasn't a secret mission; it was a desperate act."

Although creditors didn't believe him, Wanger had declared bankruptcy at the time, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Huver noted that Wanger became reliant on Bennett for paying their bills.

He hired a private investigator to track her, who reported that she and Lang were spending time together in New Orleans, the Caribbean, and at Jay Kanter's Beverly Hills apartment, one of Wanger's friends.

Joan Bennett and Jennings Lang grew closer when Walter Wanger's fortune declined, and Joan became the breadwinner to save their house, which was originally built on her fortune from her movie career. As she struggled to support her family and children, she became increasingly dependent on Jennings Lang, who was an excellent agent and an attractive man.

"She became emotionally dependent on Lang when her husband was absent, dealing with his own business struggles."

50s Film Producer Shoots Movie Star Wife's Agent: Book

In 1940, Bennett married Wanger, despite his reputation as a womanizer, while she desired a traditional family life.

Huver stated that he was a powerful man in Hollywood and believed that everything would go his way. He had previously been married in an open marriage, and neither he nor his wife had any issues with relationships outside.

"It wasn’t some stealth operation. It was the act of a desperate man." — Scott Huver, author of "Beverly Hills Noir"

"Despite having been married multiple times, Joan was determined to have a traditional marriage and family, seeking stability."

Wanger and Bennett appeared to have a "picture-perfect marriage" and were a Hollywood power couple, Huver noted. However, when Wanger's grip on his fame and finances began to slip, it pushed him to the brink.

"Huver stated, "The bluish flash in his brain was used as a defense, causing him to snap. Although it wasn't good for her on paper, he decided he could no longer tolerate it.""

Lang provided comfort to Bennett, but Huver stated that their relationship was not a "full-on love affair."

"They were both invested in something that seemed to go on for quite some time. However, as soon as the jig was up, they didn't try to resume it. After that, they didn't spend time together. There are no known love letters being passed back and forth."

Bennett, who was "wide-eyed with horror," quickly regained her composure and got to business. The police were "steps away" when a bleeding Lang was raced to the hospital.

"Huver stated that she ensured Jennings would be taken care of and then went to the police station to confront whatever she needed to confront. The Beverly Hills police chief was a tough character, but she stood up to him and earned his respect."

"Huver stated, "Then she faced the press. She knew that hiding and avoiding it wouldn't be effective. She would be pursued and tracked. So, she invited the press into her home for a press conference. While dismissing the notion that Walter had any motive, she also conveyed to the public that she hoped they wouldn't judge all Hollywood individuals based on this occurrence.""

"Huver stated that the old Hollywood system involved presenting a positive image, spinning events in a favorable light, and avoiding alienating the public. He added that she handled the situation impressively."

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Wanger was put on trial for assault with a deadly weapon. According to the outlet, Wanger pleaded temporary insanity with the help of "super lawyer Jerry Giesler and a group of Hollywood A-listers."

According to The New York Times, Wanger received a four-month jail sentence.

As Lang recovered, the pair "worked on mending the harm they'd caused to their loved ones."

After Wanger was released, he experienced a brief Hollywood comeback.

Huver stated that the individual was resolute in creating prison films with a social focus, similar to "I Want to Live!," which earned Susan Hayward an Oscar. This helped him regain his position.

"Cleopatra," directed by Wanger in 1963, was his last film and also his biggest ever. It nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox, leading to the end of his career.

The adulterous affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton behind the scenes was the main reason for the film's failure, according to Huver.

Huver became an executive at Universal Studios after his agency bought it, and Lang also flourished following the shooting.

"Huver stated that he witnessed the creation of TV movies and also contributed to the production of the popular disaster films in the '70s."

Bennett, once a sought-after siren, was blackballed by Hollywood.

"In Hollywood, I was a professional outcast, one of the 'untouchables,' and it became painfully clear within a short time," she wrote, as quoted by Vanity Fair. "I was excommunicated, as evidenced by the fact that before Dec. 13, 1951, I made 65 movies in 23 years. In the decade that followed, I made only five."

The outlet reported that Bennett was forced to sell her home after expressing a desire for divorce and relocation to New York for a theater career. Wanger threatened a custody battle, leading to a finalized divorce in 1965.

"Huver stated that she remained in the marriage for a while, despite it eventually becoming devoid of love. However, she later returned with a couple of successful horror projects. She was a part of the TV soap opera "Dark Shadows," which is still a massive cult hit."

In 1968, Wanger passed away, and later in 1990, Bennett died, followed by Lang in 1996.

Huver stated that despite the significant impact this event had on their lives in 1951, they were able to maintain a sense of stability and enjoy life in the future.