The tragic love story between F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sheilah Graham during his final years in Hollywood
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Hollywood Arrival
Fitzgerald comes to Hollywood seeking new opportunities and meets Sheilah Graham, beginning their complicated relationship.
Key Events
Fitzgerald Arrives in Hollywood — Fitzgerald comes to Hollywood to pursue screenwriting Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheilah Graham, Bob CarterLocation: Hollywood
First Meeting with Sheilah — Fitzgerald and Graham meet at a Hollywood gathering Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheilah GrahamLocation: Party
Romantic Relationship Begins — Fitzgerald and Graham begin their affair Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheilah Graham, John WheelerLocation: Graham's Apartment
Love and Struggle
Fitzgerald and Graham's relationship deepens while facing professional challenges and Fitzgerald's declining health.
Key Events
Wheeler's Disapproval — Wheeler expresses disapproval of the relationship Characters: John Wheeler, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheilah GrahamLocation: Studio Office
Fitzgerald's Health Decline — Fitzgerald's health problems worsen Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dr. Hoffman, Sheilah GrahamLocation: Doctor's Office
Writing Struggles — Fitzgerald struggles to write in Hollywood Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ted Robinson, Bob CarterLocation: Hotel Room
Social Gathering — Hollywood social event with upper-class figures Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheilah Graham, Lord Donegall, Janet PierceLocation: Exclusive Club
Crisis and Decline
Professional setbacks and personal conflicts intensify as Fitzgerald's health worsens, testing their relationship.
Key Events
Professional Setback — Fitzgerald loses a screenwriting opportunity Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Wheeler, Bob CarterLocation: Studio
Relationship Crisis — Serious conflict in Fitzgerald and Graham's relationship Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheilah Graham, John WheelerLocation: Graham's Apartment
Final Farewell
Fitzgerald's final days are marked by illness and reflection on his life and career.
Key Events
Fitzgerald's Final Days — Fitzgerald's health deteriorates rapidly Characters: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheilah Graham, Dr. Hoffman, FrankLocation: Hotel Room
Story Breakdown
Hollywood Beginning — Fitzgerald's arrival in Hollywood and meeting with Graham
First Encounter — Initial meeting at a Hollywood party
Romantic Connection — Development of their relationship
Professional Challenges — Fitzgerald's struggles in Hollywood and conflicts with Wheeler
Screenwriting Attempts — Fitzgerald's efforts to write for Hollywood
Industry Resistance — Wheeler and establishment's disapproval
Personal Struggles — Fitzgerald's declining health and relationship difficulties
Health Crisis — Medical problems and treatment
Relationship Tensions — Conflicts and reconciliations with Graham
Final Chapter — Fitzgerald's final days and legacy
Last Works — Final writings and creative output
Farewell — Graham's presence during his final hours
In the late 1930s, Sheilah Graham’s Hollywood column quickly becomes popular for its biting tone. At a party, she meets author F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the two begin a torrid affair. Scott laments that his writing has fallen out of fashion, and when he is fired from his screenwriting position, he begins drinking heavily. Soon his intrusive, volatile behavior threatens their relationship and Sheilah's career.
