Russ Columbo and the crooner mystique

the long version

"In the early '30s, Russ Columbo, dubbed the "Vocal Valentino," rivaled Bing Crosby in a widely publicized "Battle of the Baritones." But his looks, charm, and beautiful voice also had a haunted side. Just two days after he attended a Hollywood sneak preview of the movie that gave him his first leading role, Columbo was killed by a wayward bullet - the climax in a chain of mysterious circumstances. In a narrative full of passion, as well as showbiz personalities like Pola Negri and Carole Lombard, Russ Columbo and the Crooner Mystique combines a remarkable collection of Columbo's letters, diary entries, scrapbook clippings, and other personal effects - all woven with an intimate biography that pleads the case for romantic balladeers."--BOOK JACKET.