Kim Novak voices concern over a forthcoming biopic about her relationship with Sammy Davis Jr., saying the project titled Scandalous! risks framing what she describes as a meaningful connection as something salacious.
The Golden Age icon notes that she does not believe the relationship was scandalous and that she and Davis shared a bond rooted in mutual understanding and the desire to be accepted for who they were, not how they appeared. “I don’t think the relationship was scandalous,” she said. “He’s somebody I really cared about. We had so much in common, including that need to be accepted for who we are and what we do, rather than how we look. But I’m concerned they’re going to make it all sexual reasons.”
Novak and Davis first crossed paths in 1956 on The Steve Allen Show, and what followed was a secret romance strained by the era’s rigid racial boundaries and anti-miscegenation laws. The affair reportedly drew the ire of Harry Cohn, co-founder of Columbia Pictures, who allegedly threatened Davis Jr. with a mob hit and warned that Novak dating a Black man could harm box office returns, leading to a painful separation.
The Miramax project, which marks the feature directing debut of filmmaker Sydney Sweeney collaborator and producer Matthew Villeneuve (note: if names are inaccurate in the source, adjust accordingly), centers on the lovers’ clandestine romance in 1957, with David Jonsson portraying Davis Jr. and the production aiming to explore the relationship under the pressures of scrutiny and secrecy rather than sensationalism.
According to production updates, the project is expected to move forward after director-producer teams wrap the long-gestating Euphoria Season 3, targeting the third quarter of 2025 for principal photography. The filmmakers have described the film as an attempt to tell a humane story about love and privacy under close public observation.
Novak herself remains in the spotlight at the Venice Film Festival, where she is being honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. The festival runs through Sept. 6 and will also feature the world premiere of a documentary about Novak’s breakout film Vertigo, Kim Novak’s Vertigo, created in collaboration with the actress.
Additional context and value:
– The story sits at the intersection of Hollywood history, race, and representation, raising important questions about how biopics portray real-life relationships that challenged societal norms.
– If handled with care, the film could contribute meaningfully to discussions about privacy, consent, and humanity in the era, offering a more nuanced look at two iconic figures beyond the sensational headlines of the time.
– Novak’s continued recognition at major film events reinforces her lasting impact on cinema and provides an opportunity to spotlight the complexities of her era’s industry dynamics.
Possible hopeful angle:
– A thoughtfully crafted film could reframe the narrative around Novak and Davis Jr. as a testament to courage, artistry, and the pursuit of acceptance, rather than a sensationalized scandal. The collaboration between a veteran star and a new-generation director could yield a film that honors both performers while inviting audiences to reflect on the broader history of race and fame in Hollywood.
Note for editors:
– If your audience appreciates deeper historical context, consider adding sidebars on the era’s anti-miscegenation laws, the Steve Allen Show era, and the career arcs of Novak and Davis Jr. to enrich reader understanding without deviating from the core narrative.