Axis Sally

Mildred Gillars was born at the beginning of the 20th Century. Her father, a man who turned cruel and abusive when drinking, abandoned Mildred on her 7th birthday and never returned. The rejection left Mildred with an underlying distrust of male acceptance and love. Growing-up, she cultivated a strong sense of independence and self-reliance.

Mildred's adult life began during the era dubbed The Roaring 20s , society had loosened its morals and respect for the law became tongue in cheek , business was good and everybody had money to spend. The American Theater was at its peak and Mildred yearned to be the biggest star of the "Broadway Stage". Unfortunately, her best efforts only produced a few minor parts and a lot of rejection. Mildred's resolve never faltered, however the need to survive was a constant problem. She found some "B" movie work and even stared in one that landed her some jail time.

The overindulgent days of the "Roaring 20s" slipped into the gloom of the "Great Depression of 1929". Seemingly overnight unemployment rose to over 25% and austerity set in across the land. Most of the stage theaters closed and those few that managed to stay open, hired staring actors at minimum wages. Clearly, there was no room for Mildred's talent in America.

A friend's offer to go to accompany him on a voyage to Algiers came her way and Mildred, without hesitation, took it. From Algiers, she made her way to Europe, then Paris, where Mildred's life took a major change never to recover. The next 15 years led her to situations and experiences beyond her wildest ambitions as she became the most notorious female of the 20th Century.