Hollywood legend Kim Novak worries the Sydney Sweeney biopic "Scandalous!" will misrepresent her controversial 1950s relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.
Hollywood legend Kim Novak, a renowned actress, is worried about the upcoming biopic starring Sydney Sweeney titled "Scandalous!" which will focus on her controversial 1950s relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. The film is set to explore their romantic connection, which sparked significant racial controversy during that time. Novak has expressed her concern that the portrayal may not be accurate and might be misinterpreted. Her manager, Sue Cameron, has mentioned that Novak never intended to marry at that time, and the relationship was more about love and breaking down racial barriers.
Novak emphasized that the relationship was not scandalous, as she explained in a recent interview with The Guardian. She described her feelings for Davis Jr. as genuine and rooted in shared values and mutual respect. “He’s somebody I really cared about, and 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,” Novak said. “But I’m concerned they’re going to make it all sexual reasons.” This highlights Novak’s desire for the film to focus on their emotional connection rather than sensationalizing their relationship.
Her manager, Sue Cameron, added that Novak was aware of at least four unauthorized and unapproved projects in development about the Kim Novak and Sammy Davis affair. Cameron described the relationship as one of love and respect, noting that Novak and Davis Jr. were both rebels and outsiders who shared strong ties to their families. She emphasized that Novak hoped their relationship could help break down people’s racial bias. “Kim and Sammy met at a party and recognized they were both rebels and outsiders. They both had strong ties to their families and spent time with close relatives in both Hollywood and Chicago. In truth, she hoped their relationship could help break down people’s racial bias,” Cameron stated.
Novak also opened up about her ‘misunderstood’ relationship with Davis Jr. in a 2023 interview with Fox News Digital. She recalled loving him for his youthful innocence and the boyish quality that she found appealing. Novak mentioned her first love as a child was a Mexican altar boy, which influenced her perspective on race. “When I was a child, my very first boyfriend was Mexican. He was an altar boy at my church. He was my first love. So, I never thought of race,” Novak said. However, she acknowledged the studio’s disapproval and the societal attitudes of the time. She believed that by seeing Sammy and Sammy seeing her, they could help people understand and accept interracial relationships of any kind.
Novak emphasized her belief in the importance of acceptance and love across racial lines. “I was feeling like I was on the edge of being able to help people to be more accepting of all races and relationships of all kinds. I felt I was doing the right thing by doing that. I felt that Sammy and I were at the start of helping people understand that this is not wrong. A man is a man, no matter what skin color he has. A woman is a woman, no matter what skin color she has,” she said. These statements reflect Novak’s desire for the film to not only focus on her personal feelings but also to highlight the broader societal context of racial acceptance and understanding.
The film, titled "Scandalous!", marks actor Colman Domingo’s directorial debut. In an interview with Deadline, Domingo expressed his hope for the film to be a beautiful and sweet portrayal of love. He stated, “Hopefully we’ll make a beautiful, sweet film that’s really about the possibility of love, but under many eyes. Trying to have privacy, trying to have love, trying to have a life. And I think it’s something that Sydney and I both know very well. We’re trying to advocate for your humanity again in your life.”
In summary, the biopic "Scandalous!" aims to explore the complexities of Kim Novak’s relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. and the challenges they faced in a society that was not always accepting of their relationship. The film is expected to highlight the significance of love and human connection, as well as the importance of breaking down racial barriers. Novak’s concerns about the portrayal of their relationship reflect the broader societal context and the importance of accurate representation in media. The biopic marks a significant moment in both Novak’s career and the history of Hollywood as it addresses issues of race and love in the context of the 1950s. The film’s director, Colman Domingo, hopes to create a narrative that is not only about the personal connection between Novak and Davis Jr. but also about the broader themes of acceptance and understanding in a society that was not always ready for such a relationship.