Episode 492 - "It Will Be Filed" Summary

Release Date: August 7, 2025
Podcast: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Network: Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this solo episode of My Favorite Murder, Georgia Hardstark takes the lead in narrating the intriguing and tragic story of Florence Broadhurst, an Australian design legend whose life was as colorful and complex as her famous wallpaper designs. This episode delves deep into Florence's multifaceted life, her rise in the design world, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her unsolved murder.

Florence Broadhurst's Early Life

Florence Broadhurst was born in 1899 in a remote part of Queensland, Australia, to Bill and Margaret Ann Broadhurst. Growing up in a modest cottage amidst vast wilderness, Florence's early life was shaped by her father's role as a cattle manager and his talent for storytelling around campfires.

[13:18] Georgia Hardstark: "Florence was born in a very remote part of Queensland, Australia, to Bill and Margaret Ann Broadhurst in 1899."

As Florence grew, the nearby town of Mount Perry expanded due to prosperous copper mines, allowing her and her sisters to engage in social activities like joining tennis clubs and attending dances. Her artistic talents became evident during her teenage years when she pursued a career in singing, eventually joining the Globetrotters, a traveling theater troupe.

Career and Reinvention

In 1922, at the age of 23, Florence embarked on an adventurous journey with the Globetrotters, performing across Asia. Adopting the stage name Bobby Broadhurst, she embraced the vibrant culture of the time, sporting a bob haircut and dazzling in flapper dresses.

[21:03] Georgia Hardstark: "Florence chops her hair off into a bob, wears a wardrobe of sparkly flapper dresses, and performs under the name Bobby Broadhurst."

Her stint in Shanghai as a nightclub performer was cut short by political unrest, prompting her return to England. There, Florence honed her sewing skills in high-end fashion houses, eventually launching her own dressmaking shop under the guise of Madame Pallier, complete with a French accent to appeal to her clientele during the Great Depression.

Florence's knack for reinvention didn't stop there. In 1961, she founded Florence Broadhurst Designs, coinciding perfectly with Australia's building boom. Her vibrant, hand-screened wallpaper designs became a staple in opulent Australian homes, solidifying her status as a design icon.

Personal Life and Marriages

Florence's personal life was as dynamic as her career. In 1929, she married Percy Kahn, a wealthy stockbroker. However, shortly after their marriage, the Great Depression decimated their fortunes, leading Florence to pivot once again by establishing her dressmaking business. Despite their financial turmoil, Florence and Percy never officially divorced but later separated as Florence pursued new relationships.

[23:44] Georgia Hardstark: "She names herself Madame Pallier and speaks in a French accent. She turns herself French."

In the late 1930s, Florence met Leonard Lloyd Lewis, a handsome fruit merchant, with whom she had a son named Robert in 1939. Although they never officially married, they presented themselves as a married couple to the public.

The Murder of Florence Broadhurst

On October 15, 1977, Florence Broadhurst was brutally murdered at her wallpaper factory in Paddington, a Sydney suburb. She was found in the bathroom on the upper floor, having been beaten approximately nine times with a blunt object, presumed to be a piece of wood leftover from the factory.

[16:07] Karen Kilgariff: "In October 15th, 1977... Florence Broadhurst has been brutally murdered."

The initial assumption by police pointed towards a robbery, especially since two of her valuable rings were missing. However, the excessive violence suggested more than just a simple theft. Notably, the factory's front door was unlocked, and the assailant exited through a locked back door, indicating possible familiarity with the premises.

Investigation and Theories

The investigation into Florence's murder led to several intriguing theories:

1. Connection to John Wayne Glover:

   • Background: Glover, known as the "Granny Killer," was a pie salesman convicted in 1990 for murdering six elderly women in Sydney.
   • Evidence: Similarities in the modus operandi and Florence's murder raised suspicions that Glover might have been responsible.
   • Counterpoints: Glover's confirmed murders began in 1989, twelve years after Florence's death, making it unlikely he was the perpetrator. However, investigators considered the possibility of earlier, undocumented crimes, especially given his subsequent violent behavior toward elderly women.
   • Personal Connection: It was revealed that Florence and Glover had attended the same wedding in the 1970s, suggesting a personal link that could have led to the crime.

   [37:35] Georgia Hardstark: "They had a mutual friend and they were at a wedding together. To me, that's like. That's too much of a coincidence."

2. Internal Factory Assault:

   • Suspect Profile: The brutality and the removal of her rings pointed towards someone who knew Florence well, possibly an employee or a former worker.
   • Motive: Personal vendetta or business rivalry could have been driving factors behind the attack.

Despite these theories, the case remains unsolved, leaving many questions about who killed Florence Broadhurst and why.

Conclusion

Florence Broadhurst's life was a testament to resilience and creativity, marked by constant reinvention and undeniable impact on Australian design. Her untimely and violent death remains a dark chapter in her storied legacy. The mystery surrounding her murder continues to intrigue true crime enthusiasts, symbolizing the often convoluted nature of unsolved crimes.

[38:41] Georgia Hardstark: "I mean, like, just so tragic. What an incredible woman. I wish we could have seen what else she had done with her life, because I bet she had other chapters still."

Final Thoughts

This episode of My Favorite Murder masterfully intertwines the vibrant life of Florence Broadhurst with the chilling mystery of her unsolved murder, offering listeners a compelling narrative that highlights both her personal achievements and the enduring intrigue of true crime.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Hardstark [13:18]: "Florence was born in a very remote part of Queensland, Australia, to Bill and Margaret Ann Broadhurst in 1899."
• Georgia Hardstark [21:03]: "Florence chops her hair off into a bob, wears a wardrobe of sparkly flapper dresses, and performs under the name Bobby Broadhurst."
• Georgia Hardstark [23:44]: "She names herself Madame Pallier and speaks in a French accent. She turns herself French."
• Georgia Hardstark [37:35]: "They had a mutual friend and they were at a wedding together. To me, that's like. That's too much of a coincidence."
• Georgia Hardstark [38:41]: "I mean, like, just so tragic. What an incredible woman. I wish we could have seen what else she had done with her life, because I bet she had other chapters still."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 492, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of Florence Broadhurst's life and the enigmatic circumstances of her death.