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- [00:00]
Sachi Cole
Hey, Scamflancers fans, Sachi here. If you live for the outrageous stories and unbelievable cons that we cover, you need OneDryPlus. It's like sitting in the room with us as we unravel every twist ad free, a week ahead of everyone else and packed with exclusive content you won't hear anywhere else. Start your free trial in the Wondry app, Apple podcasts, or Spotify. Now, a heads up to our listeners. This episode contains reference to someone being drugged without their knowledge or consent. Listen with care. Wondering, Sarah, how much do you care about the Romanovs, which is, you know, as you know, the last royal dynasty in Russia?
- [00:39]
Sarah Haggie
You know, it's one of those things where I know about it because of Anastasia the movie, but I feel like I should be really interested in it, but I don't know where to start because there's just so much there.
- [00:51]
Sachi Cole
Okay, well, the only reason I care about the family is because of the 1997 Fox Animation Studios classic, Anastasia. I was gonna ask you if you've seen it as a kid, but it's clear you've seen it.
- [01:02]
Sarah Haggie
Oh, yeah, it was so. I mean, it's a very beautiful film and the guy in it's so hot.
- [01:07]
Sachi Cole
Sarah, I was so ready to defend.
- [01:11]
Sarah Haggie
Defend what beauty to defend that movie.
- [01:13]
Sachi Cole
Being responsible for so much of my sexual awakening as a child.
- [01:16]
Sarah Haggie
No, he's the hottest cartoon ever.
- [01:19]
Sachi Cole
It's crazy. Oh, God. Okay, that's for another podcast later. Anyway, I'm bringing up this weird movie from our childhood because it's inexplicably related to yet another sc. You know what I loved about Anastasia? The idea that you could maybe secretly be royalty. And today's scammer combined that delicious potential with being a really fun hang, which made everyone want to believe in His Highness. It's a hot summer evening in 1927, and Theodore Lodiensky is on his way to a fabulous Hollywood dinner party. Theodore is in his early 50s. He's a tall, good looking man with a thin mustache. He grew up in Russia and served as a general in their army until about 10 years ago. He actually served with the Russian Imperial Guard, which means he was there when hundreds of thousands of disgruntled Russians revolted against the monarchy in 1917, not long after, the Tsar Nicholas Romanov abdicated his throne. And the following year, Romanoff and his entire family were executed, ending a 300-year-old dynasty. After the revolution, Theodore left Russia and moved to Los Angeles, where he makes a living playing Russian characters in movies. Theodore is well connected in the Russian expat community in the us. So naturally he hears a lot of gossip, including stories about another Russian exile in LA who claims to be one of the last surviving members of the Russian royal family, Prince Michael Romanoff. Michael is far from the only royal pretender. Around this time, a lot of people are claiming to be Romanoff family members who somehow managed to escape the revolution. And maybe some of them are actually distantly related. But Theodore believes Michael is a total fraud. Theodore claims he knew the actual Prince Michael back in Russia, and that guy is very much dead. Even more insulting to Theodore, the fake Michael has started working in the movie business. Fake Michael refuses to speak Russian and he treats Russian actors and extras on set badly. It's driving Theodore nuts.
- [03:28]
Sarah Haggie
Okay, is this guy even Russian? That's what I'm now wondering. Methinks.
- [03:33]
Sachi Cole
No, no spoilers. But you might be onto something. For years, Theodore has been trying to expose this so called prince to anyone who will listen. But the thing about Michael is everyone who meets him just seems to really like him. They'd rather be entertained by his lies than bored by the truth. Now, as Theodore walks into the house for the dinner party, he quickly spots his nemesis. And frankly, it's hard to miss him. Like Theodore, the so called Prince has a small, neat mustache. But this guy is nearly a foot shorter than Theodore and is wildly overdressed in a tux and tails. Theodore steps directly in front of Michael, blocking his path, and tells Michael that he knows he's a liar. Theodore is pleased with himself. Surely now that the Prince knows Theodore is onto him, he will run and hide in shame. But Michael just smiles and tells him that, quote, a Romanoff never degrades himself by having controversy with an inferior. And then he walks away.
- [04:36]
Sarah Haggie
Listen, that is true that a Romanov probably would never publicly degrade himself with a controversy with an inferior. But it's also like, you're in America now, bro. Also, there's so many red flags. Obviously this guy's a liar, but that would piss me off if I was like, I know you. And the person's like, a true prince must never reveal his secrets. I'm like, I'm going to kill you now.
- [05:00]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, well, much like you, Theodore is also so furious that shortly after the party, he calls up a local paper to tell them about this faker. The Los Angeles examiner runs a front page story exposing Prince Michael Romanoff as a fraud. And this finally gets Michael to leave town. Theodore thinks he's won, but he doesn't know that this isn't the first time Michael's scam has been exposed, and it won't be the last. Michael is extremely charming and utterly shameless. And he's going to give a whole new meaning to fake it until you make it. How much do I love dogs? This much. You can't see because this is an audio ad, but I'm holding my hands really far apart to show that I love dogs in all. You know what else I love an awful lot? CareCredit. You can use the CareCredit credit card to pay for your dog's vet care or for your own dental, vision and more. At over 270,000 locations. CareCredit offers flexible financing for health and wellness for pets and people. I give it two thumbs and 3.5 paws up.
- [06:05]
Sarah Haggie
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- [06:07]
Sachi Cole
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- [06:47]
Sarah Haggie
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- [06:49]
Sachi Cole
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- [07:14]
Sarah Haggie
And I'm Sarah Haggie.
- [07:16]
Sachi Cole
And this is Scamflancers. Come and give me your attention. I will ever learn my lesson. Long before Anna Delvey turned a fake accent into a scamming career, prince Michael Romanoff faked his way into the company of the rich and famous. But unlike most of our scammers, Michael gets found out again and again and again. And he just keeps scamming. Along the way, he sleeps in graveyards, cons his way into Harvard and escapes Ellis island twice. But after spending decades charming his way into the most exclusive circles, he makes a late in life turn to the ultimate Hollywood kingmaker. I'm calling this one Michael Romanoff, the high prince of Hollywood. Lying is so critical to the man who will become Michael Romanoff that uncertainty surrounds his story, literally from birth. Here's what we do know. He's born Hershel Guguzin in the Russian Empire in the late 1800s. American immigration officials will later claim that he was born in 1890, but his family says that even they aren't sure of the exact year. Herschel's parents are Jewish and working class, and he has five siblings. Their father dies a few months before Herschel is born. Right from the jump. Herschel is a menace. He doesn't like school or chores and sometimes runs away to avoid doing them. There's a lot of anti Semitism in 1890s Russia, and his mom is terrified that he'll be kidnapped and killed. So when an extended family member decides to move to New York, she pays them to take Herschel, too. Herschel's first American home is a Lower east side tenement. There's no indoor bathroom and barely any plumbing. So Herschel picks up where he left off in the old country and he runs away. He's quickly picked up by an orphanage, but he's kicked out for bad behavior. From then on, Herschel goes on a kind of grand tour of local children's homes. At one point, he winds up at a facility in a tony Westchester suburb. And there Herschel turns into a juvenile delinquent with a purpose. Herschel's wealthy neighbors take an interest in the orphans coming up from the city, and he uses the opportunity to study the wealthy. Their tastes, their habits, the way they speak. He learns how to talk to rich people and pull on their heartstrings with tales of his life as a punishment. Poor little orphan boy.
- [09:40]
Sarah Haggie
I mean, yes, as he should. What else would he be doing, right?
- [09:44]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, this is the part of the scam I'm totally fine with. But then, in his late teens, Herschel gets put onto something called an orphan train, which is supposed to introduce city kids to the pleasures of country living and hard work. In Herschel's case, he's sent to work on a farm in central Illinois. He immediately flees the farm and convinces a local banker to take him in. But he messes things up with the banker and ends up out on the street again. Later, this banker says that Herschel was, quote, one of the most convincing liars you can imagine. Eventually, Herschel is tired of being sent away in disgrace. So, like many Americans in search of sophistication, he starts looking for opportunities overseas. When he's 19 years old, Herschel gets a job on a cattle ship bound for England. And there he'll take the idea of reinventing himself to a whole new level. It's 1921. Parchel is around 30 years old, and he's finally surrounded by the luxury he's always craved. He's sitting at the bar at the Ritz Hotel in Paris having a drink. This is famously the place for American expats in the city during the Roaring Twenties. Both Ernest Hemingway and the Fitzgeralds are regulars. Herschel looks like he belongs here, and that's because he spent the last decade transforming himself from an upstart ragamuffin into a sophisticated man of the world. When he first got off the cattle ship in England, he headed for Oxford, where he worked in a clothing repair shop. It's likely he also served as a personal valet to some of the students there, helping him pick up an upper crust British accent as well as an insider's knowledge of the aristocracy. Herschel's transformation didn't stop there. He started adopting different identities with names like Willoughby de Bourke, which got him invited to private, elite social clubs. But his new Persona also got the attention of British immigration authorities, who realized he wasn't who he said he was. At that point. It was 1915, and the country was embroiled in World War I, so Britain couldn't deport him. Instead, Michael was sent to a mental institution and then to prison. We don't know how he got from there to the Paris Ritz, but here he is. He's kept the accent, and he's found an identity that he likes even better than Willoughby. These days, Herschel is calling himself Prince Michael Alexandrovich Dmitry Obolensky Romanov. Like I mentioned before, this is the right time to be claiming you're an exiled Russian noble. For the last few years, the country has been torn apart by a civil war, so it's not like anyone has the time or interest to fact check Michael's story.
- [12:19]
Sarah Haggie
You think they would know who a prince is and who a prince isn't? Also, wouldn't someone want him dead?
- [12:25]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, you're asking the right question.
- [12:26]
Sarah Haggie
SARAH yeah, I mean, I know it's the past and they don't have the Internet, but there are some pretty basic.
- [12:31]
Sachi Cole
Questions here, simple questions. But the thing is, the Romanoff Persona plus his natural charisma have made Michael very popular. People offer him everything from free drinks to loans to help this poor down on his luck. Former Royal stay afloat, Michael always humbly accepts and assures them that he'll pay them back as soon as the Romanoff family treasures arrive. They're just being shipped over from war torn Russia, you see. Michael uses these ill gotten gains to indulge in some very expensive tastes, some of which he can't afford even with the handouts. He frequents the best tailors, bootmakers, jewelers and tobacconists in Paris and London in particular, he's become a fan of one of the most expensive tobacco brands in the world. It's called Royal Yacht and it costs $10 a pound, which is nearly $180 a pound in today's money.
- [13:23]
Sarah Haggie
I know that he probably has some goodwill getting loans from people and also he can justify it by saying that he's exiled, but, but that luck does run out eventually when you can't really turn your clout into anything else.
- [13:39]
Sachi Cole
Yeah. Sarah Unsurprisingly, Michael's IOUs start piling up and shopkeepers take notice. One of the London tobacconists he frequents is suspicious enough to force Michael to pay cash up front. So Michael waits till the manager is on vacation to visit the shop again. Michael has finally found a shtick that works, but he's ready to up his game. So he's heading to America to try to make his mark on some of the biggest and most storied institutions in the world. In November of 1922, Michael hears about a ship called the President Adams which is about to set sail for New York. The US Government is offering free passage to anyone who got stranded in Europe after the war and can't afford to come home any other way. Michael gets a spot on the ship, but when he gets to America, he has a problem. He has to clear customs and he has no immigration records that match his current legal name. Immigration officials aren't convinced that he's actually an American citizen, so they bring him to Ellis island while they figure out what to do with him. Michael insists that he was born and raised in New York, but he can't answer any follow up questions, like what neighborhoods he grew up in or where he went to school. So he decides to double down and comes up with his most Self destructive fib. Yet Michael explains that he has a hard time remembering things because he killed a German baron in a duel and spent years in solitary confinement, which ruined his memory. This guy is stolen valor.
- [15:08]
Sarah Haggie
It's one of the dumbest lies. It's too elaborate. You are an exiled prince. You can come up with different trauma.
- [15:16]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, and I mean, this doesn't answer any of the immigration officers questions. Plus now they think he's a murderer. So they detain Michael on the island while they figure out what to do. But Michael goes back to his old habit of running away. He makes a daring escape, and a few weeks later, he's sitting in a suite at the Hotel Belmont. This place is a perfect fit for Michael's oversized dreams. It overlooks Park Avenue and its owners claim that it's the tallest hotel in the world. This is where Michael plans his royal reintroduction to America. Michael has called the press to let them know that a lost Russian prince has washed up on their shores. Now reporters from publications like the New York Times are here at the Belmont to hear him out. Michael passes around letters of introduction from foreign nobles and well known Americans he says he met in Paris. We're not sure where he got them or how many of them are forged. Michael also tells the story of how he escaped from Ellis Island. He says he wrapped his belongings up in a scarf and held it between his teeth as he braved the Atlantic's waves. When he arrived at land, there was a seawall blocking his way. But luckily some police officers were walking by. He called out to them and told them he'd fallen into the water after one too many cocktails. The officers gallantly helped him ashore. Immigration officers, for the record, claim that he got a ferryboat captain to give him a ride.
- [16:37]
Sarah Haggie
You know, the thing about him is that his lies are so fun. He's just like a wind up doll. And everything he says is just a new fun lie. I get wanting to hear more from him.
- [16:50]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, well, Michael says the real reason that he's doing this press conference is because despite his connections, no one will him a job he's willing to do sweep floors or operate elevators. But he claims that everyone assumes a prince is above such menial tasks. The New York Times publishes his story and claims to trace Michael's lineage back to the 1300s. And this kind of publicity means he doesn't have to get a regular job. Instead, he gets fancy dinner invitations and is paid to give lectures all over Manhattan about, quote, Russia past and present. Michael demands a police escort because he claims there are still people who want to take down the rest of the Tsar's family. Everything is working out perfectly until Michael goes to pick up some of his favorite expensive tobacco. It turns out that his nemesis, the shopkeeper from London, has been transferred to the New York store. And this guy recognizes Michael and starts spreading the word that he is not who he says he is.
- [17:50]
Sarah Haggie
Truly, what are the odds? What are the odds that it's the same guy? Oh, my God. That's kind of beautiful.
- [17:59]
Sachi Cole
So Michael decides to take his show on the road. If an elite institution like the New York Times will buy his story, he figures, why not go for gold? He heads north to Boston and shows up at Harvard. It's unclear if he actually enrolls in school or just starts hanging around campus. But Michael makes his usual splash. He strolls the quad in a monocle and top hat. He spends a lot of time at the best hotel in town, throwing parties awash in champagne and caviar. But he can't afford his lifestyle. And when the hotel presents him with the bill, Michael throws a fit. He claims his people are used to settling their debts once a year, and he blows them off, and they threaten to press charges. At this point, Harvard gets involved and discovers that he's not really a Romanoff. Sarah, can you read what he reportedly says when Harvard officials confront him?
- [18:49]
Sarah Haggie
Of course. He says, gentlemen, I must decline to discuss the matter. You know, it's like there's something about these types of liars where they just say something so insane that you're kind of thrown off, which almost gives them an upper hand. Yeah, where you're like, what? Wait a second. You could just do that. You could just say, I decline.
- [19:07]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, it's like he's in another reality.
- [19:10]
Sarah Haggie
Yes, exactly.
- [19:11]
Sachi Cole
Well, Michael clearly can't stay in Cambridge any longer, but at least now he can claim. Claim to be a Harvard man. For Michael, there's no meaningful distinction between what's true and what's false. There's just whatever people want to believe. But he's been living this double life for decades, and soon his body will start suffering the strain of all of his lies. It's August of 1924, and Michael is in the great hall of a mansion so grand it has a name. Sandy Point Farm. Sounds humble, but it's actually the Vanderbilt family's Rhode island getaway. And it's beyond luxurious, with Baccarat crystal chandeliers and tables gilded in literal platinum. Tonight, Gloria Vanderbilt is throwing herself a 20th birthday party. And just to be clear, this Gloria is the mother of the one who will go on to become a famous jeans designer. Michael wasn't invited to this party, but he's a worried. He's used to charming his way into fancy places. But Gloria has big, dark eyes that seem to see right through him. She starts asking pointed questions about Michael's background. He does his best to deflect her curiosity, but finally, she's had enough. She tells him, the truth of the matter is that you are no more Prince Michael Romanoff than I am, because he does not exist.
- [20:30]
Sarah Haggie
I mean, props to Gloria because she's famous enough to know who is impressive and who isn't, and she's just kind of like, nah, I know what's real and what's not. You aren't it, bro?
- [20:43]
Sachi Cole
Yeah. Takes a lot to faze Gloria. But Michael isn't bothered by her accusation. He's been discovered plenty at this point, and honestly, it's become part of his mystique. This is smack dab in the middle of the roaring twenties, and a lot of people think Michael is a gas to have at parties. It doesn't matter that he's lying as long as everyone around him is having fun. So despite the occasional humiliation, Michael is fully committed to this double life. Publicly, he continues to claim that he's a prince, but when that doesn't work, he stays with family in New York. Michael's younger sister, Olga, managed to escape Russia and now has an apartment in Manhattan. She puts him up when he can't afford or convince anyone to give him anything better. But all of this lying seems like it starts to put Michael on edge. One time, a restaurant gives him whitefish eggs, claiming they're Romanoff caviar. And Michael is so offended that he starts a fight with the restaurant owner and two waiters, which lands him in jail for a few days. His brushes with the law mean that more people are investigating Michael's past. At one point, a probation officer does some real digging, and he puts together a pretty damning picture of Michael's actual life so far and all of the lies he's told. Sarah, can you read what Michael says when the officer confronts him?
- [22:02]
Sarah Haggie
Yeah. He says, have you ever been in a bare room in a new house with a view overlooking the park? You look at the park and it's marvelous. You look at the bare walls and you find them absolutely repulsive. They cry for adornment. That is I. Frankly, I will lie to you as long as you know me. If I told you the truth, I would feel like a bare Wall. Okay, no offense, but it's like, yeah, we all are insecure. It's kind of a thing you grow out of, dude.
- [22:32]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, you're right. You're right. Well, By January of 1927, Michael is in a bad way. He's still staying at his sister's, but he's not eating enough and his health is suffering. But another glamorous high society event is coming up. The Beaux Arts ball. And just like the Vanderbilt ball, he's not gonna miss it. The day of the event, Michael is drinking at a speakeasy, moaning to friends that he doesn't have a ticket. When they mockingly sympathize with him, Michael draws himself up and makes a promise. He says at 1am he will make his entrance at the ball wearing the best costume of the night. We don't know exactly how Michael gets his ticket. He probably uses one of his favorite tricks. Standing outside the door with his hand out, waiting for someone to mistake him for a ticket taker and hand over their invite. However he gets in. As the clock strikes one, Michael bursts into the ballroom of the Hotel Astor dressed as an an 18th century French king. His entrance is like an exclamation point on the night's festivities. Everyone is thrilled to see him. Defying expectations yet again.
- [23:39]
Sarah Haggie
This guy truly lands on his feet. You know what it is with him? He's not trying a new grift. He's so determined to find someone who will be convinced by him. And these little wins are what keeps him going.
- [23:53]
Sachi Cole
You know, almost admirable. But being this fabulous has taken its toll. Michael hasn't been taking. And the next day, he collapses on the sidewalk. He's taken to the hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia and malnutrition. Michael may have reached the end of his east coast con and he's already burned London and Paris. He needs a new home. But this time it'll be in the land of true fakes. Hollywood Chime understands that every dollar counts, especially in this economy.
- [24:28]
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- [24:39]
Sachi Cole
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- [24:50]
Sarah Haggie
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- [24:58]
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- [25:21]
Sarah Haggie
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- [25:32]
Sachi Cole
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- [25:40]
Sarah Haggie
Like 100% European linen shorts and dresses from $30 Luxe Swimwear or Italian leather platform sandals. And everything with quints is half the cost of similar brands.
- [25:53]
Sachi Cole
Sarah the other day I was walking down the street and I saw a woman wearing one of the dresses that I have from Quint's and we looked great. We both looked amazing and we both looked comfortable and I loved that we both got it for way cheaper than what I think it probably is worth.
- [26:08]
Sarah Haggie
You guys made eye contact and you both knew yes.
- [26:10]
Sachi Cole
We nodded.
- [26:11]
Sarah Haggie
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- [26:22]
Sachi Cole
That's Q-U-I-N C E.comscann to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.comscampod I feel like a legend. It's 1927, a few months since Michael's collapse on the sidewalk. He's at Grand Central Station preparing to say goodbye to New York. After he got out of the hospital, some of his friends sat him down. They said they thought it was time for him to leave the cold, damp East Coast. So they pooled their money and they bought him a one way train ticket to la. And now Michael is heading west. Of course he arranged a big send off for himself, including calling the press. He boards the train and heads to the rear platform so everyone can see him getting his last look at Manhattan. But none of the photographers he called have shown up as the train Pulls out of the station, he shouts out, where are those damn photographers?
- [27:21]
Sarah Haggie
You know, it's kind of beautiful thinking about the art of someone calling photographers for themselves, you know, like it just never goes away. It's always existed. People still do it now. It's refreshing, you know?
- [27:34]
Sachi Cole
Yeah. A tale as old as time. Well, in Los Angeles, Michael encounters Theodore Yudiensky, the real Russian actor, who exposes him in the Los Angeles Examiner. Michael hits back with an interview in the LA Times. He says he's been misunderstood and he deflects by claiming that he's going to walk and hitchhike back to New York. He definitely has not lost his gift for attracting attention. Michael spends the next few years crisscrossing the country and repeating his well worn scam cycle. But then in late 1929, the stock market crashes and the Great Depression begins. Suddenly, even his wealthiest benefactors are feeling the pinch. Michael's scamming isn't so funny anymore. This forces him into a dark new corner. Michael gets a job.
- [28:23]
Sarah Haggie
Wow. Recession indicator. Much princes are working now. Damn.
- [28:28]
Sachi Cole
Yeah. Comes for us all. He ends up working at a detective agency where one of his clients is a wealthy man named Edward Gould. Edward wants to divorce his wife Wilma. But at this point, divorces are hard to come by. So Michael's job is to make it look like Wilma is cheating on Edward. This will give him grounds to end their marriage for good. The detective agency arranges for Michael to meet Wilma in person. The two of them start going to dinner together. And during one date, Michael slips some so called knockout drops into her coffee. Michael brings a drugged Wilma to a nearby apartment and waits for her husband and a bunch of witnesses to bang down the door and to supposedly catch the two of them together. For the record, it doesn't seem like he actually touches her. But what he did do is bad enough. When the group barges in, Michael brings the theatrics. He bellows who enters the bedchamber of a Romanoff.
- [29:22]
Sarah Haggie
This guy can't do anything right. Like what the hell is this? This is the scheme.
- [29:28]
Sachi Cole
It's so difficult.
- [29:30]
Sarah Haggie
He lives for drama, I guess.
- [29:32]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, he's not good at this. Wilma is no dummy. She sues her husband and the detective agency. The lawsuit quickly digs up a lot of dirt on Michael. He tries to run from it in Los Angeles and then briefly in Reno, but his checks keep bouncing and America just isn't doing it for him the way it once was. So Michael decides to see if he still has any friends in Europe. Friends or not, they certainly remember him. He shows up at the Ritz bar in Paris, where the manager greets him with his unpaid bill from 1922. Things don't improve from there, and after nearly a year abroad, Michael realizes that there's no place like home. So he's ready to sail back to America and hopefully this time, avoid another stay at ellis Island. It's April 1932, and Michael is sitting in the first class dining room on an ocean liner sailing for New York. He boarded without a ticket and has spent at least a few nights sleeping in the dog kennels on the top deck. But that hasn't stopped him from charming his way into the most elite social circles on board. One passenger is so charmed that a few nights before the end of the voyage, they start wandering the ship looking for Michael. They want to invite him to their cocktail party, but he's nowhere to be found. So they ask the stewards where Michael Romanoff is bunked, but the stewards can't find that name on their passenger list. And then they get suspicious. Later, as Michael leaves the dining room, the ship's officers approach him and ask him what his cabin number is. Michael declares, the whole ship is my cabin. But the officers are not charmed. They take him into custody. So once again, Michael is sent straight to Ellis Island. When the ship enters New York's harbors, he still doesn't have proof of citizenship, which means he's probably about to get deported back to France. But first he asks permission to go to Manhattan to pick up some clothes he has in storage. And for some reason, the immigration officials who might have known about his first escape agree.
- [31:33]
Sarah Haggie
Oh, my God, that's awesome. For him. The thing is, he does have these small wins where you're like, you know, if you just try one more time.
- [31:41]
Sachi Cole
He's scrappy, I'll give him that. They assign Michael a guard for his trip into Manhattan, but this guard is not immune to Michael's joie de vivre. Because when Michael asks if they can stop by a speakeasy for one last drink, the guard agrees. Everyone at the bar is thrilled to see him. And the guard is reportedly starstruck by all of Michael's fancy friends. Michael bounces him from one speakeasy to another, and eventually the guard gets really drunk. He actually falls asleep at one of the bars. Michael seizes this opportunity and he runs off. But ever the gentleman, he calls Ellis island the next morning to ask how the guard is doing and to say that they really shouldn't Blame him for the escape.
- [32:25]
Sarah Haggie
You know what? I'm starting to believe this guy is royalty.
- [32:31]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, that is actually pretty regal. Well, not long after, police officers arrest Michael as he's leaving the building where all of his clothes are stored. And he is in fact deported back to France where he tries to stow away and gets caught and sent to jail. But people remain fascinated by him. In 1932, the New Yorker starts publishing a five part series on the supposed prince is real story. This story turns Michael into a full blown national celebrity. Which means that the immigration commissioner is more determined than ever not to let this guy pull one over on him again. In December of 1932, just six months after his deportation, French authorities notify America that Michael is about to be released from jail. In response, the American immigration commissioner increases security at every port in New York and New Jersey. They're not letting him back in the country. But within a few weeks, rumors start circulating that Michael has been spotted at a midtown speakeasy.
- [33:31]
Sarah Haggie
How. How does he keep doing this?
- [33:33]
Sachi Cole
Kind of a likely place for him to be.
- [33:36]
Sarah Haggie
What is going on? It's like he's in a video game and it's really like. It's insane.
- [33:41]
Sachi Cole
Well, Michael avoids his regular speakeasies, but he cannot go without his favorite tobac. A week after his first sighting in New York, Michael pops by his shop to pick up some royal yacht. And his enemy from London is there. Remember the guy who blew up Michael's spot during his first day in New York?
- [33:58]
Sarah Haggie
Yes, I do remember him well.
- [34:00]
Sachi Cole
By this point, Michael's charm has finally won even this guy over. But the shopkeeper has heard from immigration that he has to turn Michael over if he sees him. So he does, reluctantly. Which is how Michael ends up up back on Ellis island for a third time. This time, however, Michael has resources. He manages to get two lawyers on his side, along with some supporters who post his bail. Which means that while the government opens an investigation into whether he's a citizen or not, Michael is free to do as he pleases. All of these misadventures have only made Michael's star burn brighter. He gets a contract for $500 a week with the RKO Theater in Manhattan. This would be close to $12,000 a week. Now Michael takes the stage while the Russian national anthem plays. And then he tells the story of his imperial Russian heritage. Even though at this point everyone is very clear that he is no prince.
- [34:55]
Sarah Haggie
I don't understand this. How is anyone benefiting from this? How is he able to do this when He's a known liar. Okay, whatever. You know what? I'm just jealous at this point.
- [35:05]
Sachi Cole
Well, here's the problem. Michael's talent as an actor does not extend to the stage, and New York is still in the grip of the depress. So Michael is ready to try Los Angeles one more time. And luckily, the city has finally figured out what to do with him. Treat him like the celebrity he is. It's a few years later, and Michael is around 50 years old, but he hasn't slowed down one bit. In fact, he's in the middle of a raucous night out. He's got a pair of dice in one hand and a drink in the other. He's surrounded by celebrities at one of the most exclusive spots in Hollywood, the Clover Club on Sunset Boulevard. The Clover Club seems pretty typical. There's music, food, and plenty of dancing. But it has a seedier attraction as well. Illegal gambling. The Great Depression is finally on its way out, and everyone's ready to have some fun again. Michael, famously, is extremely fun, and he draws a vibrant crowd wherever he goes. The club's owners notice this, and they strike up a deal. They'll reward his continued presence at the club by making sure he wins at the table.
- [36:11]
Sarah Haggie
There's something really remarkable about Michael, which is that everyone knows he's a liar. He doesn't really have that much to offer, but he's so outrageous and famous for being famous and controversial that people just kind of want him around because he's a draw, which does make him a true OG influencer. Could you imagine if this guy had Instagram?
- [36:33]
Sachi Cole
Unstoppable. Unstoppable force of nature. And actually, it probably won't surprise you to learn that the Clover Club's owners are, in fact, gangsters. So Michael finally has a job that jives with his lifestyle, and he's mostly staying out of trouble. He stopped defaulting on loans and bouncing checks. A few nights later, he's dining at the restaurant Chazin's. According to legend, Michael is there with a large, rowdy group of friends. They're ordering everything. Drinks, steaks, caviar, more drinks. They're drunk and unruly, and the servers can't keep up with them. Fed up, one of Michael's friends turns to him and says, mike, you're gonna open your own joint.
- [37:16]
Sarah Haggie
You know, like many influencers, opening up a restaurant or some kind of gimmicky business does make sense also. You know, it's proximity to him, and he is around famous people. And I understand the draw. I would probably go to his restaurant and I'd probably write about it or something.
- [37:34]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, I mean, maybe Michael's just trying to slow down. You know, he is getting older, and even though he's living well now, he remembers what it was like to be broke and hungry all the time. In the past few years, he's basically become the 1930s version of an influencer. But that means he's still making a lot of money for other people. He realizes he's ready to take the next step and use his brand to get himself paid. Luckily, his lifestyle has put him in some very wealthy circles. So when he starts raising funds to open a restaurant, lots of rich guys offer to help. Studio heads, heirs and stars like Charlie Chaplin and James Cagney. Michael gives them shares of stock in his restaurant for $50 each.
- [38:15]
Sarah Haggie
You know, it really says something about Michael when Charlie Chaplin knows you're a scammer and is like, sure, I'll invest in your restaurant.
- [38:22]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, it's kind of amazing. Michael manages to pull together about $6,000, which would be closer to 100,000 dol. 140 grand today. Then he convinces an investor friend to help him out with the rest. Still, he has to stick to a budget. So Michael decides to set up shop in a part of town that's still mostly vacant lots. Rodeo Drive. He convinces movie studios to help him out with wallpaper and decorations. Whatever bare wall is left he covers with portraits of himself. On opening night, Michael is dressed in his best and surrounded by famous fresh. He's thought of almost everything except filling the cash box. Luckily, his pal Cary Grant is here to help. Or more specifically, Kerry's butler, who runs to the house and returns with literal boxes of cash Michael can use to make change for his guests. Michael's transitioning from inveterate scammer to legitimate business owner. It's probably the riskiest, most reckless thing he's done yet. But after a lifetime of talking his way into the most exclusive places in the world, Michael is finally the one calling the shots here in his own restaurant. Reality is whatever Michael wants it to be. And people will pay for the privilege of spending time with the undisputed king of the LA social scene. As long as he can keep the party going.
- [39:46]
Sarah Haggie
You know what doesn't belong in your summer plans? Getting burned by your old wireless bill. While you're planning beach trips, barbecues or three day weekends, your wireless bill should be the last thing you worry about.
- [39:58]
Sachi Cole
And you know who's got your back. Mint mobile. With plans starting at 15 bucks a month. Mint Mobile gives you premium wireless service on the nation's largest 5G network. The coverage and speed you're used to, but way less money. So while your friends are sweating over data, overages and surprise charges, you'll be chilling, literally and financially.
- [40:18]
Sarah Haggie
All plans come with high speed data and unlimited talk and text. Plus you can use your own phone with any Mint Mobile plan and bring your phone number along with all your existing contacts.
- [40:27]
Sachi Cole
Unless you're planning on totally going off grid, having a wireless plan is going to be a part of life, so I will take any chance at lowering that monthly cost. And I think it's great that Mint Mobile is so affordable and makes it so easy for you to switch over this year. Skip breaking a sweat and breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans@mintmobile.com scamflancers that's mintmobile.com scamflancers upfront.
- [40:53]
Sarah Haggie
Payment of $45 for 3 month 5 gigabyte plan required equivalent to $15 a month new customer offer for first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com for details.
- [41:09]
Sachi Cole
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- [42:29]
Sarah Haggie
Draw are the five booths at the.
- [42:30]
Sachi Cole
Front of the restaurant. They're in plain view of everyone who walks in, so they've become the place to see and be seen in Hollywood. And Michael decides who gets those coveted spots every night. Michael is very aware of his influence. He starts writing a gossip column called Romanoff's Roundup and includes it with the menu. Michael's at the restaurant almost every day eating lunch with his English bulldogs, Confucius and Socrates. Here, Sarah, take a look at this photo of Michael in his element.
- [43:02]
Sarah Haggie
This dog's really cute. Yeah, I mean, it's like a pretty funny photo of him with these other guys. They're all wearing suits at a table and they're staring at this confused looking dog who looks like he's gonna say something important.
- [43:14]
Sachi Cole
He does look like a Confucius. Well, Michael knows that a truly special spot has exclusivity and at least the appearance of elegance. So Romanoff's requires that all men wear ties to dinner. And this rule applies, applies to everyone, even men as powerful as Howard Hughes. When he tries to come to dinner bare necked, Michael kicks him out. Humphrey Bogart also hates the tie rule. Michael is not willing to break the rules for Bogie, but he is one of Michael's best friends. So Michael bends a little and says, bogey can substitute with a cravat.
- [43:47]
Sarah Haggie
That kind of pisses me off. Like, I understand he has rules for his restaurant because he's trying to make it fancy, but it's like you got away with so much, you're not even really fancy. You literally are pretending to be a prince. So let it go. Sorry, Howard Hughes wasn't wearing a tie. That's what you're gonna be a stickler for.
- [44:05]
Sachi Cole
It might seem fake fancy, but having all of these celebrities packed into one spot makes Rodeo Drive the place to be. Other businesses start moving in so that Michael's wealthy clientele will stop by before or after their meals. So Romanoffs basically creates Rodeo Drive. Michael has finally achieved his life's to perpetually be at the center of the best party in the world. He's made the unlikely transition from fraud prince to kingmaker. And he's about to pull off something even rarer. Managing to stay on top. By 1950, Romanoff's has been the hottest restaurant in Hollywood for a decade. Michael is tired of renting, so he decides to move to a new location. And this time, he's buying. Now the restaurant is reported to be raking in 25 grand a month. That's more than $300,000 today. But Michael isn't opposed to calling in favors. So he wires Alfred Vanderbilt, a friend from his earlier Hollywood days, to ask for $25,000. Alfred is in Hawaii when he gets the request. But he sends a check out on a plane the next morning. It comes with a note that says, this is the least I can do for my emperor. What the hell?
- [45:20]
Sarah Haggie
I mean, this is 1950 at this point. You think by now something would have run out. The well does not dry when it comes to Michael.
- [45:30]
Sachi Cole
They really like him. And luckily, at this point, Michael has someone helping him manage all this cash. A few years ago, he hired a woman named Gloria to do his bookkeeping. She's a brunette beauty with a sharp mind, and she runs a tight ship. She's also 34 years younger than Michael. But they fall in love anyway and get married in Las Vegas on the 4th of July in 1948. This time around, Michael can afford to do things his way. He works with an architect to design a space that's just as extra as he is. Marble steps lead up to the entrance and inside it's all booths. So every stage seat is the best seat in the house. The new Romanoffs is just as big of a hit as the old one was. Famous diners include Jack Benny, Hedda Hopper, Sam Goldwyn, Cole Porter and J. Edgar Hoover. It's a funny place for the founder of the FBI to be hanging out given that there are often organized crime guys in the room. Hoover will sometimes find himself dining at the same time as regulars like Bugsy Siegel and Frank Sinatra. But at Romanoffs, everyone keeps the peace.
- [46:36]
Sarah Haggie
Would you say that at the Romanoffs when you're here, your family perhaps, do you think that's something that they would say?
- [46:42]
Sachi Cole
I don't legally think I can say that, but I would like to say it. Well. Those political connections help Michael in other ways too. In the late 50s, Hoover helps facilitate an order of Congress to declare Michael a legal citizen of the US at this point, Michael is a husband, a citizen and a bona fide success. The only question left is how long can he keep these good times rolling? It's January 1957, and for once, Michael isn't in the mood to be charming. He's standing in the back of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills. Next to him is a coffin that holds the body of one of his closest friends, Humphrey Bogart. Bogie had been a Romanovs regular for years. Once the new location opened, he and his wife, Lauren Bacall, ate lunch at the same table almost every day. They were regularly joined by famous friends including Judy Garland, Swifty Lazar and Frank Sinatra. A few years ago, Lauren gave their little group a name in one of Romanoff's small private rooms. She dubbed them the Rat Pack.
- [47:48]
Sarah Haggie
I had no idea how close he would be and how close he would remain to truly some of the most famous Hollywood stars of all time. And it's almost like his myth making became real, like it stopped mattering whether it was true or not, because he was so relentless. He made it real.
- [48:04]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, he really did. Bogey got sick with throat cancer last year. Michael would send him meals twice a day during his hospital stays. And the food must have lifted his spirits, but it couldn't cure him. And now Michael is serving as a pallbearer at his friend's funeral. Once the service is done, everyone heads back to the Bogarts home. Naturally, Romanoff's is catering the wake. After Bogey's death, everything changes. Sinatra becomes the unofficial head of the Rat Pack. He brings in new members, guys like Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. This version of the Rat Pack doesn't hang out in LA as much as the original one did. Instead, they're always traveling to Vegas, Paris, London. And when they invite Michael to join them, he goes. But without Michael at the restaurant, celebrities stop coming. And then the crowd stopped coming to try to see the celebrities. So in the early 60s, after nearly 20 years as a bustling hotspot, business finally starts to slacken. Romanoff's closes in 1962.
- [49:06]
Sarah Haggie
Wow. It is still, to me, quite shocking that he was basically a member of the Rat Pack and was, like, traveling around with them and stuff. But also, this is so clear of what his truest and deepest motivation, which isn't to, like, have a successful restaurant or business or to be taking care of himself. It's like, how do I get near people who are famous? But it's like, believe in yourself. You are famous at this point.
- [49:31]
Sachi Cole
While Michael's time with Sinatra is more than just a distraction. After Romanoff's closes, Michael gets a job working for a studio. But his wife later tells Vanity Fair that, quote, his real job was to keep Sinatra in line. In 1971, Michael is out shopping when he has a heart attack. He goes to the hospital where he reportedly sends everyone. Everyone out of the room except his wife. He tells her, not you, my darling. And then he dies. A cinematic ending to a cinematic life. So, Sarah, did this one make you mad?
- [50:07]
Sarah Haggie
You know, once I let go of it, making me mad, I was along for the ride because I was waiting for him to turn his scam on innocent people, like create a Ponzi scheme. But truly, his scam was trying to be famous no matter what. And yeah, he owed people some money, but, like, he wasn't involved in anything crazy elaborate. He literally just made himself as famous as he could through a really insane lie. It is crazy to me also, just the timeline of it, because if you're thinking of the Romanovs, in my mind, it feels so ancient. An ancient dynasty. And then by the of it, Frank Sinatra's involved. Like, you know, it's so crazy how he was able to span this for so many decades and not really change the heart of his story.
- [50:58]
Sachi Cole
Also, it's just an incredibly frustrating story about people realizing someone is a fraud. Everybody is saying, the emperor doesn't have any clothes. And all these people are like, cool. I like him naked. Like, nobody has a problem with the fact that he's full of shit. They're, like, tickled by it.
- [51:15]
Sarah Haggie
It's such an insane case because so many people are able to maintain being close to famous people, but it kind of falls apart because they either demand too much or their bad personality gets in the way. But I feel like he was able to maintain this balance. Every part of the story. I was like, oh, this is when it's gonna totally fall apart. And then it doesn't. You know, it's like, is he maybe the perfect scammer?
- [51:39]
Sachi Cole
Yeah, this one hits, like, a lot of the scamflancers. Bingo. Like, he's an orphan. He runs away a lot. He is like one of the first influencers, kind of. Because he's created all this cachet and people are obsessed with him.
- [51:52]
Sarah Haggie
Yes, it really, really does. It's really moving in this odd way. It's like. It's pretty victimless, ultimately.
- [51:59]
Sachi Cole
Yeah. Why do you think rich people love being scammed?
- [52:03]
Sarah Haggie
Um, I think they don't love being scammed. I think it's just in some ways easy to scam people who are really affluent or famous or around the same kind of person all the time. Because I think we've said this before, but all famous people want is to feel nor or like that they can kick it with a different type of person. I think it feeds into an insecurity they have. I think he was very successful. Cause he was able to be kept around because he was fun and also clearly savvy in some way, where he was able to help establish Rodeo Drive as like a rich person destination. And it remains so till this day.
- [52:41]
Sachi Cole
Do you feel like you learned any lessons? I feel like today was a great informative package on how to persevere. When people point out that you're full of sh.
- [52:50]
Sarah Haggie
Yeah, I think it's just like never back down. I think he doubled down at every turn and again made some stupid moves that ultimately were fine but didn't escalate the scam into being something bigger than it was. He got what he wanted. He found a way to get to the next level of that and he died happy.
- [53:10]
Sachi Cole
God, we got played. He really figured it out.
- [53:12]
Sarah Haggie
He figured it out. And tell me right now who has figured it out since?
- [53:16]
Sachi Cole
Not me.
- [53:16]
Sarah Haggie
He's basically Kim Kardashian before Kim Kardashian.
- [53:19]
Sachi Cole
I know. And I think he got less grief than even her.
- [53:21]
Sarah Haggie
Yes. Shout out.
- [53:22]
Sachi Cole
Prince Michael.
- [53:23]
Sarah Haggie
Good for you, man.
- [53:24]
Sachi Cole
Perfect scam. 10 out of 10 loving scamflancers get exclusive episodes and early access to new ones. All ad free on Wondry Plus. Join now in the Wondry app, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Before you go, help us out by taking a quick survey@wondry.com survey way. This is Michael Romanoff, the High Prince of Hollywood. I'm Sachi Cole.
- [53:53]
Sarah Haggie
And I'm Sarah Haggie. If you have a tip for us on a story that you think we should cover, please email us@scamfluencerswandery.com we use many sources in our research. A few that were particularly helpful were the Education of a Prince by Alva Johnston for the New Yorker and Romanoff, Prince of the Rogues by J. Jane Pisa.
- [54:12]
Sachi Cole
Zan Romanoff wrote this episode. Additional writing by us, Sachi Cole and Sarah Haggie. Eric Thurm is our story editor. Fact checking by Meredith Clark. Sound design by James Morgan. Additional audio assistance provided by Augustine Lim. Our music supervisor is Scott Velasquez for Freeze on Sync. Our managing producer is Desi Blaylock. Our senior managing producer is Callum Plews. Janine Cornello and Stephanie Jens are our development producers. Our associate producer producer is Charlotte Miller. Our producer is Julie McGruder. Our senior producers are Sarah Enni and Ginny Blume. Our executive producers are Jenny Lauer, Beckman Marshall Louie and Aaron o' Flaherty for Wondery. It's your girl, Keke. And if you haven't heard, my podcast, baby, this is Keke Palmer. You're missing out. You know, I do it all. Acting, singing, hosting, producing. But this podcast right here, this is where I get to be my whole entire self with my people. And that means you. Every week we're hanging out, getting into the juiciest conversations. And trust me when I say the tea is hot and the guests are serving. We're talking entertainers, creators, thought leaders, everybody who's everybody comes through to keep it real with your girl. But this isn't just about me and my guest spilling tea. This is about us. You and me, hanging out every week, getting into everything from career moves to life drama to being a mom. Nothing is off limits. I'm always gonna be your girl, keke. Keeping it 100. So come through and join the conversation. Head over to YouTube if you wanna watch the full experience. Or you can subscribe to Baby. This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcast. Want it early and ad free? Join Wondery right now.