The Fixer Who Sold Aleister Crowley to Hollywood

Overview

In the late 1920s (in Paris), Aleister Crowley tries to repair his reputation and “clean up” his public image while living in France and facing deportation.

The commentary argues that Crowley understands his earlier shock tactics and his cultivated persona as “the great beast” have backfired. British tabloid coverage frames him as a traitor and devil-worshipping black magician, making it difficult—if not impossible—for him to return to England and be taken seriously.

The video presents Crowley as attempting to rebrand himself as a modern prophet—likened to a “New Age Jesus.” To do this, he needs a skilled press agent to repackage him for the press and the public.

Crowley’s Press Agent: Carl (Charles) Davidall Hunt

Crowley hires a press agent/journalist in Paris identified as Carl (or Charles) Davidall Hunt, with spelling variations and sometimes a Germanized surname.

The analysis portrays Hunt as a “colorful,” possibly dishonest figure connected to blackmail and other questionable activities. It also speculates Crowley may have known him from earlier Hollywood circles around 1915.

By the time Crowley enters the film world, Hunt is described as already well-established in entertainment and publicity, with influence in Los Angeles elite networks, including prominent clubs.

Hunt’s Career and Controversies (As Presented)

The video lays out a backstory for Hunt:

• 1880s: Hunt reportedly emigrates from Paris to Chicago, becomes involved in German-American politics, and works as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
• Around 1900: Hunt is linked to a Chicago blackmail scandal (described as a precursor to later “Me Too” dynamics). The accusations are said to be withdrawn after elite panic, and Hunt leaves Chicago as the perceived villain.
• By 1906 (Los Angeles): Hunt becomes connected to Hearst media, grows wealthy quickly, and gains prominent roles related to Hollywood publicity and social clubs.

Digression: Elite “Retreat” Gatherings

A major digression connects Hunt to Hollywood elite “retreat” gatherings. The narration describes elite men’s clubs staging elaborate themed weekend events—modeled (as portrayed) on frontier fantasies and similar to European-style occult/elite gatherings—often with filming and indulgent culture.

The narration notes an ominous parallel to Crowley-like themes, including speculation about sex and “orgy” culture, while also emphasizing that period reporting depicted the events as joy and pleasure.

Alleged Medical Promotion Scheme (“Turtle Cure”)

The video further argues that Hunt’s wealth and influence likely relate to medical-promotion schemes:

• c. 1912: Hunt travels to Germany and collaborates with Dr. Fritz Friedmann, who claims to have developed a tuberculosis vaccine from “sea turtles” (the “turtle cure”).
• Hunt is portrayed as acting as a publicist who plants sensational cure stories in the press, creating mass demand from desperate patients.
• The medical establishment is said to reject the claims due to lack of clinical trials.
• The scheme allegedly shifts: Friedmann (allegedly leaving Germany) tries to sell the patent in the United States.
• A New York clinic is established; desperate patients seek the cure.
• Friedmann is alleged to negotiate sales of the patent before potentially abandoning the people and the project—while Hunt and partners are depicted as benefiting financially.
• Hunt/partners later re-emerge with money in Los Angeles.

How It All Connects (Video’s Thesis)

The commentary ties the material together by arguing that:

• Crowley’s later need for a press agent in Paris leads to Hunt.
• Hunt’s earlier Hollywood and Hearst-linked publicity work—plus his history of high-society scandals and promotional manipulation—makes him an especially useful figure for attempting to transform Crowley’s public image.

Presenters or Contributors

• The narrator/presenter (unnamed in the subtitles; only a speaking “host” voice is present)