Valley of the Dolls is widely considered to be a roman à clef, with its characters based on such famous figures as Judy Garland, Carole Landis, Dean Martin, and Ethel Merman. In 1973, after publication of her third novel, Susann said, "They can keep calling it that (roman à clef). It 'll only make my books sell, I do n't care. '' Susann insisted that she began each book with a theme: "Then I start asking, what kind of a personality? And because I have a good ear, I unconsciously pick up certain people. ''
who is valley of the dolls based on
Judy Garland Carole Landis Dean Martin Ethel Merman