LAUREN BACALL - CONTROVERSY AS BOGART IS UNCOVERED

A book detailing the alleged secret life of legendary Hollywood actor HUMPHREY BOGART is causing controversy in Hollywood.

The tome THE SECRET LIFE OF HUMPHREY BOGART, penned by scribe DARWIN PORTER is based on a manuscript full of incredible gossip written by the CASABLANCA star's friend - actor KENNETH MACKENNA.

In the book, Porter alleges that Bogart took on an undercover role for tycoon HOWARD HUGHES, after being frightened that the mogul knew too much about his philandering. Bogey was afraid Hughes would tell all to his then-wife MARY PHILIPS.

According to Porter, Bogart procured male escorts for the reportedly bisexual businessman, took JEAN HARLOW to the abortion clinic after Hughes got her pregnant and slept with gossip queen LOUELLA PARSONS in order to get good press.

However, wisely Porter stops the book in 1931 - long before his marriage to the LAUREN BACALL.

Although he does detail Bogart's affairs with BARBARA STANWYCK, BETTE DAVIS and a threesome between Bogey, his first wife HELEN MENKEN and TALLULAH BANKHEAD.

Porter admits, "I would hate to run into Lauren Bacall."