Valley of the Dolls is widely considered to be a roman a 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 a 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 . ''

Question: who is the valley of the dolls based on
Answer: Judy Garland