Beverly Kramer"s father, Marvin, managed the Pacific Seas dining room in Los Angeles, which was frequented by Grace and Doc G.o.ddard. I thank her for her memories and also the family photographs she shared when I interviewed her on May 11, 2007.
Diana Herbert, whose father, F. Hugh Herbert, wrote the screenplay to Scudda-Hoo! Scudda-Hay! Scudda-Hoo! Scudda-Hay!, was very helpful in providing details for this and other sections of the book when Cathy Griffin interviewed her on April 10, 2008, and April 15, 2008.
Helena Albert, a student of Natasha Lytess"s, provided many of the details of the relationship between Natasha and Marilyn for this and other sections of the book. Susan Martinson was also a student and friend of Lytess"s and was key in the writing of many parts of this book. I interviewed Ms. Albert on June 15, 2007, and Ms. Martinson on January 4, 2008. Ms. Martinson was also interviewed by Marybeth Evans on May 15, 2008. Also, I referred to Jane Wilkie"s interview with Ms. Lytess. Moreover-and maybe most importantly-I relied heavily on a ma.n.u.script of Natasha Lytess"s unpublished memoir, which can only be found at the University of Texas but a copy of which was purchased by a private party who then allowed me to carefully review it for this book.
Bill Davis worked at the William Morris Agency with Johnny Hyde and was key to understanding Hyde and his romance with Marilyn Monroe. Mr. Davis was interviewed by Marybeth Evans on December 1, 2007, and by me on March 11, 2008.
Marybeth Hughes once dated Johnny Hyde and was instrumental in this and other sections of the book. I thank her for her trust and for her interview of February 28, 2008.
Susan Reimer is the niece of Charles Stanley Gifford. She was very helpful in compiling information for this and other sections of the book. I interviewed her on January 12, 2008.
I also referred to Screenwriter: The Life and Times of Nunnally Johnson Screenwriter: The Life and Times of Nunnally Johnson by Tom Stempel. by Tom Stempel.
PART FOUR: STARDOM.
Jerry Eidelman was a friend of Marilyn Monroe"s and was very kind to share his memories of her with us for this and other sections of the book when I interviewed him on August 1, 2007, September 13, 2007, and January 10, 2008.
Rupert Allan was one of Marilyn"s closest confidants. I had the opportunity to meet with him several times, first on March 13, 1985, then again in 1988 and 1989. I used my interviews with him in my book on Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, Once Upon a Time Once Upon a Time, since he was Monaco"s counsel general in Los Angeles as well as a very close friend of Ms. Kelly"s. I also utilized his comments in The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe. Primarily, I also used transcripts of Bruce Ebner"s interviews with Mr. Allan as the foundation of much of my research for this book. I also conducted a telephone interview with the ailing but always cooperative Allan in the summer of 1992.
My thanks to John Gilmore for his interview, conducted by Cathy Griffin on April 10, 2008. He was another good friend of Marilyn"s and contributed greatly to this book.
Thanks again to Norman Brokaw for his anecdotes about his friend Joe DiMaggio, utilized in this section of the book.
Also, I interviewed two women who worked at Homestead Lodge during the time that Gladys Baker was an employee at that Eagle Rock, California, facility. Both sources asked for anonymity, and I will grant it. However, they know who they are and how much I appreciate their cooperation with this book.
PART FIVE: DIFFICULT TIMES.
My thanks to Wesley Miller, who as a young man worked as a paralegal for the firm of Wright, Wright, Green & Wright, the law firm that represented Marilyn in the 1950s. He was very helpful to me when I interviewed him on March 2, 2008, and March 20, 2008. I value his friendship as well.
The police officers who cooperated with me in this section of the book asked for anonymity. I appreciate their kindnesses and memories very much.
As a teenager, Marvina Williams worked as an aide at Rock Haven Sanitarium in La Crescenta. She spent many hours with me on December 11, 2007, December 12, 2007, December 20, 2007, and January 12, 2008, reviewing her memories of Gladys Baker"s time at that facility. I thank her for her time and also her many photographs.
Thanks to Stanley Rubin, producer of River of No Return River of No Return, for his interview, conducted by Cathy Griffin on April 24, 2008, a very rare treat.
Special thanks to the lovely Jane Russell for her interview, conducted by Cathy Griffin on April 20, 2008. We also referred to Ms. Russell"s appearance on The Sally Jessy Raphael Show The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, April 15, 1992, as well as her memoir, Jane Russell: My Paths and My Detours Jane Russell: My Paths and My Detours.
I interviewed the inimitable Joey Bishop on May 5, 1997.
I interviewed Esther Williams on May 16, 1997, a lovely lady.
Stacy Edwards was a close friend of Joe DiMaggio and I don"t think this section of the book could have been written without his cooperation. I thank him very much for the interviews I conducted with him on April 11, 2007, June 1, 2007, July 13, 2007, and March 1, 2008. Regarding DiMaggio, I also referenced Joe & Marilyn Joe & Marilyn by Roger Kahn; by Roger Kahn; Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio? Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio? by Maury Allen; and by Maury Allen; and Joe & Marilyn: The Ultimate L.A Love Story Joe & Marilyn: The Ultimate L.A Love Story by Maurice Zolotow. by Maurice Zolotow.
Sydney Guilaroff"s comments are extracted from Cathy Griffin"s many interviews with him in 1995. I also referred to his autobiography, written with Ms. Griffin, Crowning Glory Crowning Glory: Reflections of Hollywood"s Favorite Confidant Reflections of Hollywood"s Favorite Confidant, published in 1996. Guilaroff"s five decades in the motion picture business and intimate friendships with the biggest stars of Hollywood"s Golden Age made his memoirs the most eagerly awaited autobiography of its kind. Cathy first met him in 1993 when she interviewed him for an A&E doc.u.mentary on Elizabeth Taylor. She allowed me to review copious notes and transcripts from her work with Mr. Guilaroff, which I utilized in this and many other sections of The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe.
Marybeth Cooke worked for Marilyn"s attorney, Jerry Geisler, and was very helpful with all aspects of this book. I thank her for spending so much time with me on November 1, 2007, December 12, 2007, and April 11, 2008.
Research material regarding The Wrong Door Raid-including my interview with Hal Schaeffer (conducted on November 1, 1996)-was conducted for my book Sinatra: A Complete Life Sinatra: A Complete Life, and now also utilized in The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe. My interviews with Frank"s friend Jimmy Whiting were conducted on April 2, 1995, and May 4, 1996. I interviewed Joe Dougherty, who worked for City Detective and Guard Services, on January 11, 2008. I also had access to Cathy Griffin"s taped interviews with the late private investigator Fred Otash for background material regarding The Wrong Door Raid, as well as the Confidential Confidential magazine report in February 1957 and many court doc.u.ments relating to that particular case. I also reviewed notes and other unpublished material from the magazine report in February 1957 and many court doc.u.ments relating to that particular case. I also reviewed notes and other unpublished material from the Los Angeles Examiner Los Angeles Examiner"s file on the "raid" and on subsequent hearings about it.
I also referred to "The Strange Case of Marilyn Monroe vs. the U.S. Army," by Robert C. Jennings, Los Angeles Magazine Los Angeles Magazine, August 1966.
Finally, I also referred to many interoffice memos to the staff at Famous Artists Agency, found in the Charles K. Feldman Papers at the American Film Inst.i.tute in Los Angeles, as well as the rest of Feldman"s papers, including his many appointment books.
PART SIX: VOICES.
Importantly, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Arthur Miller in 1987 when he was on his book tour for his memoir, Timebends Timebends. I found him maddeningly difficult and not at all open, despite the fact that his book is incredibly candid. I even wondered at the time if he had written his own memoir! Of course, I was sure he had-though one would never know it if judging from his evasive demeanor, especially when it came to discussing his marriage to Miss Monroe. However, I did draw upon that interview for this book. In retrospect, of course, it was an honor to interview such a literary icon.
I also turned to the Arthur Miller Collection at the University of Texas, which I found very enlightening-mostly, though, in regard to his plays, including The Crucible The Crucible and and After the Fall. After the Fall. Also, the Joseph Raugh Collection at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., proved invaluable in confirming certain details about the Monroe-Miller alliance. I also referred to the John Huston Collection at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills. Also, the Joseph Raugh Collection at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., proved invaluable in confirming certain details about the Monroe-Miller alliance. I also referred to the John Huston Collection at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills.
I also referred to "The Un-American Activities in California-The (California) Senate Fact-Finding Committee on Un-American Activities, Third, Fourth and Fifth Reports" (Sacramento, California, 1947), which is on file at the Margaret Herrick Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
I reviewed the personal papers and files of columnist Sidney Skolsky and the files of the Production Code Administration, also on file at the Margaret Herrick Library.
Thanks to Mable Whittington, who worked at Parkside House in London, for her memories of Marilyn and Arthur Miller, which she shared with me on March 12, 2008.
I interviewed Susan Strasberg in June 1997. I also referred to her memoirs, Bittersweet Bittersweet and and Marilyn and Me: Sisters, Rivals, Friends Marilyn and Me: Sisters, Rivals, Friends. What a delightful woman. She is missed by many.
I also referenced Lee Strasberg"s 20th Century-Fox legal files.
Edward Lovitz was a personal friend of Arthur Miller"s who spent many long hours with me discussing Miller"s marriage to Marilyn on September 1, 2007, and September 15, 2007. I so appreciate his a.s.sistance.
I interviewed the delightful Mitzi Gaynor in January 1997 for my Sinatra biography. I interviewed Billy Wilder in February 1997 as well, a charming fellow and quite helpful.
Cathy Griffin interviewed Jeanne Martin (Dean"s wife) on October 22, 1998, and then again in 1999 and in 2001, and parts of those interviews were used in this volume.
I interviewed Tony Curtis in January 2000 and appreciated his help very much.
My thanks to Melissa Steinberg for her a.s.sistance in this section as well, and for the interview she granted me on May 11, 2007.
I also referred to the 1988 doc.u.mentary Remembering Marilyn Remembering Marilyn, narrated by Lee Remick and directed by Andrew Solt.
Cathy Griffin interviewed Diahann Carroll on April 21, 2008. A side note: I also interviewed Ms. Carroll on July 24, 1975-one of my first interviews after moving to Los Angeles to become a reporter. I didn"t even have a driver"s license yet-but I did have a tape recorder! I never had the opportunity to thank her for granting a young writer such an important interview, so I"d like to do that right now: Thank you so much, Miss Carroll, for being so kind to me way back when.
PART SEVEN: SLOW DEATH.
Regarding Dr. Ralph Greenson, Dr. Milton Wexler, and Dr. Marianne Kris: Cathy Griffin conducted interviews with Dr. Greenson"s widow, Hildy, on June 4, 1991, and on June 24, 1991. I directly and indirectly utilized both lengthy interviews in The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe.
I also referred to The Technique and Practice of Psychoa.n.a.lysis The Technique and Practice of Psychoa.n.a.lysis by Dr. Ralph Greenson and by Dr. Ralph Greenson and On Loving, Hating and Living Well: The Public and Psychoa.n.a.lytic Lectures of Dr. Ralph Greenson On Loving, Hating and Living Well: The Public and Psychoa.n.a.lytic Lectures of Dr. Ralph Greenson by Dr. Ralph Greenson, as well as scores of the doctor"s papers and correspondence, all found in the Greenson Collection at the UCLA library. Among this collection is Greenson"s complete and unpublished memoir, "My Father the Doctor," which proved absolutely invaluable to my research. I also referred to "Special Problems in Psychotherapy with the Rich and Famous," dated August 18, 1978, and found in the UCLA Collection. by Dr. Ralph Greenson, as well as scores of the doctor"s papers and correspondence, all found in the Greenson Collection at the UCLA library. Among this collection is Greenson"s complete and unpublished memoir, "My Father the Doctor," which proved absolutely invaluable to my research. I also referred to "Special Problems in Psychotherapy with the Rich and Famous," dated August 18, 1978, and found in the UCLA Collection.
A number of highly respected California psychiatrists who either once worked with Dr. Greenson or who were otherwise a.s.sociated with him were also interviewed for this book and requested that I preserve their anonymity. Moreover, I had two independent and invaluable sources in the Greenson family who asked for anonymity as well.
Additionally, I obtained through a private purchaser more than fifty letters written by Greenson not found in the UCLA collection.
Also extremely helpful to me where Greenson is concerned was the paper "Unfree a.s.sociations: Inside Psychoa.n.a.lytical Inst.i.tutes" by Douglas Kirsner. I also referred to "Interview with Leo Rangell, M.D.," from the Los Angeles Psychoa.n.a.lytic Bulletin Los Angeles Psychoa.n.a.lytic Bulletin, Special Issue honoring Leo Rangell, M.D., Winter 1988.
Dr. Greenson"s deposition to the Estate of Marilyn Monroe was vital to my research and can be found in the UCLA collection.
Also important to my research was the Anna Freud Collection at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. It is here that one can find many of the letters Freud wrote to her friend Greenson, in response to his correspondence. Those missives not found in Greenson"s UCLA collection are inevitably found in Freud"s Library of Congress collection.
I interviewed Dr. Milton Wexler in 1999. The reason I tracked him down was simply this: He is mentioned in pa.s.sing on page 107 of Eunice Murray"s book Marilyn: The Last Months. Marilyn: The Last Months. Indeed, in that book, he is simply referred to as "a Doctor Wexler [who was] on call for Dr. Greenson"s patients." According to Murray, Greenson was in Switzerland the week after Monroe"s birthday when she became unglued. Wexler was summoned. "When he came out to visit Marilyn," wrote Murray (via her ghostwriter Rose Shade), "he took one look at the formidable array of sedatives on her bedside table and swept them all into his black bag. To him, they must have seemed a dangerous a.r.s.enal." That"s the most that had ever been published about Dr. Wexler-not even his first name!-and thus I found it intriguing. When I began work on Indeed, in that book, he is simply referred to as "a Doctor Wexler [who was] on call for Dr. Greenson"s patients." According to Murray, Greenson was in Switzerland the week after Monroe"s birthday when she became unglued. Wexler was summoned. "When he came out to visit Marilyn," wrote Murray (via her ghostwriter Rose Shade), "he took one look at the formidable array of sedatives on her bedside table and swept them all into his black bag. To him, they must have seemed a dangerous a.r.s.enal." That"s the most that had ever been published about Dr. Wexler-not even his first name!-and thus I found it intriguing. When I began work on Sinatra: A Complete Life Sinatra: A Complete Life in 1994, I hired a private investigator to track down the mysterious Dr. Wexler. He was unsuccessful. Then, five years later, we tried again when I was researching in 1994, I hired a private investigator to track down the mysterious Dr. Wexler. He was unsuccessful. Then, five years later, we tried again when I was researching Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot. Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot. This time, persistence paid off-but past the deadline for that book, unfortunately. Finally, in this work, This time, persistence paid off-but past the deadline for that book, unfortunately. Finally, in this work, The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe, the full scope of Dr. Wexler"s partic.i.p.ation in Dr. Greenson"s treatment of and diagnosis of Marilyn Monroe can be placed in its proper context.
I also interviewed Dr. Hyman Engelberg-Marilyn Monroe"s physician-for Sinatra: A Complete Life Sinatra: A Complete Life in 1996 and then again for in 1996 and then again for Jackie, Ethel, Joan Jackie, Ethel, Joan in 2000. Comments from those interviews were utilized in this book as well. Moreover, I obtained from a private source notes, correspondence, and other material relating to his work with Dr. Greenson. I also referred to his comments found in "Report to the District Attorney on the Death of Marilyn Monroe by Ronald H. Carroll, a.s.sistant District Attorney; Alan B. Tomich, Investigator." in 2000. Comments from those interviews were utilized in this book as well. Moreover, I obtained from a private source notes, correspondence, and other material relating to his work with Dr. Greenson. I also referred to his comments found in "Report to the District Attorney on the Death of Marilyn Monroe by Ronald H. Carroll, a.s.sistant District Attorney; Alan B. Tomich, Investigator."
I also consulted "Tribute to Marianne Kris" by Edward A. Gargen, New York Times New York Times; and "In Memoriam: Marianne Kriss" by Henry Nunberg, The Psychoa.n.a.lytic Study of the Child, Vol. 1 The Psychoa.n.a.lytic Study of the Child, Vol. 1. I referred to Dr. Kriss"s obituary in the New York Times New York Times, November 25, 1980. Additionally, I consulted a number of letters written to Dr. Kris by Dr. Greenson concerning his opinion of and treatment of Marilyn Monroe.
Barbara Miller relayed her memories of Dr. Marianne Kris"s relationship with Marilyn when I interviewed her on March 29, 2007, and August 11, 2007. I so value her help, and that of her wonderful family, too.
I interviewed Peter Lawford twice in October 1981 when I was working for a magazine in Los Angeles called SOUL SOUL. It was a black entertainment publication and Lawford was at the time taping a voice-over spot for the sitcom The Jeffersons The Jeffersons. Truly, it"s impossible to imagine the strange ways a reporter and a celebrity"s paths can cross in this town! Though I only spent two full afternoons with him-maybe ten hours at most-and exchanged a number of telephone calls, I still found Lawford to be extremely charming and erudite. I also have never believed any of the quotes attributed to him after his death concerning Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedys. While interviewing Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin for my biography of Frank Sinatra, I learned that both found it very difficult to imagine Peter ever implicating the Kennedys in Marilyn"s death-especially if it was true (and it"s not, as I have explained in this book"s text). He was just no such teller of tales, despite the way he has been portrayed since his pa.s.sing. In fact, in a deathbed interview he gave to the if it was true (and it"s not, as I have explained in this book"s text). He was just no such teller of tales, despite the way he has been portrayed since his pa.s.sing. In fact, in a deathbed interview he gave to the Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times on September 29, 1985, he was very clear that even if all of the rumors were true-and he maintained that they were not-he would certainly not be the one to confirm them. Some very skilled and respected reporters over the years decided that he was just covering for the Kennedys with that interview. Every reporter is ent.i.tled to his opinion, of course. I choose to take Mr. Lawford at his word-his words while he was alive, that is, rather than what he was purported to have said after he was no longer around to confirm or deny. I hope I am able to do justice to his true relationship to Marilyn and the Kennedys in this book, as well as that of his wife, Pat, to Marilyn. A bit more opinion here, if I may: Peter Lawford was a great guy. I liked him very much. I"m happy that I knew him, even for just a sliver of time. on September 29, 1985, he was very clear that even if all of the rumors were true-and he maintained that they were not-he would certainly not be the one to confirm them. Some very skilled and respected reporters over the years decided that he was just covering for the Kennedys with that interview. Every reporter is ent.i.tled to his opinion, of course. I choose to take Mr. Lawford at his word-his words while he was alive, that is, rather than what he was purported to have said after he was no longer around to confirm or deny. I hope I am able to do justice to his true relationship to Marilyn and the Kennedys in this book, as well as that of his wife, Pat, to Marilyn. A bit more opinion here, if I may: Peter Lawford was a great guy. I liked him very much. I"m happy that I knew him, even for just a sliver of time.
Peter"s comment regarding Marilyn Monroe having said, just before she died, "Say goodbye to... the president," etc., is from his official statement to the Los Angeles Police Department in its continuing investigation into Monroe"s death, October 16, 1975.
Pat Brennan met Pat Kennedy Lawford in 1954 and remained friends with her through the 1960s and 1970s. I am eternally grateful for the many hours she spent with me discussing Pat and Marilyn on April 12, 2007, April 15, 2007, April 28, 2007, and June 1, 2007. The subject of their friendship has fascinated me for many years since it has never been fully explored in any biography of Miss Monroe. It"s only because of Ms. Brennan that I was able to write about that relationship as I have. This wonderful woman pa.s.sed away very suddenly in the spring of 2008. Truly, I had never been more saddened about the death of anyone connected to one of my books. I only hope she is somewhere "out there" right now, happy with the way that she, Pat, and Marilyn are portrayed in these pages.
Diane Stevens, a.s.sistant to John Springer, was first interviewed by me for my Elizabeth Taylor book on October 2, 2006, because Springer handled Taylor"s publicity concerns. Because her boss also handled Marilyn Monroe, I interviewed her again on April 15, 2007, August 1, 2007, and September 11, 2007, for The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe. Special thanks also to John Springer"s son, Gary, for his time-on both books. He was interviewed by Cathy Griffin on April 11, 2006, and also on May 1, 2008. Also, my thanks to Rose Marie Armocida, who was the personal secretary to John Springer. She was interviewed by Cathy Griffin on June 1, 2006.
I had the opportunity to interview Yves Montand in the spring of 1989 while in Paris. He was very open about his affair with Marilyn Monroe, and at the time was working with a writer on his memoir (which was eventually published and called You See, I Haven"t Forgotten You See, I Haven"t Forgotten). He was charming and accessible and I"m happy to be able to draw from that interview in this book.
I thank my friend Bruce Ebner for transcripts of interviews he did with Allan "Whitey" Snyder, Marilyn"s very good friend and makeup artist, and Ralph Roberts, Marilyn"s friend and ma.s.seur. These transcripts were very invaluable to the research for this section of the book, as well as many others. (Incidentally, Roberts was interviewed on March 2, 1992.) I referred to the New York World-Telegram New York World-Telegram"s report of Marilyn"s stay at Payne Whitney, February 10, 1961.
The letter from Marilyn to Dr. Ralph Greenson regarding her stay at Payne Whitney is found in the Ralph Greenson Collection at the UCLA library.
The letter Marilyn wrote to the Strasbergs from Payne Whitney was printed in an abbreviated version in the Daily Mirror Daily Mirror, August 5, 1981. The version used in this text is the letter in its entirety.
Marilyn"s "stand-in" Evelyn Moriarty was interviewed by Cathy Griffin on May 2, 1997, and again on June 1, 2007.
Memos from Jack Entratter to his staff at the Sands Hotel are from the Sands Hotel Papers found in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. These papers include many interoffice memos (some of which were utilized in this work) as well as newspaper clippings, photographs, negatives, brochures, press releases, audiotapes, news clips, interview transcriptions, and correspondence, all of it stored in forty-nine boxes. The papers were donated to the James R. d.i.c.kinson Library of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in December 1980 by the Sands Hotel through the office of Al Guzman, director of publicity and advertising. The collection comprises essentially the files of Al Freeman, director of advertising and promotion for the Sands Hotel from 1952 until his death at the age of forty-eight in 1972. My thanks to Peter Michel, head of special collections of the d.i.c.kinson Library, for his a.s.sistance with this material.
My special thanks to Joseph D"Orazio, a friend who was close not only to Frank Sinatra but to Hank Sanicola and Emmanuel "Manie" Sachs. He and I became pals during the course of my five years of research on my Sinatra biography and became reacquainted when I had to again turn to him for this book. I thank him for so many hours of interviews on May 22, 2007, June 1, 2007, July 15, 2007, and January 10, 2008. "Joey Boy" is one of a kind.
Michael Selsman, one of Marilyn"s publicists, was interviewed twice by Cathy Griffin, first on October 2, 1998, and then again on May 22, 2008. I interviewed his wife, the actress Carol Lynley, on June 9, 1997.
I interviewed Douglas Kirkland by telephone on May 23, 2008, to counterpoint Michael Selsman"s comments.
I interviewed Maureen Stapleton in November 1995.
As earlier stated, I interviewed Sammy Davis Jr. several times for SOUL SOUL magazine. As the former editor in chief of that magazine, I had the opportunity to interview him in 1976, 1980, 1984, and 1989. Mr. Davis was a kind and generous man who is deeply missed. I also referred to his autobiographies magazine. As the former editor in chief of that magazine, I had the opportunity to interview him in 1976, 1980, 1984, and 1989. Mr. Davis was a kind and generous man who is deeply missed. I also referred to his autobiographies Yes I Can! Yes I Can!, Hollywood in a Suitcase Hollywood in a Suitcase, and Why Me? Why Me?
I interviewed Mickey Rudin on October 31, 1992, and then again on July 1, 1995, for my book about Frank Sinatra, and his comments about Marilyn are included here. Rudin was a powerhouse in his day. To say he was intimidating is an understatement. However, underneath his brash exterior, I found a very sensitive and kind man.
Dorothy Kilgallen"s husband, Richard Kollmar, donated seventy of his wife"s sc.r.a.pbooks to the Lincoln Center Library of the Performing Arts. They are filled with her articles, columns, unpublished notes, and other material that she personally acc.u.mulated over her lifetime, including her rough drafts of articles about Marilyn Monroe. I reviewed them all thoroughly as part of my research.
Hedda Hopper"s personal notes and unpublished material are housed in the Margaret Herrick Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I utilized many of her papers throughout this book, especially those concerning Marilyn"s romances. Most helpful were her unpublished notes. Any biographer would be grateful for such a find, and I must thank my friends at the Margaret Herrick Library for making all of this material available to me, and the estate of Hedda Hopper for having the vision to donate it.
I also had access to the complete library of Photoplay Photoplay and and Look Look magazines from the 1950s of a generous person who wishes to remain anonymous, which was incredibly beneficial to my research. Thanks also to that same benefactor, for giving me access to hundreds of notes and transcripts from Louella Parsons concerning Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio. magazines from the 1950s of a generous person who wishes to remain anonymous, which was incredibly beneficial to my research. Thanks also to that same benefactor, for giving me access to hundreds of notes and transcripts from Louella Parsons concerning Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio.
Over the years, I met many lawyers who worked alongside of Marilyn"s trusted attorney, Aaron Frosch, and I conducted informal interviews with most of them for background purposes only. Because of the sensitive nature of Mr. Frosch"s work with Marilyn, these sources do not wish to be acknowledged in these pages, or even quoted in this book. For those who worked with Mr. Frosch, I respect their wishes and remain appreciative to them for the time they spent with me. They know who they are, and know that this acknowledgment is directed at them.
PART EIGHT: THE KENNEDYS.
I referred to a number of FBI doc.u.ments for this section of the book, which were recently released under the Freedom of Information Act. My thanks to Tommy diBella for helping to make them available to me. With the most recent release of FBI doc.u.ments utilized as research for this book, there are now ninety-seven pages that have been decla.s.sified concerning Marilyn Monroe-thirty-one doc.u.ments in her main file and sixty-six in a cross-referenced file-beginning with the FBI"s account of Marilyn applying for a visa and the history of her previous two years.
Much of the FBI"s files on Marilyn-as I stated in the book-are remarkable only for t.i.tillation value. However, occasionally something slips through that is quite interesting. For instance, a file dated February 21, 1962, describes Marilyn"s trip to Toluca, Mexico, and notes that her entry into the country was "reportedly arranged by Frank Sinatra through former President Miguel Aleman." It goes on to state that she was accompanied by "an agent, a hairdresser and an interior decorator. The latter was identified as Eunice Churchill, a part time interior decorator [who] also claims to be an a.s.sistant of Dr. Wexley, Monroe"s a.n.a.lyst." This mention is obviously of Eunice Murray and Dr. Wexler-but, typical of the FBI where Monroe is concerned, the names are not accurate. (It should be noted that Churchill isn"t even Eunice"s maiden name-that would be Joerndt.) Also, this is the only mention of Wexler in the FBI"s records, he being the psychiatrist Dr. Greenson turned to for a second opinion about Marilyn"s condition of borderline paranoid schizophrenia. This doc.u.ment suggests that Eunice Murray was in contact with someone who was an informant for the FBI-or maybe even Murray was the informant, who"s to say?-in that it continues, "According to Churchill, Monroe was much disturbed by Arthur Miller"s marriage on 2/20/62 and feels like a "negated s.e.x symbol." Churchill said that the subject "has a lot of leftist rubbed off from Miller." Monroe reportedly spent some time with Robert Kennedy at the home of the Peter Lawfords in Hollywood. Monroe reportedly challenged Mr. Kennedy on some points proposed to her by Miller." Note that the FBI has Arthur Miller giving Marilyn ideas on how to converse with Kennedy. If this is true, it"s likely she told him the same thing she told many others-as explained in the text-that she had "a date" with RFK.
The February 21, 1962, file also notes that Eunice says Dr. Wexley-again, no doubt, Wexler-"did not like what was happening in the relationship between Monroe and [deleted] and said that Monroe must get out with other people at once." One has to wonder if the deleted name was not Dr. Greenson"s. Is it possible that Wexler did not really approve of how much Greenson stifled his patient, even though it had been at least partially his idea that Marilyn spend so much time at Greenson"s home? It"s an interesting thought, but we"ll never know for certain since the name is redacted. Eunice also supposedly told the FBI informant that "Monroe is very vulnerable now because of her rejection by Arthur Miller and also Joe DiMaggio and Frank Sinatra." The file goes on to say that Marilyn asked Sinatra to "come and comfort her" while she was in Mexico, but that he declined. Again, who knows if this is true or not?
One more admittedly cynical note about the FBI doc.u.ments: On October 23, 1964, two years after Marilyn"s death, the bureau was still gathering information about her. One file with that date includes this cla.s.sic anecdote: "During the period of time that Robert F. Kennedy was having his s.e.x affair with Marilyn Monroe, on one occasion, a s.e.x party was concocted at which several other persons were present. Tap [sic] recording was secretly made and is in the possession of a Los Angeles private detective. The detective wants $60,000.00 for a certifiable copy of the recording, in which all the voices are identifiable."
Suffice it to say, this tape has yet to surface.
I also consulted Sam Giancana"s Justice Department file, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, as well as transcripts of federal wiretaps and Justice Department files on President John F. Kennedy and his brother Bobby Kennedy.
I want to thank Bernie Abramson-the aforemention photographer who took countless pictures of Peter Lawford, Frank Sinatra, and President Kennedy during his career-for the time he spent with me and Stephen Gregory on May 9, 2008, and for his many memories and also photographs.
Special thanks to Matthew Fox for his memories of the Kennedys and Lawfords. I interviewed Mr. Fox on January 8, 2008.
My appreciation to the late Don Dandero, an AP photographer working at the Cal-Neva Lodge during the Monroe-Sinatra years. Mr. Dondero was most helpful in giving me leads and ideas. My thanks also to his daughter, Debbie.
I interviewed Walter Bernstein in March 2000.
I interviewed Joan Braden in April 1999.
In March 2007, I had the pleasure of meeting the venerable investigative journalist and USC professor Ed Guthman during an evening honoring him for his many achievements and his imminent retirement, at the Annenberg School for Communication. Guthman, of course, was Robert Kennedy"s press secretary. In the midst of the hoopla surrounding him that night I was able to ask him just a few questions about Marilyn and RFK. "I know there was no affair," he told me. "It"s not even a question in my mind. I was there. I saw what was going on. And I"m telling you that there was no affair." With that, he was cut off by Tom Brokaw, who quipped to me, "Only one question about Marilyn Monroe and RFK is allowed per journalist lucky enough to get in here tonight." Guthman"s other comments are found in this text.
My thanks to Edward Barnes for his memories of Marilyn at the Lawford home, which he shared with me on January 4, 2008, and January 28, 2008.
I interviewed Henry Weinstein in May 2000, and I thank him for his time.
I interviewed Milt Ebbins on August 6, 1992, and again on July 1, 2000. Milt was a wonderful man with an amazing memory for detail. I think his story (told in this book) of getting Marilyn ready for her appearance at a party honoring JFK is cla.s.sic Ebbins. Milton, who was one of a kind, is much missed. Milt was partner in Peter Lawford"s production company and also a very close friend of Peter"s. He too agreed that much of what has been attributed to his friend over the years makes no sense, considering Lawford"s temperament and personality. Also, I referred to Donald Spoto"s interview with Ebbins, found in his papers at the Margaret Herrick Library. Moreover, I also referred to Spoto"s interview with Joseph Naar.
Senator George Smathers was interviewed by Cathy Griffin on September 14, 1998, and again by me on October 1, 1998.
The great entertainer Andy Williams was interviewed by Cathy Griffin on May 4, 2007. It"s certainly an honor to include his comments about his best friend, Bobby Kennedy, on these pages for the first time.
I interviewed Peter Levathes by telephone on February 3, 2000.
I interviewed Nunziata Lisi on June 12, 1999, and I thank her for her time. Her stories have been key in this volume just as they were in Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot. Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot.
PART NINE: SAD ENDINGS.
Regarding Dean Martin: I must admit that I practically stalked Mr. Martin in the summer of 1994 when I learned that he ate regularly at La Famiglia, an Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills. I simply had to interview him, not only because I was writing a book about his pal Sinatra, but also because I had such admiration for him. After a week of visits to the restaurant without seeing him, he finally showed up on the night of June 23. I watched as he ate alone in a corner, seeming very sad and alone. When he finished, I approached and asked if I might one day interview him. After some banter back and forth about both of us being Italian-Americans, he agreed to be interviewed the next night. I returned and, true to his word, he gave me the interview. To be candid, it was a somewhat odd and disjointed affair. He wasn"t himself-a little drunk, a little ill, and very much on the decline. That said, it was quite a thrill for me to have even a few hours with Mr. Martin, and he certainly did have his very amusing moments. I have used some of his comments about Marilyn Monroe and Something"s Got to Give Something"s Got to Give in this book. "At the time, I was a little p.i.s.sed off at her," he told me when discussing her many absences during the filming of that movie. "The only other person who ever kept me waiting that much was Sinatra. I hated waiting. Still do. But now, looking back on it, I get it about Marilyn. She was a sweet kid who probably would have been better off marrying a n.o.body from the suburbs and then living happily ever after with a bunch of kids. Maybe she was just too real, too honest to be in this business." He was a cla.s.s act. I think we all miss Dino. in this book. "At the time, I was a little p.i.s.sed off at her," he told me when discussing her many absences during the filming of that movie. "The only other person who ever kept me waiting that much was Sinatra. I hated waiting. Still do. But now, looking back on it, I get it about Marilyn. She was a sweet kid who probably would have been better off marrying a n.o.body from the suburbs and then living happily ever after with a bunch of kids. Maybe she was just too real, too honest to be in this business." He was a cla.s.s act. I think we all miss Dino.
Again, Michael Shaw"s comments are culled from Cathy Griffin"s interview with him on April 17, 2008.
I interviewed Mort Viner on March 11, 1996, and again on July 2, 2002.
Cathy Griffin and I interviewed John Miner on May 22, 1991. I interviewed him again on May 12, 1998, and then again on June 2, 1999.
Cathy Griffin interviewed Roberta Linn on May 5, 2008.