Those of you who have read the six January 12th
blogs on The Julie Andrews Hour may find
this account interesting. In the week following January 12th, I
tried to make sense of all that had occurred.
This account is a mingling of my 1973 diary notes and additional
information.
Saturday morning I woke up still having trouble believing
all happened the day before. My roommate, Lynn, was still not there. Anne, my
scene partner for the final, came over to practice. We were to perform a scene
from The Importance of Be Ernest, but
I was in such a state, even commenting in my diary that ‘I didn’t feel like
acting in an English play.’
I told Anne a small part of what happened, but I doubt she
believed me. When she saw my postcard from Liza on the wall, she said, “Liza is
so sweet and real…” She made me feel better about Liza, but right now Julie is
here.
What have I been
telling you…” It didn’t bring me much comfort.
Tonight, I went to see Marlene Dietrich at the Los
Angeles Music Center
At first she had only pulled her white fur coat around her
like a train, and moved slow like an old movie. I thought her hand movements so
slow, but then, as she went on, I found there was glamour and romance in what
she did. She entranced you. That smile held a sorrow and loneliness, and that
voice made you get a lump in your throat.
As she gazed at you, her audience, you knew that she loved you. She was
alone, but with you, she was not, so she gave you her love…
What is it – star quality? Talented, perfect people don’t
matter; but let a star come full of faults and we don’t even see their faults…
Sunday,
Jan 14
Today, after church, I decided to go to Beverly
Hills
It was a beautiful ride from Vine down to Wilshire. Arriving
in Beverly Hills Pasadena
While I was walking, I thought I saw Tony
Charmoli, but wasn’t sure. He tried to talk to me, but since I wasn’t sure, I
didn’t answer. (Reading this now, I can only think, “what a shame.” Sometimes I
trusted people I shouldn’t, and then I’d run away from people I should trust.)
Later, I went to see “Travels with my Aunt”
starring Maggie Smith. I enjoyed the film, but as much as I wanted to be
distracted, continued to feel shaken by Friday’s events.
Tuesday,
Jan 16
I had the last of my semester classes today. Then, my scene partner, Anne, and I worked and worked on our scene. “I despise Cecily,” I wrote in my diary.
In this midst of all this, I decided that I
should get a job and start earning some money. I suppose the events of Friday
had given me some push toward my career or some reason to need money. My mother
gave me an allowance of something like $15-20 a week. Since I got two meals a
day, it was more than sufficient for school. Anyway, the place the school sent
me was “horrid” and I was glad they no longer needed anyone. Meanwhile, it was
raining hard and I was soaked to the skin.
Wednesday,
January 17th
I went to my singing lesson today. Mr. Loring
was late because he was talking to someone on the phone about a movie that he’s
going to be working on.
He had me sing “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” three
times. I also sang “Put on a Happy Face.” I thought I sounded better in some
ways and worse in others.
Mr. Lorning told me I breathe the wrong way and
gave me some exercises to do. Then, he drove me to school. In the car, he asked
me what I want to do. I told him I wanted to work in theater. He said he would
like me to aim for auditioning for The Los Angeles Music Center next September.
They have a theater training scholarship. He said he would sponsor me. Me???
That was all I could think. Life seems
impossible. These days, I love singing more ever.
January
18th
With finals coming, Lynn and I are practically at each
other’s throats. The heads of the theater department all came today to watch
our acting finals. I guess mine was okay. Yesterday, Anne and I decided to
switch parts. One of the teachers in the department said it was good but unfortunately
during the final, I messed up my part, so I’m sure I’ve failed.
Today I went from feeling angry and distrustful of Julie to thinking
about sending her a note with flowers. I went to shop for roses and see how
much they cost. They are a dollar each (a lot at the time) but I think I better
get roses. Julie had to eat a carnation once on the show, so I don’t think she
likes carnations.
Tonight, I called Mrs. Priest. She told me to call her
“Claire” from now on. She said the executives on the show had a discussion with
the ABC heads. Claire and the Assistant director were also there. She told me
emphatically, NO ONE is allowed in this week. Everyone had decided this,
saying… “The script is too difficult.” She told me need to “concentrate hard”
on it. I didn’t quite understand what this had to do with the ABC rule, but I
let it go. This week Robert Goulet will be one of the guests. (I had a feeling
they didn’t want us there with him – or at least said so in my diary.) I hope
they will have an audience next week so we can come.
Clare Priest gave me Kelly’s telephone number—I guess so I
can keep up with what’s going on. Funny, when she told me no one could come to
the taping, she said, “That includes Vivian and you.” Clare also gave me Vivian’s number. I did tell
her that I had no connection with the others, except when I was at the studio,
just knew them in passing.
Friday,
January 18th
When Friday came I decided to skip my 3 pm class. I got on the bus and
went home to West Covina
© Michelle Russell 1973, 2013
You can find a list of all blog subjects with links back to this site at:
http://www.TheJulieAndrewsHour.blogspot.com
Coming Next: January 20th - A Commentary on Episode 16 with guest stars Eydie Gorme, Jim Nabors and special guest Maria von Trapp
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