Ralph’s Manuscript - Page 25

Published Manuscript

We are entertaining the idea of publishing a first edition of Ralph's manuscript in book form.  This would be a hard bound limited print first edition with the complete manuscript (around 100 pages) and pictures.  At this time we are trying to gauge interest.  If you think you would be interested in a copy of this book, should we publish it,  Draft pages will be posted here so you can get an idea of what it contains.

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Posted - June 2, 2006

Paula about MISFITS and her contribution:  It’s much more difficult to play yourself than someone you’ve never met.  This is the most difficult part Marilyn has played, with the exception of one scene in PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL, and SOME LIKE IT HOT.  I believe it has been essential for me to be with her on this picture.  It was essential because so much of it was close to her.  Also, she is a creative actress, not just a personality.  Almost every fine actor, including Walter Huston, always had someone to help them when they were working.  Even Clark , in his first movies, had Josephine Dillon.  I feel that I have contributed to every frame of the MISFITS.  If it doesn’t work out, that’s something I must share with her.  My work is not a mystery.  This is my twenty-fourth picture.  My work is evident on the screen.”

 

In December, when she and Arthur had come to terms about the divorce she asked me if I would fly with her, Pat, and Aaron Frosch to El Paso for the few days to get a Mexican decree.  She said Rupert Allan was coming from LA, and that we could make the whole sad occasion at least bearable.  It was decided, however, that rumors about a possible involvement might begin to circulate, so she told me the flight time, and when she would be back she would certainly need a massage.

 

That afternoon, I had several massages, and was driving to one of them, when I heard over WNEW the news that the plane to Mexico City had crashed, but no details.  I pulled over to the curb, as upset as I had ever been.  I thought of canceling the appointment.  But it was something of an emergency for the client; also, what could I do.  I went to the massage, but must admit was probably the least concerned one I’ve ever given.  Upon leaving, I called May Reis, who said she’d been expecting me to call.  She’d heard the news to, but Marilyn had missed the plane, and had taken another line.  So one time she was late, turned out to be for the better.  May and I saluted each other verbally with a “happy hour.”  Marilyn called when she returned to say she was back, and that Joe, May, Pat, and Aaron were there celebrating the occasion, and why didn’t I come over, even though the massage would have to wait til the next day.  After the announcement of the divorce, Marilyn literally besieged with invitation, flowers, and protestations of all kinds.  From every kind of celebrity, non-celebrity, would-be celebrity.  From all over the world.  Her comments about some of them were terribly biting and sarcastic, some hit below the belt.  In the sanctum of the massage she got a lot of built up need of revenge out of her spleen.  In the next few months, two pursuers fascinated her (something).  One was Sinatra, the other the President, Kennedy.  Sinatra has had a reputation for years of being very considerate of friends of his going through any kind of crisis.  She thought his calling and sending messages wonderful.  “I play his records, as you certainly know, constantly, on the set – he helps me get in the mood for acting.  I must tell that to Lee. He was interested in an affair some years ago, and I said no.  Maybe, the second time around.”  She was more put-off by the overtures of Kennedy.  “He had Jackie.  He has children.  He has everything.  But he doesn’t have an appeal to me in what I see.  However, that shot on television of him riding in the open limousine in Palm Beach , with John-John, waving to the crowds after leaving church, was intriguing.  It showed a vulnerability, and yet a strength.  God knows, we must have strength tempered with a spot of vulnerability.”

 

Manuscript property of the estate of Ralph L. Roberts. Do not copy without permission.