Ralph L Roberts.com

When I got to Reno five days later, a room had been reserved for me on the 9^th floor, down the hall from the Millers, and around the corner from Paula’s suite. The flurry of excitement, and the hustle and bustle attendant upon the beginning of any movie on location permeated the hotel. When I reached Paula, she asked me in for a glass of tea. "Trouble is already raising its ugly head. I’m so glad you’re here. Marilyn will need all the help she can get. I’ll tell her you’re here, and I’m sure you’ll be hearing from her." That afternoon I met May Reis in person, and found her to be a bright, articulate, charming woman; and that we had many theatre friends in common. That afternoon began a friendship that has endured to this day, but which may end if this ever sees the light of day. She is the most private person I’ve ever known, and may not like my writing this account of my relationship with Marilyn. But I have no intention of discussing any of her confidential comments, nor of her relationship with Marilyn. The same goes with DiMaggio. Except the few times I met him with her; May and some of the comments Marilyn made, and incidents which show the deep regard and love she had for him.

The tapes I made through those months have no organization to them. I did not follow Maggie’s advice and talk into the machine every night before going to bed. Early on, I barely got ready for bed, before a call would come for a second massage, a partial massage, such as rubbing her back, and then her feet until she fell asleep. Then, the first thing in the morning, while she was sipping tea and then while Whitey was doing her make-up and Agnes the wig, and Paula going over the lines with her. But, for better or worse, and whether the continuity is exact, I will try to give an inkling of some of the MISFITS days.

The party given for the company – I think it was a combination "opening night" and celebration for Gable’s birthday. Huston seemed to be the master of ceremonies. The Gables and the Millers were at the table with Huston. Paula and I went together, and she was annoyed at not being included in that table. Several times I saw Marilyn looking around and finally she saw Paula, and threw a kiss to us.

The first scene I saw being shot, was of Kevin McCarthy coming down the steps of the courthouse, and meeting Marilyn on the sidewalk outside. During a break, she called me over to introduce me to him, and to Huston. Kevin and I had known each other for some years, but it was the first time I met Huston. That night, "I’ve known Kevin and Joan ever since I married Arthur. They were part of his life. Some of the most pleasant social times in New York were dinners with them, and Nancy Walker and Monty Clift and Maureen." "I guess you must know Monty too." "Yes, not well. I studied with Myra Rosofsky – his coach, and met him through her." "Oh, I want to hear about her sometime. And I’ll tell you about a coach I used to have, Natasha Lytess. But, Monty is very nervous about this picture. I don’t know how he feels about massage, but would you mind helping him, should he want?" "See you tomorrow."

The first Sunday we had off, May Reis, Dorothy Blass and I decided to got to Virginia City to explore the town. On our way there, May said what a wonderful day and place to have a picnic. We asked someone on the main street of Virginia City if there was a place where we could get the makings for a picnic. A guardian angel was over us because he told us about a restaurant on the edge of town called "The Country Inn." We went there, and asked the lady who ran it, Edith Palmer, about a picnic lunch to take out. She said, "of course, but you couldn’t find a better picnic ground than her garden. I could also make a pitcher of martinis, ice tea, coffee, whatever?" Outside of the fact that it turned out to be one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had, because we loved it so; each of us told Marilyn, and for the next few months it became a haven for her. For much of the time, it was halfway between location and Reno, the food and the ambiance was absolutely fantastic. Edith Palmer was one of the greatest in the world. And we could all meet in our various vehicles to relax from the day’s work.