Several weeks back, my copy of The Hollywood Reporter arrived and I read of how all Tinseltown was abuzz with the upcoming visit by the Duke & Duchess. In the back of the magazine however, there was a nifty article about the visit by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip back in February of 1983. An event that The Hollywood Reporter covered at the time.
The glitterati they met was breathlessly listed... Rod Stewart! Frank Sinatra! Joan Collins! Jimmy Stewart! Lucille Ball! Fred Astaire! George Burns!
... along with what Chasen's served; "The dinner menu included: Papaya with Bay Shrimp, Chicken Pot Pie, Fresh Spinach with Bacon and a Toasted Coconut Snowball." A truly odd assortment, to be sure.
Queen Elizabeth II meeting Hollywood luminaries in February of 1983 |
One of the more humorous quotes came from the magazine at that time, "... one guest described the queen applauding as 'the sound of one hand clapping. Her hands never touch.'"
But what really had me giggling was the story about Bette Davis and the issue of her not being issued an invitation; "And, of course, in the entitlement department, the royals had nothing on Old Hollywood. Barbara Davis recalls that her late husband, Marvin – who bought Fox in 1981 and hosted the event – was deluged by requests to attend. One came from Bette Davis, who asked why she hadn't received an invitation. The studio owner told her the event was "full up." She replied, "I want a f----ing invitation." Somehow it was arranged, and at the dinner, the actress shook hands with the studio owner on the receiving line and said, "I'm so glad I was able to change my plans so I could attend."
Betty Davis, oh my goodness! A shoving Jennifer Lopez? I piece of work both these women are SMH...
ReplyDelete'the sound of one hand clapping. Her hands never touch.' Classic! Doesn't make much sense, but rotfl!
ReplyDelete