FROM SHOW BIZ TO SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sharon Leann Wyatt’s autobiography
BEACH BLANKET BIMBOS (Concluding)
As I immerged from the trailer, I was looked at very strangely for the rest of the day, and no one did the part that I was supposedly called in to be “auditioned” for. I was so depressed on that set, I couldn’t wait for the day to end. And of course, the day dragged on and on. I recall a silver haired man on the set, who watched me from afar. Every time I saw him, he would look at me, pensively. He never spoke or came near me, but his look said volumes. I didn’t mind at all for his eyes seemed to say he knew what had occurred. But he kept at a distance, and never approached me, but his steely gray eyes seemed always to be aimed in my vicinity. At that time I had no idea of who he was, but in the years to come I would come to know him as a friend.
THE “HOT SET.”
When lunch was called, I elected to stay on the stage and have the lunch I had brought from home. I also felt the need to escape the day by curling up with a good book. I found comfort on the hospital set, and found a wheelchair with a handy table close by. The lighting was good, and the enclosed set seemed cozy on this immense stage. I was all alone, just me, my lunch, and a book. I was enjoying the peace and quiet. However, not too much time had elapsed when I heard the big doors opening. It was Joanie Webster and Peter Lawford. They were having a grand time together, and I’m sure, by their conversation, they thought they were quite alone. Where I was I could not be seen, and I was so embarrassed about what I was hearing that I felt I dared not let them know I was there. So I remained well hidden in my “hospital room.”
They were discussing their time together in Las Vegas, with the “Rat Pack” and Jack Kennedy. Especially one evening in particular, I didn’t want to be listening in to what was clearly private, but what could I do. I could see them through a crack, where the two fake walls met. They were on the “hot set,” actually lying on the bed. And from what I was hearing it was a “hot set” all right, and now I dare not expose myself? Especially after hearing of this evening when many including Jack, as Mr. Lawford referred to him, enjoyed the company of what could best be called professional “escorts.”
One young woman then made a scene, that given the company she was entertaining demanded a lot more money. This did not settle well with those that were hosting this particular “party.” Mr. Lawford then shared how this girl had up and disappeared without a trace, her apartment, with food on the table, her purse by the door, and absolutely nothing to indicate where she had gone. Both Joanie and Mr. Lawford spoke in awed tones, with more than a hint of fear. This was clearly not a tale to be bandied about, and I share it now only because all those that could be hurt by this tale are gone. Like I said it was a “hot set.”
They both otherwise were behaving themselves, just a little kissey face huggy bear stuff. And soon the rest of the cast and crew returned from lunch. I was then able to carefully emerge from my sanctuary unnoticed. The remainder of the day was exactly what could be expected on a “Run for your Life” set, unnerving and raunchy, that is, at least from my point of view.
(Continued next month)
