Tales of a Hollywood Housewife: A Memoir by the First Mrs. Lee Marvin by Betty Marvin

Author:Betty Marvin
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Biography & Autobiography, Personal Memoirs, Women, General
ISBN: 9781440198281
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 2010-03-03T11:00:00+00:00

17

Hitting the Bottom Blues

MY THIRTIETH BIRTHDAY was approaching, and Robert Walker wanted to give me a party. He sent out invitations to forty of my close friends for a black-tie, sit-down dinner in his beautiful courtyard. I knew he was going to great pains to make everything just right. He had asked to have my recipe for veal scaloppine and had hired Greta, a talented German chanteuse, to sing my favorite songs.

That morning of July 16, 1958, Lee gave me a bicycle with a diamond watch in the basket. I should have been happy to have such a generous husband and excited to be going to a special, elegant party given just for me, but I was so depressed I could hardly make it through the day. To make matters worse, I had no one to confide in. That afternoon I went into the garden and walked and walked through the acre of flower beds I had planted that spring. Even the beauty of the endless blooms did not cheer me. Tris arrived unexpectedly, throwing me a lifeline.

“What are you doing here?” I said, grateful he’d come.

I hung on to his embrace. He finally pulled back and looked at me with concern. “What’s the matter, baby? What’s going on?” He took my hand and we continued to walk.

“I don’t know. I dread this party tonight. I’m afraid to leave my house. I don’t want to see anyone. I feel guilty, but I wish I could get out of it.”

“Well, you can’t.”

“What’s happening to me, Doctor?”

“I’d say you’re having a bit of an anxiety attack coupled with deep-seated depression. Both conditions are my constant companions. I know them well.”

“How can you stand it?”

“I can’t. Thank God for chemical assistance—though I know you don’t approve.”

“Tris, I have a husband, four young children, and a house to run. I can’t get into drugs.”

“I know, but let me give you a valium. Just one. Take a long, hot shower, then lie down until the party. What time will Lee be home?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

“It’s your birthday. I’m sure he’ll be here to take you to the party.”

“Don’t count on it.”

“Call me if you need an escort.”

Tris waited while I showered, gave me a pill, and tucked me in for a much-needed nap. Lee came home sober and on time. He was loving and attentive the whole evening, and I made it through the party with the added love of friends.

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