Page 22 Classic Images February 2012 Cruising with the Stars The 2011 Turner Classic Movies Film Cruise Story by Nick Thomas Photos by Debby Thomas & Turner Classic Movies

For the past two years, Turner waters, exotic restaurants, or shop- booming, gravelly, voice, he added United States founded by a woman, Classic Movies has brought together ping that united this dedicated band with a broad grin, “except when they Julia Tuttle, who was a local citrus thousands of classic film fans with of some 2,000 travelers; it was the want to take your money! See you all grower. their favorite Hollywood legends for film events and celebrity guests on aboard!” TCM’s April film festival in Los board. After unpacking, we headed to Angeles. Last December, the TCM With that, Borgnine and his the dining room for the buffet lunch. execs decided to try something new, Like many others on the ship, I small entourage disappeared into the We collected some food and moved and added a Classic Movie Cruise had little interest whale or dolphin ship. But, I wondered, would we over to a table beside a partition that to their schedule of activities. But spottings on this particular voyage— see him and the other stars—Eva separated us from the food line traf- would a more intimate, self-con- it was definitely a people-watching Marie Saint, Tippi Hedren, direc- fic. Not long after, a rather anxious tained event on water be as suc- cruise, and our first celebrity sight- tor Norman Jewison, as well as woman sprinted past us and began cessful as the LA Film Festival on ing occurred mere moments after TCM hosts Robert Osborne and Ben peering over the partition. She looked land? I was fortunate to be on board setting foot on deck. While waiting Mankiewicz—during the cruise? Or back towards her table, calling out in TCM’s first aquatic movie mission, in line to proceed through secu- would they all retire to their cabins, a rather hushed tone: “He’s standing along with my photographer wife, to rity around 1 p.m., on Thursday, I emerging only to fulfill their event in the food line!” Then she disap- interview passengers and the celeb- noticed a motorized scooter pulling obligations to TCM? I would soon peared for a few moments, but soon rity guests. up alongside me and inching its have my answer. returned walking slowly back to her way ahead. “Look,” my wife said to table while holding her arm in the air. Together with the other passen- me, “it’s Ernest Borgnine!” He was Once through security, we head- “I’ll never wash this hand again!” she gers, we scrambled aboard Sixthman’s wearing a baseball cap and glasses, ed aft towards our cabin located in proclaimed, obviously quite pleased. Celebrity Millennium cruise ship on which I used as a somewhat feeble the stern—that’s the back end of The murmurs from the surrounding December 8 as it prepared to set sail excuse for failing to recognize the the ship for you landlubbers—where tables made it clear that the woman from Miami for a four-day round- Hollywood legend who turned 95 our balcony offered a glorious view had experienced a close encounter of trip voyage to Cozumel, Mexico, years old in January. of the retreating Miami skyline. the Robert Osborne kind! After fin- on the 2011 Turner Classic Movies Officially incorporated as a city in ishing our meal, we got up to leave, Classic Cruise. Unlike most cruises “Everywhere you go now you 1896 with a population of just over weaving our way through the maze in the Gulf, it wasn’t the warm cli- have to wait,” said a very cheerful 300, Miami has the distinction of of tables and walked right past Eva mate, golden beaches, sparkling blue Borgnine. Then, in his characteristic being the only major city in the Marie Saint, quietly eating lunch

Passenger Cicely Hansen who runs Decades of Fashion, a vintage clothing and cos- tume store in San Francisco, poses with Ernie Borgnine. (Photo Debby Thomas) Tippi Hedren chats with fans at the sail away party. (Photo credit Debby Thomas) www.classicimages.com Page 23 with her husband, television direc- the way, should you ever bump into the crowd appreciated their efforts to the youngster of the group at 81, tor Jeff Hayden. It was clear from him; he does indeed prefer to be join the cruise. Each looked relaxed, appeared still stunningly beautiful, day one that the stars would be out called Ernie.) healthy, and genuinely pleased to be wearing a black and white stripped and shining on this inaugural TCM a part of this special event. Hedren, “zebra-like” blouse, perhaps a sub- Cruise. Following the drill was the first communal event—the Sail Away The idea for the cruise originat- Party by the pool amidships. By 5 ed with Dennis Adamovich, Senior o’clock, crowds had gathered around Vice President of Brand Activation the small stage area and applaud- at TCM, who was on board and who ed enthusiastically when Robert I caught up with after we set sail. Osborne was announced. “We’re “I was thinking about the idea for delighted that you are all here and our other Turner station, TBS, as a hope you have a great time,” said Comedy Cruise,” Adamovich told a very relaxed looking Osborne, me. “But coming off last year’s suc- wearing a light blue jacket and tie- cessful TCM film festival, our fans less shirt, his white hair blowing were asking us if we were planning in the brisk Gulf breeze. In fact, he other events for later in the year. had only recently resumed his TCM So we redirected our efforts to the hosting duties a few weeks earlier Classic Cruise, although I wouldn’t after a break of several months. “On rule out a Comedy Cruise in the behalf of myself and co-host for this future. It was a big leap of faith, but event, Ben Mankiewicz, welcome!” we sold out in an incredible 70 days. Even Celebrity [the cruise line] told Robert then proceeded to us they were amazed and that they’d introduce the main guests, Ernest never had a cruise sell out so fast. Borgnine, Eva Marie Saint, Tippi Bear in mind that at this point, we Hedren, and Norman Jewison, each hadn’t even announced what films being warmly welcomed. With Shot of stars and TCM reps during the sail away party. Robert and Ben are at back the average age of the four special center. Ernie is behind Eva Marie, and Tippi is in black and white stripe top. Jewison we would be showing or who the is wearing gray cap and dark suit, and Wink is in white shirt. (Photo Credit TCM) celebrity guests would be, so clearly guests being around 87, it was clear we have a powerful brand in TCM.” When TCM eventually announced their program of events and guests, only those unable to secure a booking could have been disappointed. TCM had planned a rather demanding schedule of pro- grams for the cruise, so there was something for every classic film fan: numerous movie screenings—many preceded by introductions with the stars of the films—Q&A sessions with all the stars, as well as Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz, a panel discussion with TCM execu- tives, bingo, dancing, and trivia con- tests. After boarding, there was a compulsory safety drill at 4 p.m. However, the folks demonstrating safety procedures had to compete for the crowd’s attention when Ernest Borgnine came in and was mobbed by well-wishers trying to shake his hand. Had the signal to abandon ship come through then, I suspect many passengers would have preferred to wrap their arms fondly around Ernie, rather than a lifejacket! (And, by Happy film fans gather around the ship’s pool for the Sail Away Party. (Photo credit TCM) Page 24 Classic Images February 2012 tle nod to her strong support for between events—and made his way became special events. Since all pas- Borgnine on his body of work and animal rights; Saint moved jaun- to the crowds at the edges where sengers shared a common interest in career, then said, “There’s a ques- tily around on stage in a blue blazer he shook hands, received hugs, and classic films, conversations imme- tion I’ve always wanted to ask you?” and red scarf, clearly enjoying the posed for photos. diately turned to Hollywood, and “Sure, go ahead,” Borgnine replied. supportive crowds; Jewison, sport- strangers quickly became friends as “Do you think George Reeves was ing a gray beard, suit, and baseball After a group cruise photo was they discussed their favorite films murdered, or did he commit sui- cap, also seemed pleased with his taken, we headed back to the restau- and actors, sometimes late into the cide?” reception; and then there was Ernie! rant for dinner. As usually happens night. It was quite amazing to watch Always a fan favorite, Borgnine had on cruises, strangers are often thrown and be part of it. During our first Even the man’s mother thought abandoned his scooter—needed only together around tables at mealtimes, meal, we sat with a couple from Las that was an odd question to ask a to navigate the lengthy distances and on this cruise these banquets Vegas and two ladies from Long lunching Ernie Borgnine, and she Island. After the meal, the conver- said so, too! Presumably, the question sation carried into the Rendezvous was prompted by Borgnine’s role in Lounge where veteran game show From Here to Eternity which fea- host Wink Martindale, a surprise tured George Reeves in a very small guest, presented a movie trivia con- role. Classy as always, Borgnine test, with questions taken from the just said, “You got me there, pal! popular TCM Classic Movie Trivia Enjoy your meal,” and walked on. book. Calling our team of six “The I mention this only to point out that Dirty Half-Dozen,” we found our- this was the only fan-gaffe that I selves no match for the serious movie witnessed during the entire cruise. trivia buffs on board who seem to have memorized the entire book! Overall, passengers seemed very respectful of the celebrities’ space. Later in the evening, as we wan- A good example was a man from dered the ship, we were drawn to one Toronto named Paul, and a huge fan of the lounges by the sound of piano of Tippi Hedren. “The Birds is my music. To our surprise and delight, favorite film,” Paul said at dinner one it turned out to be master pianist and evening. He told us he had Hedren’s story teller Richard Glazier who was name on his license plate and drove in full swing seamlessly blending a silver convertible, inspired by the a recital with fascinating stories of car used by “Melanie Daniels” to his life, including how his friend- drive her gift of two love birds ships with three legendary figures up the coast highway to the home in American Popular Song—Ira of “Mitch Brenner” in The Birds. Ernest Borgnine is a sadistic railroad conductor in Emperor of the North, seen here Gershwin, Johnny Green and Hugh When Paul first learned that Tippi with one of his victims, played convincingly by Lee Marvin. Martin—had influenced his career. would be on the cruise, he immedi- Although he didn’t finish until 1 ately went online to book, “only to a.m., Richard hung around talking be crushed to find out that the cruise to passengers and posing for photo- was already sold out.” Determined graphs, yet another sign that those to get aboard, Paul posted a note who reached out to the celebrities on Facebook asking if anyone had would not be turned away. a cabin to share. “My prayers were answered,” Paul said, when fellow When we awoke on Friday film fans from Indianapolis and New morning, the ship had docked in York allowed him a spot in their Key West. Naturally, keeping to cabin. After checking in, Paul wrote the theme of the cruise, TCM had a request on a clipboard attached to a screening of Key Largo which we his cabin door: “Please, God, let me had passed during the night! Like get a pic with Tippi!” most, we disembarked for a stroll around Key West, then retuned for “What happened next was lunch. For this meal, we sat with beyond my wildest dreams and a man who was traveling with his expectations,” he told me. On the mother. As we chattered, I noticed first night of the cruise, Paul and a familiar figure walking behind his cabin mates booked dinner for our table and I said to the young Saturday at the onboard restaurant, man, “Look behind you!” He swung The Olympic. The Tippi Angels around, reached out, and sudden- must have been smiling on Paul ly grabbed Ernest Borgnine by the because when Saturday evening Ernie poses with TCM's Dennis Adamovich (left) and Jeff Gregor. (Photo credit arm. He proceeded to compliment rolled around, Hedren was seated at Debby Thomas) a nearby table. “I could actually see www.classicimages.com Page 25 her and hear her lovely, distinctive Although Hollywood often failed passengers would be approaching that Leonard Bernstein’s apartments voice the entire time.” Paul waited to show compassion for animals— him. “I love that because it really were for sale—he had owned three, until she had finished eating before think of the use of trip wires to make means they love the channel and one was his composing room, one approaching her table. “Excuse me, horses fall down—Hedren says that love the work that I do. So it just was his secretary’s, and one was a Ms. Hedren, sorry for the interrup- the animals in The Birds were treated shows their enthusiasm. I’m the one guest apartment—during the settling tion. I’m Paul from Toronto, Canada, well, thanks to bird handler Ray the viewers see and they think I do of his estate. So I looked at the com- and I am on this ship because of Berwick. “He was a wonderful bird it all, but TCM is obviously a team posing room, which was one floor you,” he told her. She responded trainer and cared so much about the effort by many people.” down from my apartment, and it was appreciatively: “Oh, thank you.” animals. He would go to Hitchcock just perfect for an office. I bought Paul continued. “I was ten years old during filming and say, ‘We have to If there’s one thing that film it, and it turned out to be the room when I first saw you walk into that shut down, the birds are tired.’ So of enthusiasts all enjoy, it’s movie triv- Rosalind Russell would have done pet store [in the opening scene from course, I used to ask, ‘Where’s my ia. I don’t know a lot, but I was in her singing audition in!” The Birds] and I have loved you ever bird trainer?!’” possession of one piece of Robert since.” “Oh, how lovely,” Hedren Osborne trivia which seemed to Honestly, it’s hard to know replied. She particularly recalls the party amuse some of my fellow cruisers: where to begin a Robert Osborne scene with the children, and the “What is the name of the New York interview. The man has met and Then Paul asked if he could lengths Berwick would go to keep apartment building in which Robert interviewed just about everyone in introduce her to his dinner compan- both the kids and seagulls safe. “He Osborne lives?” The answer, which the movie business over the past 60 ions. “She spent about 20 to 30 min- loosely wired the gulls’ bills because he explained to me, is best told by years. But was there someone he utes chatting with us all and taking they are not nice birds and don’t care Osborne himself: “When I was in desperately wanted to interview but pictures and signing autographs. She what they bite. He trained three gulls college, I read a book about Rosalind never did? “I got to most of them; was a real class act and still a stun- to take off from his arm, circle, then Russell and in it she t a l k e d but I’d love to have interviewed the ningly beautiful woman. The Turner dive bomb into the kids, then fly Classic Movies inaugural cruise was back to his arm. Well, for the party a magical experience beyond my scene, the first and second gulls did wildest dreams and expectations, and what they were supposed to, but the I cherish the memories especially on third took off and didn’t come back. my 50th birthday. It allowed me So he went to Mr. Hitchcock and to cross two items off my [before- said, ‘I’m sorry Hitch, we have to I-kick-the-] bucket list—swimming shut down for the afternoon, I have with dolphins and manatees, and to find that gull or he will die a very meeting Tippi Hedren!” painful death from starvation.’ So off he went quietly in a rowboat, I have to agree with Paul. When amongst the rushes in Bodega Bay I had the opportunity to sit down where we were filming. And he and interview Tippi later during the found the bird! I’ll never forget that. cruise, I found her utterly charming He had such an incredible way with and elegant. She was wearing anoth- those birds.” er stunning outfit, red with black about going to an audition for stripes, with a black necklace and Someone else who has an incred- Leonard Bernstein for a singing role scarf, and gold earrings, bracelet ible way about him is Robert Osborne. in the Broadway musical Wonderful and rings. “I’ve been on a number of I had interviewed him several times Town. At the time, he lived at a com- cruises, but this is the first celebrity by phone over the years, the most plex called The Osborne. I thought, cruise,” she said. “I love it, and it’s recent being for a Washington Post ‘Wow, a building spelled the same so nice to meet so many fans.” story announcing his return to TCM as my name!’ That was kind of cool. after last summer’s hiatus. But meet- So later, the first time I visited New Since her first credited role in The ing him in person on day two of the York, I had my photo taken in front Birds, in 1963, Hedren has worked cruise confirmed what most of us of the building under the awning consistently in film and television, have long suspected: he really is that that says ‘The Osborne’. Well, with several films in development for kind, soft-spoken, and modest per- years went by, and I ended up 2012. She has also taken a lead role son we all see on screen each week. moving to New York and started in animal activism, and developed a So it was no surprise that many to look for an apartment to buy. special interest in large cats after a passengers fondly “stalked” him for Someone told me of a friend role in Satan’s Harvest in 1969, and a handshake, photograph, or brief who had an apartment for sale at later founded The Roar Foundation conversation during the cruise. The Osborne, and when I saw it and Shambala Reserve (www.sham- I realized that was exactly what bala.org). In fact, her passion for “I’ve only been on one other I wanted, so I bought it. Years animals led her to part ways with cruise in my life, and that was years later, I decided that I need- one past beau. “He thought that cir- ago to Acapulco, so I’m really enjoy- ed more space for an office. cuses were wonderful with animals ing this trip and being around so One day, after Bernstein died, in them, and I didn’t!” many film fans,” said Osborne, who a notice came in the mail to say seemed comfortable knowing that Tippi and her fine feathered friend in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds. Page 26 Classic Images February 2012 Robert Taylors and Tyrone Powers one of my favorite films….” But if on the cruise and was not shy about of the world,” he admitted. “I never he was stranded on a desert island discussing the comparisons people met Greta Garbo, and am actually with only one film to watch over and make between him and Osborne. “I glad because I was afraid if I did, the over again, which would he choose? know some people call me the week- illusion about her would have been “Probably Singin’ in the Rain,” he end Robert Osborne, but talk about lost. I guess one person I’d love to said after a brief pause. “Because big shoes to be compared to! I’m not interview who is still around would the music would cheer me up, with preparing to be a Robert Osborne be Deanna Durbin. She’s been a one great number after another, it’s because I’d fail! He’s just signed a recluse since 1947, lives in France funny, and wonderfully entertain- three-year contract, so he’s not going and doesn’t even go by Deanna any- ing.” anywhere, which is awesome.” more. We’ve corresponded by letters over the years, but I’d love to meet Not surprisingly, with his con- While Robert is well-known for and talk to her.” nection to film, Osborne is also a his amazing memory, Ben says he bit of a collector. “I collect movie has pretty good recall too, but has What about the most diffi- posters, but now really have pretty stopped trying to feel like he has to cult interview? “That was Robert much everything I want.” He also be an encyclopedia. “The Internet Mitchum,” said Osborne without has some interesting memorabilia. has not been kind to my memory—I much hesitation. “We had him do “I also have an Oscar! I can’t say no longer have to know the 1965 best a Private Screenings interview, and which one, but it was pre-1949 and picture Oscar nominations off the at lunchtime he was quite chatty—a was awarded to an art director. In top of my head when I can find them Ocean breezes buffet TCM’s Robert great raconteur and talker. But as All about Eve, statuettes for the then on the computer in 25 seconds! I just Osborne as he welcomes the guests on soon as we went on camera, he’d fictional award, the Sarah Siddons try to understand things better. For stage. (Photo credit Debby Thomas) clam up! I asked him, ‘When you Award, were given to Bette Davis, instance, Norman Jewison is one of first met Jane Russell, what was your Celeste Holm, and Anne Baxter my favorite directors and it was great away from the event, he offered to impression of her?’ He said, ‘Don’t in the film. When the filming was to have a conversation with him on do another Q&A session in the much remember.’ I asked ‘Which of your over, writer and director Joseph L. the cruise. I just read his book, but larger Celebrity Theater on Sunday movies would be the best represen- Mankiewicz gave each actress one of didn’t write down pages of notes as evening. The same problem was tative of your work?’ He answered, the statuettes. When she died, Bette I would have done in the past. I just experienced with “A Conversation ‘You decide.’ He was deliberately Davis left hers to me.” read the book, enjoyed it, and what with Ernest Borgnine.” He, too, gave being a scoundrel! But the one inter- I needed to know came back during a second presentation in the larger view that was the most unpleasant The name Mankiewicz, of course, the interview.” Of his many inter- venue on Saturday. would be Jerry Lewis.” He didn’t is often heard through the corridors views, Mankiewicz says his conver- of TCM, as well as on screen. But If there isn’t an expression elaborate, and didn’t really need to. sation with Angie Dickinson before “Cruises make for strange dinner these days it’s more likely to be in a screening of Rio Bravo is a favor- Anyone who watches Osborne reference to Ben, rather than his fellows” there should be, because ite. “Angie is unbelievable. She’s 80, a remarkable coincidence occurred introduce films has probably heard famous Uncle Joe, or screenwriter still furiously sexy, funny, and just him say a hundred times: “This is Grandfather Herman. Ben was also during our Friday evening meal. knows how to work a crowd.” A few months before the cruise, I Delighting a crowd is another was reading about a new book that gift Robert Osborne can add to his dealt with one of my favorite actors, list of talents. On Friday afternoon, Clifton Webb. An acerbic actor who he took questions from the audience counted Harpo Marx, Cole Porter, in a packed Comos Lounge, pleasing and Robert Wagner among his close many with his knowledgeable and friends, Webb had started writing amusing answers. Unfortunately, the his autobiography in 1959, but aban- room was unable to accommodate doned the project and died (1966) all who wanted to attend, and some before it could be completed. A became rather miffed. “This is the university professor, I read, had used second program we tried to get into Webb’s notes to complete the biog- that was full,” one lady told a staff raphy. And so it was during our member as she was turned away. The meal, that the gentleman seated at young man from Sixthman was very our table turned out to be author understanding and pointed out that David L. Smith, who had completed everyone had been told when they that very same book I had been read- purchased their cruise tickets that ing about: “Sitting Pretty: The Life events would fill quickly. “Besides,” and Times of Clifton Webb.” he patiently explained, “there’s not “Webb had no heirs and left a boat anywhere that has a room his estate to his secretary Helen to accommodate 2,000 people.” Matthews,” said Smith. “When she Afterwards, when Osborne learned died, it all went to her sister who The author sits down with Robert for a lively onboard interview with the popular that so many people had been turned TCM host. (Photo credit Debby Thomas) stored the materials in her basement Page 28 Classic Images February 2012 for ten years. It was all later pur- and he did. I told him I was writing Osborne! it to the dance floor in one of the chased by a collector, John Nelyon, a biography on Webb and asked if lounges, much to the enjoyment of who I found when he began selling I could see what Webb had written. On Saturday, day three, we the crowd. some items on eBay. When I con- He told me, ‘You can use anything arrived in Cozumel and most pas- tacted him, he told me he owned you want!’” sengers went off for the day on Day four was Sunday, and we’d Webb’s entire estate. So I asked if various excursions. Once again, my been rather spoiled by the smooth he had the unfinished autobiography, Before Smith had a chance to wife and I just strolled around the seas sailing down to Mexico. That meet with Nelyon, all communi- nearby streets for a few hours. I all changed Saturday evening. While cation from the collector suddenly had little interest in the trinkets the it wasn’t excessively rough, it was stopped—Nelyon had died suddenly local vendors were peddling. My enough to send quite a few pas- of a heart attack. Months later, the wife, however, didn’t share my dis- sengers from the dining room to the man’s widow, Betsy, eventually gave dain for touristy knick-knacks, espe- bathroom throughout Sunday and Smith access to the material. “I used cially when they came in the form first-time cruisers who had, been the six chapters that Webb wrote, of jewelry. After several purchases scoffing at our dramamine patch- and added seven additional chapters were lovingly made, my wallet and I es, quickly changed their tune. using his notes and my research. I returned to the safety of the ship. But despite the rougher weather as dedicated the book to John and Betsy we headed back to Miami, I was Nelyon because without them there Saturday was also dance day, still anticipating our interview and would have been no book.” and ballroom dancing lessons were photo session with Ernest Borgnine. offered, while in the evening the Big Celebrities sometimes get criti- After listening to David recount- Band Swing Party was held. Two cized for being self-absorbed, but ing the genesis of his book over young dancers were announced as that’s not a label you could pin on dinner, we concluded Friday eve- “special surprise guests,” and by Borgnine. Although he was clearly ning with one more TCM event—a the crowd’s response, seemed to a showman and enjoyed interacting screening of Casablanca. Just before be recognized. Proving that I truly with fans, their admiration for him the showing, a dapper gentleman am stuck in the world of classic seemed a little overwhelming. “Oh walked on stage in a white jack- film and television, I had no earthly my goodness, I couldn’t have been et, black tie and hat, and began idea who these people were. Seems treated better by the TCM folks or introducing the film. Of course, it there’s a popular show around these Wink Martindale hosts trivia contest. fans. I don’t know why, because I (Photo credit Debby Thomas) wasn’t Rick Blaine—it was Robert days called Dancing with the Stars. certainly don’t deserve it,” he said Perhaps you’ve heard of it? As humbly. I naturally suggested he for the dancers, they were Chelsie was being too modest. “I don’t see it 35th Annual Hightower and Louis Van Amstel, that way,” he said. “To me, acting is but again those names meant noth- just a job I do for a living. I’m just a WESTERN FILM FAIR ing to me. Had they been called Fred working stiff and want to get along Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Ginger, or Marge and Gower, July 11-14, 2012 with everyone. I don’t go in for all I might have paid more attention. that adulation stuff. It’s one thing Rate � NEW LOCATION! � However, not to detract from their to like an actor, but the kind of love Hotel Room talents, the two certainly displayed $78.00/night HAWTHORNE INN & people have shown me is amazing. I Breakfast Includes Hot CONFERENCE CENTER impressive moves. Passengers were just want to be one of the gang on the 420 High Street, Winston Salem, NC especially thrilled when Ernie and Take I-40 Business, exit 5C ship.” Phone: 800-972-3774 Eva Marie suddenly appeared brief- Website: www.hawthorneinn.com ly on stage to display their own At the same time, Borgnine HUGE dealer’s space! Use our group code number ,/8 cool, albeit slower, moves with the admitted that recognition is also a to get the special rate. youngsters! 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He got The Hawthorne Inn offers the Julie Adams Nancy Stafford his answer, he says, years later on a following guest room amenities: Deluxe Hot Breakfast trip to Easter Island. “I put my head High Speed Internet Availability Beautiful Outdoor Pool OTHER GUESTS up out of the boat to look for the stat- Full Service Bayberry Bistro Restaurant WILL BE Well Equipped Fitness Center ANNOUNCED ues on the island and a woman on the AS CONFIRMED dock nearby saw me. ‘Oh my God, Our website www.hawthorneinn.com also offers directional maps Guests appearance subject Ernest Borgnine!’ she yelled. And I along with other visitor information to health and availability. said to myself, ‘You’ve made it!’” Dawn Wells For more information, contact Tommy Hildreth Of course, Borgnine “made 828-524-5251 Email: [email protected] it” many decades ago now, and www.westernfilmfair.com Photographer Debby Thomas poses with recounted stories from his career TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz. www.classicimages.com Page 29 when Osborne interviewed him on During my interview with today’s actors—they don’t speak energizes him,” she told me as we the cruise, as well as when the pair Borgnine, I also wanted to look clearly, and break out in this Marlon were preparing to take photos. “If introduced two Borgnine films, ahead to his latest feature, The Man Brando style of mumbling. That’s you think these film fans adore him, Emperor of the North and The Who Shook the Hand of Vicente because they expect everything will you should see how the military Poseidon Adventure (the irony of Fernandez, to be released in 2012. be redone in the dubbing room later. respond. I’ve traveled the world with the latter being shown on a cruise “The young man who wrote and But that’s not for me. I say do it right him as he visited military bases and ship caused no end of chuckling!). directed the film, Elia Petridis—I now, because that’s what comes from hospitals, and he can’t leave without While some of Borgnine’s tales had think this was only his first or second the heart.” seeing everyone. And it’s multigen- been told previously in his bestsell- picture—wrote me a lovely letter and erational, too. We were in Norfolk ing 2008 autobiography, “Ernie,” it said he had a role that only I could Also coming from Borgnine’s for a change of commands on a huge hardly mattered to audience mem- do. Well, that got me interested and heart is his love and support for the destroyer and were walking down bers who hung on every word as they I read the script. I play a man who is military (Borgnine served in the U.S. the pier during prom night. The were thrilled just to be seated a few bitter about never becoming famous Navy for ten years). Fellow navy young guys in their tuxes walked by feet away from one of their favorite and who ends up in an assisted liv- veteran and personal friend Kathi and whispered to each other, ‘It’s film personalities. ing home, and Barry Corbin is my Dugan has known Borgnine for 30 Ernie Borgnine!’ He just loves those protagonist who runs the place with years and she accompanied him on guys and they love him!” Less well known than his famous an iron fist. When it’s learned that the cruise. “This type of venue really sea disaster film, 1973’s Emperor I once shook the hand of Vicente of the North features Borgnine Fernandez, who is a real Mexican as a vicious railroad man. “Sam singer, the employees treat me like Peckinpah was supposed to be the a celebrity. It’s a little complicated, director, but they took it away from but I think we’ve got a nice little him and gave it to Bob Aldrich. I picture coming out.” finished The Poseidon Adventure on a Friday night, and Saturday went up In the past decade alone, to Portland, Oregon, and Sunday met Borgnine has appeared in almost 30 up with Bob. He said, ‘Ernie, have films and many TV shows, a number you ever worked on trains before?’ that could be considered a career for I said ‘No Sir.’ ‘Don’t forget,’ he some actors. Since he has worked told me, ‘you never look down when with so many young actors in recent running on the top of a train.’” years, I wondered how they reacted Borgnine says he wasn’t too thrilled to a veteran of his status on the set. at this advice and decided to mimic a “Some act a little amazed initially, close actor friend with a wonky eye. kind of like I did when I first worked “I said this man [Aldrich] is mad! with people like Spencer Tracy, but Not look down? So I pulled a Jack then they settle down once the work Elam—I kept one eye down on the begins,” he explained. “But I tell ground and one eye ahead!” you, I do have one problem with

Passengers greet Ernest Borgnine on the first evening of the TCM Classic Cruise. Author David Smith holds a copy of his Clifton Webb book and the Webb self por- (Photo Credit Debby Thomas) trait Smith owns. Photo in Smith's home office in Indianapolis. Page 30 Classic Images February 2012 Like the other stars, Borgnine Marie was in good form, as evident The Hitchcock theme continued film fan! agreed to pose for some photo- by her playful sense of humor. “If on Sunday night with a Hitchcock graphs. So we took them, and as we you look at the Hitchcock catalog,” trivia contest. While some ques- Although her legs hurt through- left, a woman decked out in a 1950’s Osborne began, “Ingrid Bergman tions were easy—What is the only out the cruise, Betty enjoyed the pro- outfit caught my eye. So I asked her, [Notorious] was not a blonde, Teresa Hitchcock film Tallulah Bankhead grams and guests. Like her, and so “Would you like to pose for a photo Wright [Shadow of a Doubt] was starred in?—others were more chal- many others, I would certainly clas- with Ernest Borgnine?” She agreed, not a blonde, Tallulah Bankhead lenging—What is the tune Cary sify the first TCM Classic Cruise a and we raced back to catch Ernie [Lifeboat] was not a blonde ….” “So Grant whistles in the shower scene success and hope that future cruises for one last photo before he headed why are we here?” quipped Saint, to in North by Northwest? Our team become a reality, too. I asked sev- off to the next event. “Oh, I love it,” the laughter of the audience. did much better this time around, but eral TCM representatives about this Borgnine exclaimed when he saw her was still outclassed by the others. possibility and they acknowledged outfit. “I met you last night and you Appreciating the humor, Osborne that the positive feedback from the were dressed in the ‘30s!” he said wondered if the general belief that The final day of the cruise, passengers was already causing to her. It turned out the woman was Hitchcock favored blondes was just Monday, was a short, uneventful them to give serious consideration to Cicely Hansen who runs Decades of a myth. Eva Marie wasn’t sure, but one, and we were off the boat and on future cruises. Certainly there were Fashion, a vintage clothing and cos- Tippi suggested that blondes have our way home by 10 a.m. Passengers some small glitches, but these could tume store in San Francisco. In fact, both an innocence and a sense of mys- had come from all fifty states, as well be addressed easily in the future. I she’s well-known on the classic film tery about them, which she thought as Canada and Europe, so getting to also found passengers were eager to festival circuit and many of the pas- might have appealed to Hitchcock. Miami for the cruise was no small speculate on who would make ideal sengers commented about her during Eva Marie’s sense of humor was effort for some. To illustrate how celebrity guests on a future cruise. the cruise and her frequently chang- also apparent when I interviewed determined some passengers were, Jane Powell, star of Luxury Liner ing attire which she often chose to her and she talked about Osborne. “I let me conclude with the story of a (1948), was a popular choice. So match with the era of the film she call him the Rock Star of the classic Florida woman, in her eighties, and too was June Lockhart, especially was attending. I was told that for a movie world! I love my husband named Betty. A life-long film fan, with her acting heritage and par- previous TCM Los Angeles film fes- of 60 years, then Robert Osborne!” Betty lives in Sarasota and did not ents, Gene and Kathleen. Topping tival, she had taken a dozen trunks Saint has admired Osborne for years, want to make the 220-mile drive to the wish list was Debbie Reynolds. filled with clothes in order to make although she said they only met for Miami. According to Betty, her trav- With her outgoing personality, and her many wardrobe changes! the first time at a recent TCM Film el agent hired a limousine to drive extensive Hollywood knowledge Festival in Los Angeles. “Fans her. She had arranged to be picked and experience, Debbie would be There were plenty of activi- always ask me, ‘What was Marlon up outside a convenience store near ideal. Besides, who wouldn’t want ties scheduled for Sunday. A much Brando really like?’ or “What was her home, where she waited … and the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” on anticipated event was the appearance it like to kiss Gary Grant?’ But now, waited … and waited. Four hours their cruise? of both Eva Marie Saint and Tippi they also ask, ‘What’s it like to be later, after standing the whole time Hedren being introduced by Osborne hugged by Robert Osborne?’” and her legs swelling, Betty felt she Nick Thomas is author of the as “The Hitchcock Blondes.” Eva had no other option other than to hire recently released book, “Raised a taxi to drive her from Sarasota to by the Stars: Interviews with 29 Miami at an additional cost of $500! Children of Hollywood Actors” and Now that’s one determined classic can be reached through his web site www.raisedbythestars.com

Robert with Eva Marie (right) and her husband, director Jeffrey Hayden, during the sail away party. (Photo credit Debby Thomas) Fans gather around celebrities and TCM staff at the Sail Away Party. (Debby Thomas)