Written 1974 Part 2 of 2
Cordova House Hotel, London England
"What was Elizabeth Taylor's photo doing in here"? I thought. My curiosity got the better of me and I just had to find out. The next morning, ("Straightaway" as the British say) I approached the young, sleepy Bell Hop still On Duty from the night before. As he was about to go & get some shuteye; I stopped him with my pressing question.
"Why is her Photo here"? His tired eyes opened wide & his mouth turned up with a joyous grin. "She stayed at this hotel 2 years ago filming a movie".
" Were you here then"? I asked. "No, he said wistfully. But by the look in his eye; I could tell the hotel was still not over it. I let the young chap get his slumber but my curiosity was not stilled.
The Hall Porter was an English gentleman in his 50's and I asked him: "Were you here when she was here"? His eyes twinkled and he smiled and said, "Yes". He told me the Cast stayed here for 3 whole months filming "Night Watch".
I asked him why she had picked this Hotel. It was a lovely little place; but not exactly the type of luxurious accomodation that they must be accustomed to. He said, "She & her Movie Crew stayed here because the Set Location was just across the way; and it couldn't be more convenient".
He didn't seem reluctant to talk, and yet he was honestly sincere in his devotion to her as a guest, and his good taste was evident in his answers to me; always putting her in a good light & repecting her privacy.
"What was she like", I asked; trying not to sound like a nervous school girl asking for an Autograph at a Stage Door. "Never gave a bit of trouble", he said. "A real lady".
I commented that he must have had his hands full keeping the adoring and not so adoring public away. He shook his head up & down vigorously and seemed to be remembering the way it was with fondness and great delight.
"She even came down for breakfast", he said. "And all the other guests would ask me the night before what time will she be having breakfast tomorrow".
I always thought I was one of the few uncatty women left in the world and very proud of it; but even I couldn't hold back the next question.
"Was her husband with her"? "No, he didn't want any part of that scene; but he did pick her up nightly at the door in a Chauffeured Limo to go out on the town".
I then admitted to him that I was a Writer; and I might write something on this. "Would you like to give your name", I asked casually.
"No", he said smiling, "That won't be necessary". But at that very moment a few feet away; the Desk Clerk pressed her Bell & called, "Richard"!
My heartfelt sympathy to her Family & to her world of Fans!
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V.Corso
OS Weekend Fiction Club
Thoth
Blinddream
Procopius
Rob St. Amant
Salon.com
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