A Starlet’s Story Europe by Selene Walters Lamm Book Read Online And Epub File Download
Overview: A Starlet’s Story: Europe is a journal written by Selene Walters that follows her travels through Europe in 1973. As she embarks on this journey, her star power comes into play while her strong will and independent spirit provide the strength during this extraordinary trot through Europe. Selene mingles with royalty, foreign dignitaries and even some hippies. Her adventures are highlighted by interactions with people from all walks of life—some are friends from her storied past, but many are perfect strangers that she creates valuable friendships with. While past her prime as a model and actress, she possesses the ability to have many eligible, and maybe some not so eligible bachelors swooning for her. Blossoming from a farm girl in rural Missouri during the Depression into a glamorous bicoastal beauty queen, her perspective is sharp, witty, and insightful. Follow her through one of the most thrilling times of her life.
A Starlet’s Story Europe by Selene Walters Lamm Book Read Online Chapter One
Europe 1973
August 3rd (Friday) NEW YORK.
Took all day to repack and deposit 2 large pieces of luggage and many odds and ends with Mrs. Gloria Denham, including several coats and a typewriter, with my dear friend Frank.
Rained hard all day. Kept listening to weather reports via radio & TV — hoping for clear weather. Am very uneasy and never relaxed in planes.
Airport limousine called for passengers at my hotel (Roosevelt) and Frank & I waited patiently. The rain subsided and turned into a storm - a virtual sauna.
The ride to the Kennedy Airport was hellish. Never have I experienced such a nightmare! Sped on a wet, slick freeway - darting in & out of cars like an Indianapolis speed racer - same time playing hideous rock music at a deafening pitch. Tailgating behind every car and slamming on brakes at least a ½ dozen times! I was so ill when we finally arrived at the Olympic Airways terminal, I had to take two aspirins.
Frank was also burned to a crisp, and we both agreed not to give that greaseball a dime in tip. The driver was furious, of course, but Frank gave him where to — and I added my 2 cents.
My ticket was negotiated through my very good & longtime friend, Mr. Costa Gratsos, who is business partners with Aristotle Onassis and Johnny Meyer.
In 1949, I sailed on one of Mr. Gratsos’ cargo ships, the SS Audrey (named after his mistress), and of course, as one of his guests. Since that was my first trip to Europe - and had such resounding success - met the Shah of Iran and consequently continued on for a Palace visit in Teheran - Costa never quite got over that, and ever since then, my “status” soared in his book.
Johnny Meyer is Onassis’ right hand man, and our friendship dates back to my Hollywood starlet days - when Johnny was aid-de-camp emeritus to the legendary billionaire Howard Hughes. Johnny did in fact introduce me to Howard Hughes, and like many other beautiful, young starlets at the time, went out with Mr. Hughes frequently.
Johnny Meyer is an ace public relations man - bar none. He felt that extremely beautiful girls should meet & hopefully marry America’s millionaires. And he was very popular - as he is witty and super-intelligent. His forte was putting together deals. Everyone benefitted. And so, as the years went on and so many of us scattered, some disappeared, Johnny steadily went to work for one billionaire after the other.
It was a happy and warm experience being in Costa’s executive suite on the penthouse of 888 7th Avenue. I had no appointment - not wanting to make one - but was ushered in instantly to the inner-sanction. Costa looked the same - perennial pipe and a very thick Greek accent. We talked for an hour, and he called for Johnny Meyer to come down to his office immediately. Then, the three of us embraced and recalled many happy times of the past, when the world was more glamorous - and clubs & elegant restaurants reigned supreme.
So my Olympic Airline trip was ticketed 1st class but at a great reduction.
To show my appreciation I went to Cartier and bought two small sterling silver picture frames - for the desks of Mr. Gratsos & Johnny Meyer.
Frank & I enjoyed the lavish and well-stocked bar in the V.I.P. lounge - for all 1st class passengers. Although neither of us like alcohol, we settled for soda.
At 9:45 p.m. my flight was called. Out of nowhere appeared a flunky to help carry on my luggage, as I had the privilege of being allowed all the luggage I wanted - at no charge.
Frank went to the gate of the plane & was not allowed further. I simply stepped from a velvety carpeted room - right into the floor of the plane. My seat was up front and had much leg room. I said a silent prayer - thought of my loved ones - and at exactly 10 p.m. we rolled down the runway. Seconds later we were climbing - climbing - and leaving the bright lights of New York far behind.
Non Fumeurs signs were over each door. “No Smoking.” The air in the plane was pristine clean - smelled like the posh scent of Madame Coco Chanel’s couture house on Rue Cambon - Paris.
How delightful! A touch of Paris already.
Soon as we were aloft - the very attractive air hostesses began to serve sparkling French champagne in delicate, shimmering crystal stemmed glasses. There was also a portable steel chrome bar with all known whiskies - scotch - etc.
Then, Iranian caviar was served in large crystal & silver bowls - then - snowy white damask linen table cloths were spread on trays before each passenger. Sterling silver - salade verte - and chateaubriand butter in shape of flowers - a gourmet’s delight. A liqueur was served, coffee & dessert.
After that came a color movie. Jasper with Patricia Neal. So-so. Then suddenly, I glanced across the aisle and saw the sky lighting up! It was growing steadily lighter every second. It was precisely 1 a.m. New York time! Of course, we were flying towards the sun and it was already morning - as we soared across the heavens at 550 miles per hour! Soon as it grew lighter & lighter, I smelled fresh coffee perking! My stars! Is it possible? Have we streaked across the sky already? And, the flight was so very smooth - not a bump! It was a delight!
We started dipping down through the clouds, and the pilot announced we were over London. By the time I looked out my window - we weren’t within 30 minutes, we were streaking down the runway at Orly Airport - Paris!
It was a clear, cool morning and exactly 9 a.m. on the dot! Again - pure magic. I stepped right out of the blue-carpeted luxury Olympic Airlines plane into a modern, elongated room - English signs posted everywhere - as it is clear to all world travelers that English is now the universal language! At one time, French held that prestige. No more.
Orly Airport was a mass of humanity, I had never seen so many travelers! It seemed like 50,000 people were all coming & going!
However, I collected my luggage instantly & since I could not score up a porter, piled my luggage onto a steel cart & wheeled it to customs. The French inspector waved me on - didn’t look at a thing. Taking full advantage of my good luck, I zoomed on out of the glass electric doors to a waiting taxi.
The driver loaded in my luggage & we sped on. The Hilton Hotel was only one block from the Orly Airport - & at first, I thought I should try to stay there the night, as I had been invited already for cocktails & dinner by one of the men passengers, but I decided that could be a costly few hours. I was sure - even if I could have gotten accommodations - it would cost me at least $25.00 to sleep there one night - & I still would have problems with all my luggage. And so, I decided it would be prudent to speed straight to St. Lazare Station in the Montparnasse, because my fast train to Deauville left from there early next morning. So I had cashed $10.00 into francs at the airport, thinking it would be sufficient to pay the taxi but - lo! & behold! The taxi driver demanded the entire $10.00! I nearly fainted, but I had to give it to him. Then, I had $1.00 to give a railroad porter to check my luggage overnight & he would not touch my $1.00! Wow! How times have changed! The recent devaluation of the American dollar had sunk to a new low. I could see that from here on in- I had better look out, as the money was simply disappearing from my hands! I had to go immediately to the foreign exchange window at St. Lazare - & wait in line 45 minutes to cash $30.00 more into francs. Then I paid the porter dix franc note ($2.00) - and another dix franc to the baggage check - $2.00 for the overnight check - I had just spent $4.00 again - Wow!
With my makeup kit - & pajamas I set out on foot to locate a small hotel nearby. No point in trying to live it up in big style that 1st night in Paris, early next morning I must catch the train for Deauville.
I checked into the first little hotel I saw. And, it was across the street - right in front of the St. Lazare Station! So, I was lucky - because for one night, I found a lovely room avec bath facing the station - 33 francs ($8.00), and there were many young Japanese in the lobby - who seem to be swarming over Europe and U.S.A. All friendly, fashionably dressed and seemingly affluent. However, they were all quite “gay” but not too oppressive.
I slept all day - as I had not closed my eyes on the plane - and awakened at 9 p.m.! Being very hungry - quickly put myself together and set out to find a small bistro or restaurant. Walking only two blocks, I was approached by three men - a dirty looking Arab, and two Frenchmen. But they vanished quickly as soon as they got the “message” to scram!
After a sandwich - croque monsieur - and a salade verte and un coca, I went back to hotel.
Stopped to pen some letters in the lobby & well - a whole new scene - right out of a romantic comedy. The lobby was deserted, except for a very tall - handsome, young (24) Sorbonne student with a face out of Tolstoy - Vladimir Pavlovich mannerisms- who was speaking English very badly with a thick Russian accent. We discussed books, writing, history, politics, Nixon, U.S.A. and sex! He had a beard but not long hair.
The name of the hotel:
Anglo - Americain
113, 115, Rue St. Lazare,
Paris
Aug. 5, 1973 Sunday
The train sped so fast that it was nothing but a green blur. I met a charming older French lady sitting across the aisle. Very aristocratic and intelligent - maybe even worldly. At any rate, she reminded me very much of Lady Thelma Furness.
Arrived in Deauville at noon. It was warm and windy - as the hotel I am staying - The Normandy - is on the oceanfront.
I was again exhausted but spent hours hanging up dresses - putting away clothes - etc.
Slept until 7 p.m. & then dressed for the evening - as the Earl of Carnarvon (Highclere Castle) Berks, Eng. was calling for me at 8:30 p.m. His plane from London was late, but his manners were impeccable. He phoned my concierge & left a téléphonique message.
I wore a long, floor-length dinner gown of black velvet. It was Sunday (Dimanche), and I felt it to be conservative enough for Sunday dinner.
The Earl (Porshey) took me to the elegant Les Ambassadeurs Casino de Deauville - which happens to be across the street.
This is not my first visit to Deauville - and I had been to the glittering gambling palace before. But enjoyed it just the same. It was the last word in opulence - chandeliers - tuxedos - huge baskets of fresh flowers all over - a live orchestra and terribly elegant people.
The dinner was elaborate - about 6 courses - 3 kinds of wine and a large bottle of champagne, cooled in a silver urn. You could say it was almost the “last tango” in Paris. Plenty of tangos were played. No hippies here - good night - NO!
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