James Mason on Hedda Hopper (and CC)

Richard Carnahan · External Since: Jun 01, 2007 Posts: 54

Hedda Hopper was ten times the bitch that Louella Parsons could ever
be. Whenever I read her column she was saying something vile about
people I liked or respected: She was vile to Rex Harrison, and she
practically went to war against Charlie Chaplin. So much so that I
would say that she, more than any other individual, was responsible
for Chaplin's shabby treatment at the hands of the United States
Immigration Department.
-James Mason (from BEFORE I FORGET/Hamish Hamilton-London, 1981)

Candace · External Since: Jul 03, 2007 Posts: 10

As much as I adore James Mason, he shouldn't be trashing Hedda for
hating Rex Harrison. Everyone in Hollywood (except Lili Palmer and
Carol Landis), hated Rex. The perenially happy Julie Andrews even
hated Rex. He was cheap, rude, petty, petulant and a Diva. He was sexy
as all get out, but as a human being he was not a nice fellow. Rachel
Roberts was Rex's fourth wife and she hated him even during their
marriage! Richard Burton got along with most people but even if found
Rex "extremely tiresome and trying."

And George, you're mistaken that it was Hedda who bedded Harry Truman,
that was Lauren Bacall. Remember she briefly left Bogie and had that
that quickie with Harry on top of that upright piano in early '45? Smile

George Shelps · External Since: Jul 09, 2003 Posts: 1839

Carnahan quoting James Mason:

>So much so that I would say that she,
>more than any other individual, was
>responsible for Chaplin's shabby
>treatment at the hands of the United
>States Immigration Department.

Not to mention her affair with Harry
Truman.

constance.kuriyama · External Since: Jun 01, 2007 Posts: 17

On Jul 4, 7:10 pm, Candace <ulys....DeleteThis@mscomm.com> wrote:
> As much as I adore James Mason, he shouldn't be trashing Hedda for
> hating Rex Harrison. Everyone in Hollywood (except Lili Palmer and
> Carol Landis), hated Rex. The perenially happy Julie Andrews even
> hated Rex. He was cheap, rude, petty, petulant and a Diva. He was sexy
> as all get out, but as a human being he was not a nice fellow. Rachel
> Roberts was Rex's fourth wife and she hated him even during their
> marriage! Richard Burton got along with most people but even if found
> Rex "extremely tiresome and trying."
>
> And George, you're mistaken that it was Hedda who bedded Harry Truman,
> that was Lauren Bacall. Remember she briefly left Bogie and had that
> that quickie with Harry on top of that upright piano in early '45? Smile

Why "even during their marriage"? Isn't that the time when most people
find out
the truth about their dream lover? Wink

Connie K.

Candace · External Since: Jul 03, 2007 Posts: 10

Rachel Roberts was Welsh and didn't suffer fools gladly. She stayed
married to Rex for 9 years when most assumed she would dump him after
a few months.

Richard Burton's diaries have some hilarious insights into their
whacky, booze-soaked marriage. After fights with Rex, Rachel would
curl up in the fetal position and cuddle with one of her basset
hounds, saying, "At least my dog loves me. Rex doesn't!"

constance.kuriyama · External Since: Jun 01, 2007 Posts: 17

On Jul 9, 1:03 pm, Candace <ulys... DeleteThis @mscomm.com> wrote:
> Rachel Roberts was Welsh and didn't suffer fools gladly. She stayed
> married to Rex for 9 years when most assumed she would dump him after
> a few months.
>
> Richard Burton's diaries have some hilarious insights into their
> whacky, booze-soaked marriage. After fights with Rex, Rachel would
> curl up in the fetal position and cuddle with one of her basset
> hounds, saying, "At least my dog loves me. Rex doesn't!"

I dimly recall reading somewhere that his children didn't care much
for him
either. Their impression was that all of his affection was devoted to
himself.

Connie K.

Candace · External Since: Jul 03, 2007 Posts: 10

Yes, Noel Harrison and Carey Harrison (his son from Lili Palmer) both
talked openly of what a rotten dad he was. When Noel brought home a
girlfriend one evening, he later found the girl sprawled on the sofa
half clad, embracing Rex. Incredibly (or maybe not-so-incredibly), Rex
didn't even stop necking with Noel's girlfriend, just disentangled
himself momentarily, shooed Noel off, locked the door, and finished
his business with her.

Noel stood outside the door, listening and said he shortly thereafter
threw up in disgust and embarrassment. Rex breezily said to him
afterwards, "I'd think you could pick up classier tarts than that cow.
After all, you're my son."

Does anyone know any good stories about Pamela Mason, James' wife
until 1964? Morgan Mason, their son, has said she was incredibly
promiscuous and slept with everyone. Poor James.