Voices Behind the Curtain

by Gordon Zuckerman

  When invitations to Sir Colin’s soiree failed to include many of his aristocratic friends, they concluded Natalie must be planning something very different. The list of invitations had been limited to Natalie’s friends from the theater, influential members of England’s film community, and certain members of the press.

  The night of the reception arrived quickly. A quintet, specially selected from the London Philharmonic Orchestra, was seated just inside the entrance of the grand ballroom, playing a medley of tunes from some of Natalie’s old shows. The men were dressed in their traditional nighttime black-tie tuxedos, and the women had used the occasion as an excuse to wear their finest gowns and their most exquisite jewelry.

  Mercedes, looking as glamorous as ever, was circulating among the guests, introducing herself and making careful mental notes of everyone she met. Not knowing what to expect, to a person, they were pleasantly surprised by the interest she seemed to show in them. Although, it would have been impossible for them to not be conscious of her size and physical beauty, they were impressed by how skillfully she steered the conversation to talking about things they were interested in.

  Gloria, with a glass of vodka firmly grasped in her left hand, was saying hello to her old friends, tactfully acknowledging the people she knew by reputation, and graciously allowing herself to be introduced to the others. Their conversations seemed to center on their own experiences involving obstruction of personal liberties. Colin’s guests were discovering how intelligent, friendly, and brave this former movie actress really was. Although they didn’t realize it at the time, telling Gloria stories would become a future pastime.

  At precisely nine o’clock, Sir Colin Meyer stepped up on the small stage. After asking for silence, he said, “Thank you for accepting Natalie’s and my invitation. I hope you will become as excited as I have to learn what Natalie and her friends hope to accomplish. Before Natalie sings a few songs, she has something to say.”

  Dressed in a pair of faded blue Levi Strauss jeans, a red and white checkered shirt, a bright red neckerchief, highly polished high-heeled cowgirl boots, and a broad-brimmed cowboy hat, Natalie emerged from stage left, accompanied by music from Oklahoma! The crowd greeted her with the kind of enthusiastic ovation a fine star and an old friend clearly deserves. Taking her place in front of a grand piano, the only prop on the stage, Natalie flashed her famous smile, kicked up one of her heels, and patiently waited for the applause to die down.

  “Thank you for coming. As most of you know, one of the nicest things that can happen in the life of a musical actress is performing for her friends, which is exactly what I plan to do tonight. But first, I would like to tell you a little story.”

  As briefly as possible, Natalie described the essentials of the American situation: the HUAC trials, Gloria’s performance, and the ongoing efforts to blacklist and terrify prominent members of Hollywood’s filmmaking colony. “My message is quite simple: I have come here to ask for your cooperation in constructing a bridge—a bridge that will connect Hollywood talent with your filmmaking employment opportunities here in London.”

  After waiting, once again, for the applause to die down, Natalie said, “I would like to introduce you to a special person and an important new friend of mine, Miss Mercedes Velasquez. Some of you may recall that she was a former Miss Universe from Toledo, Spain. After I return to Los Angeles, Mercedes will remain here in London to be available to meet with you, discuss your employment needs in greater depth, and communicate her understanding to me so that I can organize a short-list of commercially proven, qualified, and motivated candidates for your review. Once a perceived fit has been established, Mercedes and I will be prepared to work with you in making whatever arrangements are necessary for you to meet face-to-face with the appropriate candidates. I only hope you will find working with Miss Velasquez as interesting and rewarding as we have.”

  A brisk round of applause broke out. A voice from the audience could be heard, “Love, tell us what you need.” Responding, Natalie said, “That will come later. Now, without further delay, I would like to introduce another friend of mine and my most recent song-and-dance partner, the ‘Heroine of Hollywood,’ Mrs. Gloria Adams.” And before beckoning the older actress to join her, she said, “Gloria really needs no introduction. The testimony of this brave woman before the House Un-American Activities Committee has made it possible for future witnesses to avail themselves of their constitutional rights, as provided by the First and Fifth Amendments of the American Constitution. Properly armed with their rights and given proper legal representation we would like to believe the tyranny of the government attacking its citizen can be stopped.

  “Gloria’s many contributions have hit a nerve with the American public and the working press. By so courageously standing up to the intimidating tactics employed by members of the HUAC, Gloria’s remarkable performance reminded the American public of its need to remain vigilant to threats that could compromise their personal liberties and be prepared to voice their opinions at the ballot box. I hope you’ll be interested to hear, straight from this self-described ‘pissed-off old broad,’ some of the experiences she’s encountered along the way.”

  With the aid of a small footstool, Gloria climbed up and perched herself on top of the piano. The inveterate storyteller regaled the crowd with tales of her appearance before the HUAC and her never-ending romance with the fascinated press. The guests were spellbound by the feisty woman who held a glass of vodka in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

  Worried the questions would never stop, Natalie stepped forward and spoke. “Okay, everybody, it’s time for you to allow a couple of song-and-dance women an opportunity to do what we enjoy most . . . singing to our friends.”

  Thirty minutes later, Natalie, amid the applause, whistles, and the cries of encore, thanked the audience for their gracious response. “Before we depart, I would like to tell you the real question we hope we are asking. Why shouldn’t English movie producers take advantage of the recent availability of box-officeproven American actors, writers, and directors? These Hollywood blacklisted people are the same people who would ordinarily be engaged in the making of new movies expected to generate large box-office receipts in America. Should you have an interest, please call upon us. As the name ‘Natalie’s Bridge’ implies, we are here to assist you in connecting with Hollywood personalities who have expressed interest in working in England. Why shouldn’t you take advantage of Hollywood’s short-sightedness?”

  Excited members of the audience could be seen gathered around each of the three women. When they weren’t asking questions, they were handing out their business cards; it took a long time before the excited crowd began to file out of the big ballroom. David Marcus had been standing, unnoticed, on the outer periphery of the large crowd. He was waiting for the last of the people to leave. He was hoping to have a private conversation with Natalie.

  As she was completing her conversation with some of the last people to leave, Natalie couldn’t help but notice his presence. His red hair seem particularly bright. Surprised by his appearance, she was talking and thinking, Why would David, after all this time, make an appearance at Sir Colin’s reception? He certainly wasn’t on my guest list. How could he have been admitted without showing his invitation to one of the guards? Now I remember . . . He and Sir Colin are old friends. David must have convinced Colin it was important for him to see me. I don’t know whether I should be happy or sad that David would go to so much trouble.

  When David suggested she join him for a late-night dinner in the Grille at the Claridges Hotel, she understood they were about to have a very serious conversation.

  CHAPTER 31

  Dinner at Claridges

  LONDON, ENGLAND, MAY 1949

  They were sitting at the same corner table in Claridges Grille, where they had resumed their relationship 3 years ago. David was doing all the talking; a cool and reserved Natalie sat quietly listening. I wonder if this discussion is going to be
another one of those “Statue of Liberty” conversations like the one I had with Jacques when he told me he was leaving me for Claudine.

  * * *

  DAVID ORDERED A BOTTLE OF THEIR FAVORITE WHITE WINE AND TWO orders of fillet of sole. Attempting to pull her into the conversation, he asked, “Isn’t this the same table where you were sitting that night when I wandered into the Grille?”

  * * *

  RECEIVING NO RESPONSE, DAVID TRIED CHANGING THE SUBJECT. “Natalie, you had to be pleased by everyone’s response to your little talk. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that your idea for a new play is going to receive a lot of support. I’m amazed at how far you have brought your program in such a short period of time. From my vantage point in the rear of the room I could watch people’s reaction. You certainly held their attention, and from listening to what they said, I’m quite certain you will be receiving their cooperation.”

  * * *

  IT WAS AT THAT POINT WHEN THE WAITER ARRIVED WITH THE WINE, abasket of rolls, and a small dish of unsalted butter. Pausing to sample the wine, David continued. “Natalie, I can understand why you must be very upset with me. Please bear with me. You have no idea how difficult it was for me to come to your party and have this conversation. There have been many times when I thought of disappearing and not trying to help you understand what has happened. If I didn’t love and respect you so much, I wouldn’t be sitting here, hoping you will understand what I am about to tell you.

  * * *

  “NATALIE, YOUR SILENCE ISN’T MAKING THIS SITUATION ANY EASIER for me. But, what the hell, here goes. I think my problem began the night we were driving over the Bay Bridge, on our way back to Berkeley. I remember thinking how threatened I was by the idea that you might want to find out what it was like to star in a musical. Knowing your aversion for returning to the life of a ‘dancing bear,’ I assumed that the best way to ensure that our life together would not be interrupted by what was happening was to let things run their course and be as supportive as possible.

  * * *

  “I THINK, EMOTIONALLY, EACH TIME I TOOK YOU TO THE TRAIN, I was secretly holding my breath until I saw you step off the train when you returned. You have no idea how relieved I was that day when you returned so thoroughly upset with those Hollywood producers.”

  * * *

  PAUSING TO POUR HIMSELF A SECOND GLASS OF WINE, DAVID continued. “It was when I perceived your growing interest in the ‘Hollywood Ten’ that I really became alarmed; you were starting to develop an independent interest in helping those people. If you recall, I don’t think I missed one of those early trips to the dinner parties in Southern California. I even rearranged some of my trips so that they wouldn’t interfere. I always thought that your interest was a passing fancy and in time, would resolve itself. Looking back, I guess I was guilty of wishful thinking.

  * * *

  “ONCE I BEGAN TO REALIZE HOW SERIOUS YOU WERE BECOMING, I knew that things were going to change. That is when I began to think back through the second phase of our relationship, the one that started at this very table. Try as I might, I could never figure out a way to explain how upsetting I found having to share you with your new interests. How does a grown, intelligent man say, I can only be happy when you are fully devoted to me and my interests?”

  * * *

  INTERRUPTED BY THE WAITER SERVING THEIR DINNER, DAVID concentrated on his meal. Still no comment from Natalie. Understanding that she wasn’t going to respond, he continued. “The more I thought about these last 2 years, the more I realized that we reduced two separate lives into one, one where you were my friend and research assistant, and lovers. Without realizing it, I became totally dependent on your constant attention and your love. Before you, I devoted my life to my work; women were options to fill temporary voids. For the first time in my life, I learned to enjoy sharing my life with one woman.

  * * *

  “AT FIRST, I COULDN’T UNDERSTAND WHY I WAS SO UPSET. I STOPPED joining you for all those dinner invitations. I started scheduling more trips to England and the Middle East, hoping the distraction would make the hurt go away.

  * * *

  “UNFORTUNATELY, BEING AWAY FROM YOU ONLY MADE THINGS HURT all the more. That is when I sought professional assistance. With help, it didn’t take long for me to realize that as long as you were totally devoted to me, and your life was my life, and I didn’t have to compete with any of your outside interests, I was completely happy.”

  * * *

  FINISHING THE LAST OF THE WINE BEFORE CONTINUING, HE SAID, “Now comes the most difficult part. Knowing you as I do, I had to consider how you would react when I explained all of this to you. Believing that there was the possibility that you might agree to give up this new interest represented the risk I was unwilling to take. Being honest with myself, I knew that I wasn’t prepared to take the chance that the same problem might arise again. As hard as I’ve tried, I can’t seem to work my way around that problem.”

  * * *

  HAVING FINISHED SAYING WHAT HE HAD TO SAY, DAVID SAT BACK, waiting for Natalie to respond. He watched as she seemed to be rolling what he had just said through her mind.

  * * *

  FINALLY, SHE ASKED, “DAVID, IS THERE ANOTHER WOMAN? EITHER tell me the truth or don’t answer. I don’t want you to lie to me.”

  * * *

  NOW IT WAS DAVID’S TURN NOT TO ANSWER.

  * * *

  “WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOU MEN?” NATALIE SAID. “THIS IS THE SECOND time in my life when someone I loved destroyed a relationship over his concern about something I might do. Why didn’t you talk to me before coming to your conclusions? How do you know that maybe the one thing I want more than anything else in life is to be able to support and love a good man the way I have always dreamed?”

  * * *

  “NATALIE, I’VE HAD A LOT OF TIME TO THINK; I DON’T WANT TO LOSE you. Is there any chance that you would forgive me and provide me with a second chance?”

  * * *

  “DAVID, THAT IS A QUESTION YOU DON’T WANT ME TO ANSWER!”

  * * *

  AS DISTURBING AS DAVID’S MESSAGE HAD BEEN, NATALIE REALIZED that he had provided her with the clarity she needed to embark on a new life. He has set me free. David will always be a good friend, a person who has helped me generate more meaning to my life, and a professional colleague. For that I am very grateful.

  CHAPTER 32

  A Little Chat

  NEW YORK, JUNE 1949

  The report Jordan had received from his security company was a difficult one to digest and even more troublesome when he began to consider how to report the results to his clients. How am I going to explain what had been planned as a simple kidnapping of three people had turned into the killing of three and the wounding and/or capturing of five highly skilled and experienced professional operatives employed to complete what appeared to be a simple assignment? Preliminary reports indicate the local police were tipped off, the three subjects were no longer in residence at the appointed time of their attack. Their carefully planned trap had been converted into a trap set to interdict our operatives as they were leaving the property. A second report indicated that FBI personnel were involved, and the entire operation had been supervised by a high-level Justice Department official.

  * * *

  IF THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IS INVOLVED, DON’T I NEED TO ASSUME the federal government has learned of our plan and is actively supporting the Sentinels’ opposition? What have the police been able to learn from the captured operatives?

  * * *

  FOR AS LONG AS HE COULD REMEMBER, J. JORDAN MCWILLIAMS HAD lived his life in accordance with a carefully orchestrated calendar. He went to bed promptly at 10:30 p.m., slept in a separate room from his wife, set his alarm clock for 6:00 a.m., finished his floor exercises by 6:30, and was showered, shaved, and immaculately dressed by 7:00. When he emerged from his Upper East Side co-op apartment at 7:05, he was greeted by his driver, who handed him a cup of coffee, a small bag contain
ing two croissants, and a copy of the New York Times, before he ducked into the backseat of the long black car.

  At 7:30, he would be greeted by his loyal secretary of many years, who handed him a second cup of coffee before taking her regular seat next to the left side of his desk. At 7:45, he would begin dictating whatever thoughts had occurred to him during the previous evening or while he was studying the morning paper on his drive to work.

  On this particular morning, his dictation was interrupted by the ringing of his private telephone. Annoyed, he picked up the receiver preparing to crucify whoever was calling. The few people who had this number knew very well not to call until after nine o’clock.

  When he heard sobbing on the other end of the line, he held his tongue. Amid the babbling Jordan could tell the caller was Manuel Arena, sounding inebriated and inconsolable. The moviemaker rambled on, offering apologies and excuses. Jordan had to ask Manuel to repeat his story twice before he finally understood what his longtime friend was trying to tell him. The little bastard had given the Manuel’s Club files to Mike Stone, Don Cerreta, and Walt Matthews.

  Familiar with each man, Jordan couldn’t conjure up a worse group of people who could have in their possession so much sensitive information. Afraid of the answer to his next question, Jordan hesitantly asked, “Manuel, think carefully, is there anything else missing from your safe?”

  Assured that the Mexican war chest remained intact, he knew one thing for sure. I need to immediately speak to Ben Holt and the five other attorneys.