Queen Bess
Page 50
Page 61. “They felt that Bess had deliberately kept her away.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Chapter 11: “I’ve Got a Secret”
For this chapter, among the people interviewed were Chester Feldman, Lloyd Gross, and Henry Morgan. The author also consulted files at the New York Public Library’s Performing Arts Research Center and viewed tapes at the Museum of Broadcasting. Material for this chapter was also drawn from articles published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Bulletin, New York Daily News, New York Herald Tribune, New York Times, and New York Post. The author also consulted several books, including Gil Fates, What’s My Line? TV’s Most Famous Panel Show (New York: Cornerstone Library, 1978).
Page 62. “An Emma Schultz can go through it.…”: Alan Gill, “For Beauty with Brains—Take Bess Myerson, for Example,” Philadelphia Inquirer, August 26, 1962.
Page 62. “It’s hard to just pick up and go.…”: New York Daily News, August 18, 1959.
Page 62. dismissed questions about becoming a serious actress: New York Herald Tribune, April 24, 1959.
Page 63. Chester Feldman: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 63. Henry Morgan: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 63. Bess knew she couldn’t be the funniest panelist: Susan Berman, “One Tough Customer,” New York, November 14, 1977.
Page 64. “By the end it all boiled down to finding a new dress.…”: “For Beauty with Brains—Take Bess Myerson, for Example.”
Page 64. Lloyd Gross: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 65. “People in New York might say.…”: “One Tough Customer.”
Page 65. she wanted very much to marry again: Confidential source (close friend of Bess Myerson’s), interview with author, 1988.
Chapter 12: A Pygmalion on Sutton Place
Among those interviewed for this chapter were Joseph Baum, Lilly Bruck, Chester Feldman, Al Marks, Henry Morgan, two close friends of Bess Myerson’s who requested anonymity, and close friends and associates of Arnold Grant’s who requested anonymity. Bess Myerson also spoke briefly to the author about Arnold Grant. In addition, the author consulted court records from Bess Myerson and Arnold Grant’s divorce on file in the clerk’s office at Surrogate’s Court, New York County, in Manhattan. Material was also obtained from published articles in New York magazine, Commentary, the New York Post, New York Daily News, Newsday, New York Times, Washington Post, Washington Star, Philadelphia Bulletin, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Page 66. Arnold Grant sat on the dais: Margaret McManus, “Miss America Crown Wore Well for Bess,” Philadelphia Bulletin, March 22, 1964.
Page 66. “only if the lovely mistress of ceremonies will have dinner with me.…”: “Miss America Crown Wore Well for Bess.”
Page 66. Lilly Bruck: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 67. His client list: Walter H. Waggoner, “Arnold Grant, Corporate Lawyer in the Film Industry, Dead at 72,” New York Times, November 18, 1980.
Page 67. Human Relations Award: “Award Winner,” New York Post, November 25, 1964.
Page 67. “I’m the luckiest man in the world”: Chester Feldman, interview with author, 1988.
Page 68. Henry Morgan: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 68. he became her Pygmalion: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 69. Queen Bess felt very much like Bessie from the Bronx: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 69. Arnold would fly into a rage: Patricia Morrisroe, “Bess and the Mess,” New York, March 30, 1987.
Page 69. “He was great fun around the track.…”: Jane Perlez, “Bess v. Liz,” New York Daily News, July 20, 1980.
Page 69. “our home on Sutton Place began to look like a prison.…”: Susan Berman, “Bess Myerson Is One Tough Customer,” New York, November 14, 1977.
Page 69. “One night we had some political people over.…”: “Bess Myerson Is One Tough Customer.”
Page 70. signed a separation agreement: Court records, Surrogate’s Court, New York County, Manhattan.
Page 70. Chester Feldman: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 70. subject of bitter dispute: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 71. it was Bess who first broached the subject of marrying again: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 71. she wanted another child: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 71. “No way in the world did he want to have more kids.”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 71. Bess was ecstatic: Confidential sources, interviews with author, 1988.
Page 71. He saw a sinister motive: Confidential sources, interviews with author, 1988.
Page 72. “Wasn’t I good enough?”: Al Marks, interview with author, 1988.
Page 72. she found herself slipping again into depression: Confidential sources, interviews with author, 1988.
Chapter 13: An Urban Folk Hero
Among the people interviewed for this chapter were George Arzt, Joseph Baum, Robert Blum, Lilly Bruck, Sid Davidoff, Rita Delfiner, Owen Fitzgerald, Joseph Fitzpatrick, Betty Furness, Moe Greenspan, former mayor Edward I. Koch, Simon Lazarus, Victor Marrero, Edward O’Neil, Edward Sadowksy, Philip Schrag, Henry Stern, Howard Tisch, and several others who worked with Bess in the Lindsay administration at that time and requested anonymity. In addition, the author reviewed hundreds of pages of reports, speeches, city regulations, and press releases located at the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs and the Municipal Reference Library. Material from this chapter also comes from articles published in the Chicago Tribune, New York magazine, the New York Post, New York Daily News, Newsday, New York Times, Philadelphia Bulletin, and Philadelphia Inquirer. The author also consulted several books, including Philip Schrag, Counsel for the Deceived (New York: Pantheon Books, 1972), and Simon Lazarus, The Genteel Populists (New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1974).
Page 73. she wanted to devote more time to her new marriage: Betty Furness, interview with author, 1988.
Page 73. Robert Blum: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 74. Lenora Slaughter: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 74. “When you were brought up the way.…”: Bess Myerson, unpublished interview with confidential source, 1987.
Page 74. “I thought it would be a fantastic chance.…”: Susan Berman, “Bess Myerson Is One Tough Customer,” New York, November 14, 1977.
Page 74. “simple to identify with people.…”: Lynn Litterine, “Beauty Is Fine, but Achieving Is Her Raison d’ Etre,” Philadelphia Inquirer, November 4, 1978.
Page 75. Edward Sadowsky: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 75. “See, the Miss America title became part of my name.…: Bess Myerson, unpublished interview with confidential source, 1987.
Page 76. Simon Lazarus: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 76. Sid Davidoff: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 76. Victor Marrero: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 76. “Come through with what you have promised.…”: Judy Michaelson, “Consumer’s Friend at City Hall,” New York Post, March 15, 1969.
Page 77. Bess Myerson’s acceptance speech: New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.
Page 77. “new—and tough—commissioner of consumer affairs”: Edward O’Neill, “City’s Glamour Lady Vows to Fight Gypsters,” New York Daily News, March 5, 1969.
Page 78. Better Business Bureau speech: New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.
Page 78. Henry J. Stern: Interviews with author, 1987 and 1988.
Page 79. “They were mostly young kids.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1987.
Page 79. Moe Greenspan: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 80. “she gave the Department of Consumer Affairs a fantastic reputation”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 80. Rita Delfiner: Interview with author, 198
8.
Page 80. Bess’s first public hearing: Owen Fitzgerald, interview with author, 1988, and his description of the event in New York Daily News, May 27, 1969.
Page 81. “Most people believe.…”: New York Times, May 27, 1969.
Page 81. Edward I. Koch: New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.
Page 82. Joseph Baum: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 82. She was so wrapped up: Confidential source, interview with author, November 1988.
Page 83. Henry Stern: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 84. “She called up Mayor Lindsay.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 84. Sid Davidoff: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 84. Bess’s objections to Barra’s decision: Bess Myerson, interview with author, 1988.
Chapter 14: For Love and Money
Among the people interviewed for this chapter were Joseph Baum, Lilly Bruck, Marcia Kramer (who broke the story in the New York Daily News about the London shoplifting arrest), Henry Stern, and two other close friends of Bess’s who requested anonymity, along with longtime friends and associates of Arnold Grant’s. Law enforcement sources also provided information. Other material in this chapter was obtained from articles in the New York Post, New York Daily News, Newsday, New York magazine, and the New York Times.
Page 85. “theft from a shop”: Police report; confidential sources, interviews with author; and Metropolitan Police Department, London, England.
Page 87. “I have little or no illusions.…”: Patricia Morrisroe, “Bess and the Mess,” New York, March 30, 1987.
Page 87. “if A [Arnold] would die.…”: “Bess and the Mess.”
Page 87. “more like a thing.…”: “Bess and the Mess.”
Page 87. “With his ego, it just blew his mind.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 88. locked closets: Joseph Baum, interview with author, 1988.
Page 88. formal separation: Alfred Albelli, “Bess, Pal of Homemakers, Sues to Unmake Her Own,” New York Daily News, July 16, 1970.
Page 89. letter from Arnold: Provided to author by confidential source.
Page 89. new locks were opened: Joseph Baum, interview with author, 1988.
Page 90. “He blackmailed her with the diaries.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 90. she sought refuge: Lilly Bruck, interview with author, 1988.
Page 90. Bess was worth roughly $1 million: “Bess’ Husband Fights Support,” New York Daily News, February 10, 1971.
Page 90. Pyrex double boiler: “Bess and the Mess.”
Page 91. exclusive occupancy: “Sued by Bess, Grant Files Action of Own,” New York Daily News, August 25, 1970.
Page 91. asked for a postponement: “Won’t Cooperate with Wife Bess,” New York Post, September 9, 1970.
Page 91. filed a suit for divorce: “Bess’ Husband Asks for Divorce,” New York Daily News, October 27, 1970.
Page 91. exclusive occupancy: “Bess Fights Husband for Support,” New York Daily News, February 10, 1971.
Page 92. “To qualify for financial relief.…”: “The Grants Granted Nothing in Court Test,” New York Daily News, February 28, 1971.
Page 92. “separation, alimony, counsel fees and a property settlement”: “Notes On People,” New York Times, April 29, 1971.
Page 92. Alzheimer’s disease: Arnold Grant’s death certificate.
Page 92. “If I had known he was sick.…”: “Bess and the Mess.”
Chapter 15: “Bess Myerson for Mayor”
Among the people interviewed for this chapter were George Arzt, Joseph Baum, Lilly Bruck, Sid Davidoff, Rita Delfiner, Moe Greenspan, Simon Lazarus, Philip Schrag, Henry Stern, and Howard Tisch. Others who requested anonymity included two close friends of Bess’s, a television producer who worked with Bess, three former high-ranking officials in the Lindsay administration, a former high-ranking official in the Department of Consumer Affairs, two officials in the Koch administration, and a veteran political operative. The author also consulted hundreds of documents and records, including Bess Myerson’s speeches, reports, and press releases on file at the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Other material in this chapter was obtained from articles in the Chicago Tribune, New York Post, Newsday, New York Daily News, New York magazine, the New York Times, Washington Star, and Life magazine.
Page 93. “you may call me Bess Myerson.…”: Peter Coutros, “By Any Name, Bess Means Biz,” New York Daily News, March 21, 1971.
Page 93. “I moved from one space to another space.…”: Tom Buckley, “Bess Myerson, the Drive Behind the Koch Drive,” New York Times, September 16, 1977.
Page 93. “I’ve had the Norell dresses.…”: “A Consumer’s Best Friend,” Life, July 16, 1977.
Page 94. “a horror.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 94. “very condescending with people.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 95. “voluntarily became her slaves”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 95. Lilly Bruck: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 95. Howard Tisch: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 95. “She was a publicity saint.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 95. Sid Davidoff: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 95. put the rumors to rest: May Okon, “A Day in the Life of Bess Myerson,” New York Daily News, October 15, 1972.
Page 96. “not in keeping with ‘my image’.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 96. “wide-eyed innocence and embarrassment.…”: “A Day in the Life of Bess Myerson.”
Page 96. “I wanted to put my life together.…”: Jane Perlez, “Bess v. Liz,” New York Daily News, July 20, 1980.
Page 97. Henry Stern: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 97. “overwhelming pressure.…”: Rita Delfiner, New York Post, March 9, 1973.
Page 98. “I’m very moved by this show of confidence.…”: New York Post, March 13, 1973.
Page 98. final press conference: Owen Fitzgerald, New York Daily News, March 31, 1973.
Page 99. Meade Esposito: Judith Michaelson, New York Post, April 4, 1973.
Page 99. “it was not easy for a woman to run.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 99. Bess was also dating another man: Information on the men Bess dated at this time comes from confidential sources, interviews with author, 1988.
Page 100. “I wanted to work for companies where I could make changes.”: Frances Cerra, “Bess Myerson’s Expertise Now Benefiting Business,” New York Times, June 10, 1977.
Page 101. “At the moment, I’m not running.…”: Sam Roberts, “Meade: Listen, Bess, You Can Beat Javits,” New York Daily News, March 28, 1974.
Chapter 16: The Struggle Against Cancer
Among the people interviewed for this chapter were Bella Abzug, Lilly Bruck, David Garth, former mayor Edward I. Koch, Bess Myerson, and other friends and associates of Bess Myerson’s who requested anonymity. The author also consulted the Chicago Sun-Times, New York magazine, the New York Daily News, Newsday, New York Post, New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Washington Star.
Page 102. she felt tired and run-down: Bess Myerson, interview with author, November 1988.
Page 102. the call from her doctor: Bess Myerson, interview with author, November 1988.
Page 102. “I was on my way down in the elevator.…”: Bess Myerson, interview with author, November 1988.
Page 103. “The big C was much more scary.…”: Patricia Morrisroe, “Bess and the Mess,” New York, March 30, 1987.
Page 103. “unlikely that any of the recipients will be more deserving.…”: Carol Kramer, “Bess Myerson Is a ‘Woman of the Year,’ Too,” Chicago Sun-Times, April 7, 1974.
Page 104. “She became hard.…”: Confidential source, interview w
ith author, 1988.
Page 104. “This was the priority.…”: Bess Myerson, interview with author, 1989.
Page 104. “I felt that because I was ill I would need to be very independent.…”: Bess Myerson, interview with author, 1989.
Page 104. Bess stood up and announced: Bess Myerson, interview with author, 1989.
Page 105. “There was this really bizarre behavior.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 105. David Garth: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 106. “It’s an extremely harsh experience for any candidate.…”: Associated Press, September 21, 1977.
Chapter 17: First Lady Bess
Among the people interviewed for this chapter were George Arzt, Bella Abzug, Maurice Carroll, Pam Chanin, Maureen Connelly, David Garth, former mayor Edward I. Koch, John LoCicero, Joyce Purnick, Bernie Rome, and Jerry Skurnik. The author also obtained material from New York magazine, the New York Daily News, Newsday, New York Post, New York Times, and Washington Star.
The author also consulted four books: Jack Newfield and Wayne Barrett, City for Sale (New York: Harper & Row, 1988); Arthur Browne, Dan Collins, and Michael Goodwin, “I, Koch” A Decidedly Unauthorized Biography of the Mayor of New York City, Edward I. Koch (New York: Dodd, Meade & Company, 1985); and Mayor Edward I. Koch, Mayor, An Autobiography, Edward I. Koch (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1984), and Politics (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1985).
Page 107. Mayor Edward I. Koch: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 107. David Garth: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 109. Bella Abzug: Interview with author, 1989.
Page 109. “She was a prima donna.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 109. “She could be a nightmare.…”: Confidential source, interview with author, 1988.
Page 110. “subliminal message”: David Garth, interview with author, 1988.
Page 110. “the most important person of the campaign”: Joy Cook, “And Then the Cool Koch Relaxed,” New York Post, September 9, 1977.
Page 111. Pam Chanin: Interview with author, 1988.
Page 111. “But then I figured that if I didn’t, it would be cowardly.…”: Gene Spagnoli, “Will Bess Be First Lady Come November?,” New York Daily News, September 21, 1977.