Rating: - A HART TO HEART WITH ROBERT WAGNER IN A TEXAS TOWN.
A Heart to Hart, in a Texas Town.
.

I first met R. J. Wagner in the early 1970 period, when he and his
first wife movie Star actress Natalie Wood were working at the Manchester based Granada T.V. studios.
They were engaged in the making of a filmed version of the successful Tennessee Williams play: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof .
Also supporting them, were an all star cast of British stage actors; which include legendary Laurence Olivier.
I intercepted Mr & Mrs Wagner as they left the studios, early one evening, as they were subsequently walking back up to the Midland Hotel a five minute journey on foot.
They were very well mannered people as I approached them courteously endeavouring to introduce myself. And requesting from them if I may have their autographs, which they both did quite delightedly.

We exchanged a few words, and went our separate ways, mine being to return home to Liverpool, with a feeling of accomplishment after having just met two Hollywood Stars.
Many years later ! The summer of 1982. I was pleasantly surprised to again meet Robert Wagner.

This time it was while I was visiting the Warner Brothers studios which are based in Burbank a suburb of Los Angeles. I was visiting America, on a charity mission, compiling a series of star interviews and pictures, which would be auctioned off, at a later date as funds raising materials
Through one of my many contacts, I had managed to obtain a studio V.I.P. day visitors pass, which would enable me to see aspects of what was currently in production on the Warner Brothers studios sound stages.

One was "Fantasy Island" and the other was "Hart to Hart". Two of televisions, most popular weekly series , with a worldwide audience.

The office that I reported to was combined with the sound stage building and a P.R. lady was assigned to show me around the sets.

As we passed one of the vehicles I momentarily glanced at the name display, which read "Ricardo Montalban" I turned instantly to my companion escort and inquisitively said to here! Is Mr Montalban available for a chat ?

Wait her a moment Mr Iddon I'll make enquiries
a couple of minutes passed, and she returned smiling ! Your in luck, he has some free time, please follow me !
We entered into his mobile home and I was introduced to him, minutes later we were into constructive conversation about the show, "Fantasy Island"

I enjoy the character you portray I told him referring to `Mister Roark' the suave, slightly mysterious, owner of this tropical paradise island, the show is very exciting each week; and I enjoy the special guests stars that your show has each seeking your special qualities, to help fulfil their fantasy, its a fabulous premise.

He was very impressed by my comments, and asked if I would like a few autographed 10 x 8 stills as a souvenir of my visit with him !

I would appreciate that most sincerely I replied! as he reached over to a convenient work top, and selected a bunch of photographs.

After signing the materials for me, we took our leave from his company with a friendly hand-shake, and he exclaimed that it was a pleasure for him ! to have met such a gentle-Gentleman and he wished me well on your travels.

I have never forgotten his kind word to me.

Outside the vehicle my guide suggested that our next destination before lunch should be the "Hart to Hart" set so off we both went: after I had one of my fantasy's fulfilled .
Meeting Ricardo Montalban .

We both weaved our way past rows of trailers and studio prop's of every description until we reached another sound stage building,
Again the same routine was played out as earlier ! please follow me, and watch your step.

I soon found myself on the kitchen set, of the Hart household ! and presently confronted by "Stefanie Powers" who plays Jennifer Hart and Lionel Stander who plays their chauffeur / confidant `Max' but no sign of Robert Wagner (aka) Jonathon Hart.

Hello who this enquired Stefanie ? to Laura my guide.
This is Mr Iddon, from England, Miss Powers ! he is visiting the set,
I understand it was all organized from the Aaron Spelling offices : Oh well I guess that's alright then come on in and take a seat, while the next shots are being set up.

Several technicians were sorting out props while a camera man was repositioning his equipment, as we all exchanged conversational words, before we were interrupted by an assistant who informed Stefanie that they were ready for here next shot :

She excused herself and regained her character, then it was : quiet action "Roll Em" take two.

Then it was the lunch call as every thing came to a halt. Stefanie re-joined me after the scene was shot, accompanied by Robert Wagner and after being introduced we conversed about the show; and how it was being received on the British T.V.

In passing I felt that I should mention to Wagner that we had met many years before at the Granada T.V. studios Manchester; our meeting was very brief I told him; but I assured him that it was memorable for me.
He smiled politely and thanked me for jogging his memory.

I asked finally if I may take a few photographs as a memento of my visit with them ,which they agreed to do for me; then all to soon, my day at "Warner Brother" with a life time of my favourite STARS was over but not erased from my memories.

My story continues fourteen years later; I had laid planes to visit another part of America on a sight seeing expedition a change from my annual trips to the entertainment's capitols Hollywood and Las Vegas. which I had done for a period spanning 23 years!
Its summer 1996. and I have my sights set on the state of Texas: its time for a complete change of scene for me I thought to myself, as I boarded the British Airways flight to Houston
Texas.
I had a few pre-conceived ideas of what this trip was going to be for me a strictly No movie Star venture : I was just going to ride the range sight seeing: not horseback only horsepower, which would be provided by Alamo car rental.

A driving adventure plus some lazing about on some sun kissed beaches! Were ever my workhorse took me this was to be my itinerary for the next three weeks.
I arrived into Houston 3.30.p.m. local time and I picked up my "Alamo rental car" which I had (Pre booked) less than a week ago; when I was struck by a sudden fanciful idea to see this state.

And after checking over my Dodge Dynasty sedan, getting acquainted with the control systems etc, I drove of there parking area: and headed West onto the Interstate 10. destination San Antonio distances 142 miles: a comfortable three hours drive.


I arrived at the Holiday Inn, Riverwalk location at 7.00p.m.and proceeded to get checked in, then I organised a light meal in the restaurant, before getting my head down on the pillow, a routine that I have always set myself, on my world trips.
Get into bed early on your first night, it elevates Jet Lag.
Next morning after breakfast: its hit the streets time for the exploratory tour of the immediate surroundings; leaving my car behind on the hotel forecourt, its 10.30.a.m. beautiful sunshine; and the temps in the high 80 degrees.
I decided to do the full tourist thing! Visiting all the places of interest, which included a day at the Hemis-Fairs Tower of the Americas and visiting the Fairs Plaza and the elevator to the observation lookout deck to get the panoramic view of the city.

I strolled along always armed with a camera on the banks of the Paseo Del Rio river which run through the centre of the city, and the most noticeable tourist point, is the "Alamo National Monument"

This attracts thousands of visitors, its a solemn vigil touring around fortress, and photographing artefacts is not allowed; but to an old film buff such as myself it conjures up memories of John Wayne and Richard Widmark supported by a distinguished cast of long gone supporting cowboy actors in the Hollywood epic film "The Alamo" which was made back in 1960 but Hey !
This is supposed to be a Hollywood free vacation or so I thought at the time.

The following week my trusty horse a General Motors model had transported me around many trails into the high country and up to the state capital.

"Austin "was a huge city: then down to the Mexican border town of Laredo and finally into the gulf coast city of "Corpus Christi" south of San Antonio.

It was here that I planned to laze around on the beaches of Padre Island and soak up some sunshine.

Looking through the local evening paper: I spotted an item, which momentarily put my mind into orbit.
My interests were aroused when I read that Robert Wagner and Jill St John. (his Wife) now, after Natalie Woods, tragic death years earlier, where to appear on stage for on night only, at "The Shrine Auditorium" theatre Corpus Christi, in a touring play entitled `Love Letters' in three days time.

My first thoughts were I must pay him a courteous visit after all I have known him for 26 years, he is sure to remember me!
Sunday soon came round and my plan was the old tried and well tested strategy, get to the theatre early in the afternoon, establish contact with tour management, show creditational identification and request an interview: once this is in order you just hope that they
will do the business for you; sometime that evening when they arrive.

Having checked out the evening performance starting time, and made myself recognisable to theatre personnel backstage; I left and returned at 6.30.
The show was scheduled to commence 7.45.
I mingled in the rear entrance, were the artists would eventually make their arrival and it wasn't to long before the two stars preceded by their P.A. representative walked in through the door.

They had been informed that I was here; so R.J. came straight over to me; "Hello how are ya" what are you doing in Texas? its been quite a while since we've seen each other?
Can I introduce my wife Jill said Robert ?
You know honey I have seen this man so many times it covers a lot of years: what it is that we can do for You he asked politly
Introductions over! and where now in a sumptuous on suite dressing room; talking about my Texas adventures like two old buddies, "Chew'in the Grits" and on reflection it seemed that they were enjoying my travellers tale, both of them displaying enormous interest in what I had to say.

They even intimated that they would love to do something like this them selves : this statement crept into the conversation, especially when I talked about visiting the old pioneering spots dotted around the high country, and the Panhandle Trails!

A real change from the fast lane life style of Beverly Hills, we could have no doubt talked all night but it was soon curtain up; for them and a waiting game for me until the half way interval.
I secured a seat in the theatre almost on the stage but my vision was not impaired from the angle as I watched the two Stars performed their piece; sitting opposite each other at writing desks reminiscing about the exchange of `Love Letter' that they each sent to one another over a life time period.
As the first act closed: I exited to the back stage area again, as I had been invited to join them for some refreshments in the Green Room.

Hi Barry I was greeted come on in did you enjoy our piece so far?
Of cause was my reply; had to be wonderful.
What would you like to drink, Jill asked me? A Coke will do, just fine:

I put it to them, now that they were in a relaxed mood, could I take some photographs, suggesting that while they were in formal evening dress it would make a nice picture opportunity for me, they responded without hesitation, I took several formal shots, and then courteously requested if they would allow me to do some while displaying several "Variety Club Brochures" and Gold Hearts.

Again this was done; most enjoyably by them both showing a great interest in my efforts to endorse this charity, that I campaigned for.
The significance that this is a worldwide children's charity made them more enthusiastic about the project which I endeavoured to promote every were I went and it showed in their faces as they posed for me!
By now it was second act time so I made my way back to my seat, and they returned onto the stage. The format as earlier was unchanged, however! when they took their bow's of appreciation from Three Thousand patrons at the finally.

Robert Wagner, came to the front of the stage, collected the hand microphone, and proceeded to introduce "ME" to his audience, telling them about my travels for Handicapped Children's `Sunshine Coaches' and pressing home the point, that it was an American backed event too. I was asked to join him on the stage: and to take a well earned Bow and a round of applause, much to my delight and appreciation.

Later back stage I had a few souvenir pictures taken with R.J. to his friends; and his lovely wife Jill St John before we said our farewells until the next time we meet again ! but Who knows where or When ?