My bit-part in the Judy Garland story

TOM LEONARD’S report on yet another book on Judy Garland (Mail) reminded me of the early Sixties when I was working in the BBC TV film acquisition department, located on the roof of Lime Grove Studios in Shepherds Bush. We received a call from Tom Sloan, then deputy head of BBC light entertainment, reporting he’d negotiated with David Begelman, Garland’s agent, for a one-hour special she’d made with guests frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Begelman told Sloan he was frustrated dealing with the ITV monopoly ABC/ATV, Associated rediffusion and Granada, and that the BBC could have the show for $10,000. In those days it was quite a coup having Sinatra, Martin and Judy sing together in a one-hour special. Sloan expected our department to draw up the contract, as well as organise the transmission material together with presentation. At the time, Judy was in London filming I Could Go on Singing with Dirk Bogarde, and Begelman suggested meeting at the Press launch. I was impressed by the immaculately-suited Begelman. he epitomised everything expected of a top hollywood agent. he casually mentioned that he would accept the BBC form of contract in the name of Kingsrow Productions, Judy’s production company. She was staying at the Savoy and, as Begelman was leaving town, I was to deal with her secretary at the hotel. I arranged for the draft agreement to be delivered and was summoned to meet Judy there at 7pm. having grown up on Garland films, I was excited to be meeting a screen legend in, of all places, The Savoy. Judy was late, detained at the studio, but her secretary/PA organised drinks. eventually Judy arrived, very warm and friendly, explaining that she was tired and had no time to go through the agreement, but could I come back tomorrow? Without hesitation I agreed, and there followed three or four nights at The Savoy, waiting for Judy. But was I complaining? finally, we went through the contractual points and she signed. The show was well-received. Judy, frank And Dean was a success on the CBS network in spring 1963, resulting in Judy having her own weekly network show. But despite her popularity, the format never worked and the show was cancelled after one season. ratings were not helped by it being scheduled up against the top-rated western, Bonanza. Mel Torme, who at times was Judy’s ‘musical adviser’, wrote a book about the show — The other Side of The rainbow. In the late eighties, I briefly represented Largo Productions, owned by Sid Luft, Judy’s former husband. We’d have lunches in the Polo Lounge at the Beverly hills hotel. Sid was a hard man to negotiate with. We talked about his early years in the business and his children with Judy. he never talked much about Judy herself and had nothing good to say about Begelman. But that’s another story . . .

William Gilbert, Burnham, Bucks.