Rock Hudson, co-star of the film "Pillow Talk" with Doris Day, was born November 17, 1925. He was originally named Roy Harold Scherer, Jr. by his mother, Kay Scherer, and he was born in Winnetka, IL. Hudson's career began in 1948 when his career was launched by Hollywood director Raoul Walsh. He acted in the film "Fighter Squadron." Beginning as a pretty face, Hudson became famous for his comedic talents which began with the film "Pillow Talk" in 1959.
Hudson had a rocky childhood. His biological father left him and his mother during the Great Depression and moved to California. Hudson's mother re-married an ex-Marine in 1934. Wallace Fitzgerald adopted Hudson and changed his name to Roy Fitzgerald. Hudson's new father was abusive towards him and his mother, Kay. This caused Hudson to stay away from home as much as possible. In high school, Hudson became the best of friends with Jim Matteoni and Pat McGuire. The three of them loved theater and worked on sets for school productions. They all went to the service together during World War II. Hudson joined the Navy in 1944. He served as an airplane mechanic, among other things. When he returned from his service, he worked for the local post office in his home town. His mother felt his life ought to move forward, so she moved the two of them to Pasadena. She had divorced Fitzgerald. California meant opportunity for Film Stardom.
Hudson had professional photographs taken, and sent them to different agencies. His good looks got him picked up by agent Henry Willson. He was a scout for Selznick at the time, and got Hudson in with director Raoul Walsh. Willson was eager to mold Hudson's good looks into Hollywood "pay dirt" by making him marketable. He began by changing his name to Rock Hudson. Rock was for the Rock of Gibraltor, and Hudson was after the Hudson River. Hudson hated the name, as Doris Day hated her stage name. The two joked often after they met about the names. Hudson would call Day "Eunice", and Day would call Hudson "Ernie" because these were the names the two would have chosen themselves. His first film "Fighter Squadron" did not fare well. However, Hudson managed to get a two year contract with Universal Films in 1949. During this time in Hudson's career, he married Phyllis Gates. They divorced not too long before "Pillow Talk." After a string of serious roles, Hudson desperately needed a new take on his public career. When initially approached for "Pillow Talk", Hudson seriously considered turning it down. He lacked confidence in his ability to be funny. While whorking on "Pillow Talk", Hudson received a piece of valuable advice that would make him a huge star. He was told to remain absolutely non-comedic while doing comedy. Hudson did well with his straight and serious face, and the timing fell together for him naturally.
Hudson and Day went on the co-star in two more romantic comedies, and the public loved their chemistry. Day and Hudson remained friends up until Hudson passed away. Hudson played in many films once his career as a comedic actor had been established. Eventually he cut his ties with his agent Henry Willson. He also spent time on the hit show "Dynasty." It was at that time in 1984 that Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS. He was very sick until his death in 1987. During his years in Hollywood, the tight knit community knew of but never really spoke of Hudson's sexual preferences. It wasn't until his death the press openly reported on his past relationships. Being close friends with Elizabeth Taylor meant that Ms. Taylor, in honor of Hudson, launched the Hollywood and public awareness of the social problem of AIDS. Rock Hudson gave a face to the cause, and many people from Hollywood rallied along with Ms. Taylor to recognize the problem. Hudson left behind many friends. However, his last relationship which was with Marc Christian, relvealed this opinion of Hudson: "He was one of the manliest men I ever knew. Even in private there wasn't an ounce of effeminacy in him whatsoever. None of his masculinity was ever put on. If anything can be said in Rock's favoer about his image, it's that what you saw on the screen is basically what he was in private." Rock's image remains at least an image of comedy, as we see in the film "Pillow Talk." Hudson was known to be a genuine and nice guy. Although his ex-wife wrote of incidences of abuse their marriage, after his death, many that worked with Hudson had strong positive opinions about his character. He was known as generous to a fault and an excellent listener. Most people felt that having Hudson for a friend was an honor. It was said that discussing or making jokes about his homosexuality was out of the question for everyone that knew him. Hudson played a significant role in history when he died of AIDS. He left behind a legacy of friendship and Hollywood acting talent. His death raised awareness of a major impending health epidemic.
Sources:
Oppenhimer, Jerry. Idol Rock Hudson. New York: Random House, Inc., 1986.
Gates, Phyllis. My Husband, Rock Hudson. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1987.
Clark, Tom. Rock Hudson Friend Of Mine. New York: Pharos Books, 1990.
"Pillow Talk" 50th Anniversary Film Presentation. Film Commentaries.
dude,
ReplyDeletei thought the class was about leading LADIES? what up with MR. rock hudson?
richard
Our discussion will focus on Doris of course, but any of the actors, directors, etc. are likely subjects for the panelists.
ReplyDeletedude,
ReplyDeletewho writing on Doris Day? when that gonna post up?
richard
The questions i had for the panelists were as follows:
ReplyDeleteGiven the 50's short hair styles as well as dress in women, was there an established transition in women's roles leading into the 60?
In the scene with the Harvard boy, there seems to be some acceptance at the time for this date rape behavior. Now, it is offensive and uncomfortable. In her struggle to get away from him, does this also mark a transition in the roles of women vs men? The boy seems to be struggling to get what he wants, partly because of his age, but the woman (Doris)exerts herself in a way that exemplifies her independence in a changing world.
With the scene in the car, I don't believe the words "date Rape" were introduced into societies communication context until closer to the late 80"s if not the 90"s. With lady being the business professional and the Harvard "boy" being a clients son, they really were not on a date and she was trying to maintain a distance, yet watch over his well being for her clients sake. He was out of line, but i don't think she wanted to make the situation worse by making him horribly mad for fear there could be back lash from the clients family. She didn't want to scar a client relationship, that is why she said she would "tell his mother". I believe she is an interdependent women and has developed this being single and older than he. He probably realized that he could only go so far as she would allow the struggle to progress. The Harvard boy was use to getting what he wanted when he wanted, yet realized he had to stop or else his mother might cut him off from something in the future.
DeleteThe part of the scene when he yells "It's the weekend" was meant to invoke laughter, I feel. So whatever the context of the event (date or not), this behavior was seen, at worst, as comedic. Is this a fair evaluation?
DeleteRichard - I appreciate your enthusiasm for our discussion panel.
ReplyDeleteKarl - I like your take on the "date rape" scene. I was also uncomfortable watching it thinking that the Harvard boy would be in serious trouble with the law by our standards today. I was focusing more on his actions than on hers, though. Like you suggest, Jan is definitely exerting her control over the situation by demanding that he stop and threatening to "sock" him. Rather than playing the weak damsel, Jan is unwilling to allow a man to get the better of her. It's that same refusal to let a man get the upper hand that causes her to redecorate Mr. Allen's apartment. Rather than removing Brad Allen from her life forever by rejecting his attempt to rekindle the relationship, Jan uses her independent disposition to get even. This contrasts Tracy Lord who wanted only to move on with her life without giving her ex-husband a second thought. Tracy is then duped by C.K. Dexter Haven in allowing the reporters into her home on the day of her wedding, but she does not seek revenge on her ex like Jan does. While both women are independent and less than submissive, I think Jan serves as a shift to a new type of independence and self-sufficiency.
I think it's too bad that we have to take this light-hearted comedy and analyze it from a date rape view. At that time, and I'm sure date rape did happen, more than likely, the Haaavaaard man was just hoping to get some really good kisses and maybe some heavy petting, from an older, very attractive woman. Jan handled herself very well, she could just as likely have punched him in the face, then we would be talking about date battery.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting how the leading lady got her name. Why change names at all? Does any one have a copy of "The Code" that is referenced in the making of this film? Where can it be found? The "date rape" created an uneasy feeling as I watch the film. I am sure that this happens but when it is promoted in a film, I begin to lose interest in the plot of the film. Overall the film was good and entertaining. I have family that is working in the film industry, so the way they filmed this created more conversation with my family.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that Doris Day, being close friends with Rock Hudson, claimed she new nothing of his homosexuality. When he was diagnosed with AIDS, it seems that this clinched the argument that he was gay, but Rock never officially came out (from my understanding of it), even during the 80's, right around the time of his death. Does anyone know why he would adamantly oppose this claim about his sexuality?
ReplyDelete