I had not been in Austin long when I saw an announcement for a screening of'Rio Bravo" at the restored Paramount Theatre . Angie Dickinson and Ben Mankiewitz(Turner Classic Movies was the sponsor) would be there. This was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this classic Western starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Rick Nelson, Walter Brennan and Angie Dickinson in the role that would make her a starluck. I was lucky to get a ticket to what was easily a "sold out" event. Not only is "Rio Bravo" one of my favorite Westerns but Angie Dickinson...well, read on.
My dad and I agreed on few things but when Angie Dickinson made televsion history by starring in "Police Woman" we never missed an episode. It was the first time the star of a police drama was a woman. Angie brought not only her considerable film acting skill to the show she made this cop tough, intelligent, and sexy. Telvision can influence people and Angie Dickinson's "Police Woman " convinced a lot of young women that they could indeed compete and succeed in what was once an all male world and still be attractive..In one memorable episode she was undercover and wearing a wire gathering information but when she became attracted to one of the card players at a game and the suspect was gone she turned off the wire and and went with her new friend to his hotel room. Guys like us all over America were on so jealous. Angie Dickinson was truly beautiful and incredibly sexy but there was also something about her that was so likable, so warm., so sincerely charming. I subsequently learned that people in the movie business loved to work with her because she was a competent professional and and an absolute charmer. She became the only woman invited to be a regular at Gregory Peck's long running poker game. The great personal struggle with her much troubled daughter never diminished the warmth and sincere charm she always had for the people in her life.
I was working as Director of Special Events at the National Building Museum in Washington when I got a call from a movie and television location scout. Angie Dickinson was filming a pilot for a new telvision show that was based in Washington and they wanted to shoot part of the pilot in the museum..."and you will get to meet one of the nicest people in the movies" the scout said. No one was disappointed. She was charming and gracious to everyone and at the age of sixty-six still a knockout. The filming had finished and I went back to my office. The doors to office were glass and I had no sooner sat down at my destk when there was a knoc k. I jumped up and opened the door for Angie Dickinson. "May I use a phone?" she asked. "Of course, Miss Dickinson." " Call me Angie" she said. "Do you need privacy?" "Oh no and this building it's so beautiful. Thank you for letting us use it." I unashamedly replied " A lot more beautiful this afternoon." She laughed and winked " thank you."
Forward to Austin and the screening of 'Rio Bravo". Angie Dickinson was just a few months shy of eighty. Ben Mankiewitz read a roster of the notable actors that she had worked with over a more than sixty year career. It was amazing. And onstage came this still beautiful star dressed in a black pants with a white blouse worn stylishly out, very cool sneakers and a little straw hat with the brim turned up. Mankiewitz asked questions and her responses were filled with great stories, wonderful humor and she was still oh so sexy. A few questions were asked from the audience and she flirted with everyone. A guy in his forties got up and asked if she would sign his "Bravo" poster."Of course, darling, wait for me in the car". And with that the evening was over.
I reflected later on how some people like Angie Dickinson and my friend Marian are able to age so gracefully and remain young at heart and spirit seemingly forever. Eugene O'Neill said "Do not go gentle into that good night" and they don't.
