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CATHIE MERCHANT
Introduction: One of my earliest memories is
sitting on my backyard swing, listening to some older neighbor kids
describe the film they'd just come back from seeing. I was six. The
year was 1963. One of the most vivid parts of their description was
about a warlock raising a long-dead woman from the grave. What my
mind did with their description haunted me for years before I
finally discovered what film they were talking about. It was Roger
Corman's THE HAUNTED PALACE, starring Vincent Price. Now, jump ahead
about 35 years, soon after establishing this website in 1999. I
received the following email:
Friday 11/5/1999
Dear Sir:
I had a small part in the film "HAUNTED PALACE." I am
interested in learning if there are any posters available to
purchase and wonder if you would have that information. Thank you
for any assistance.
Cathie Merchant
It never occurred to
me, at the time, to check IMDb to see if she was listed in the cast.
So I asked her what part she'd played, expecting it to be a villager
or some other truly minor role.
Wednesday 11/17/1999
Thank you for asking. I played Hester (I believe Tillinghast),
Prices' mistress, who was brought back from the dead. I have the
film - I would like any poster I am on. I have other things I would
like to have. Perhaps you can help.
Cathie
Darlene Lucht, Cathie Merchant and
Vincent Price in The Haunted Palace
Anyone who has
seen THE HAUNTED PALACE knows that, though nonspeaking, her role was
hardly 'minor.' I told her that I'd gladly see where she might find
a poster for sale, and asked her what it was like to work on the
film.
Thursday 11/18/1999
Hi.
...As to
working with Vincent, he was a little upset with me, as the costume
gal lent me a necklace he had given her. He got better later. He
really had a good sense of humor and made a great joke about the pit
the monster was in - the still cameraman had fallen in at one point
(not hurt) and at some point in the script some discussion came up
about the inhabitant of the pit and Vincent said “It’s George, the
camera man!” (You had to be there) Debra [Paget] was very sweet -
her mother was on the set every day and seemed a little out of it.
Debra was marrying some millionaire and was seeing jewelry people
everyday.
Lon Chaney, Jr. cooked Chili in his dressing room and
it was quite pungent. It was a nice experience if you like making
films in fourteen days. I had worked for Roger [Corman] in MAN WITH
THE X-RAY EYES and he really knew how to keep the budget down. I
hope you can help me find some posters. It’s such fun to talk about
the past.
Cathie
Cathie, Darlene Lucht and Vincent
Price looking in the pit (for George the cameraman?)
Cathie with Lon Chaney, Jr. and
Vincent Price
I told Cathie that I would scan some
pictures and posters for her from my collection. I also asked her
about some of her other acting assignments.
Tuesday
11/23/1999
Rick,
I would love it if you could send
the posters you have scanned as attachments and I will see if I am
adept enough to download same. I was one of the belly dancers in the
carnival scenes in "X-RAY." Yes, TOUCH OF MINK was the second thing
I did - had a brief appearance when Doris Day wrecks the machines
and calls [Cary] Grant in the restaurant. Almost the last time I
worked. Grant did not like women to wear makeup and I didn't look
too hot. Rumor on the set was he talked Doris Day into the no-makeup
routine and when she saw the dailies she wanted to fire the
cameraman. Even when you saw him socially he would request no makeup
and gave quite a lecture. He, however, was never without a bronzer.
Ray Milland in person was much more the screen 'Cary Grant' type.
Cathie with Cary Grant in THAT TOUCH OF MINK
Lovely man. I have tried to update the movie base [IMDb] as to other
credits, but apparently I am not credible.
I do appreciate your
efforts poster wise. Are you in the industry, other than your
Vincent Price site?
Again, thanks,
Cathie
Cathie on the left in Roger Corman's
MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES
I asked Cathie if I could
share some of her stories on the Vincent Price website. I also found
a few sites where she might be able to purchase a HAUNTED PALACE
poster.
Friday 12/3/1999
Rick, thanks so
much for the poster web sites. They are much appreciated.
Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful in bringing up your web
page. Would you check that the address emailed is correct? I have
made several attempts and checked the address carefully. Please hold
off on posting any emails until I have an opportunity to review and
consider. As I have been practicing law since 1981 and am in the
most litigious state in the nation, I am cognizant of the potential
for the most innocuous comments being fodder for litigation. In any
event, hope you can help me find your site -----
Cathie
Cathie being restrained by Leo Gordon
in THE HAUNTED PALACE
Friday 12/10/1999
Thanks Rick. I will attempt to
pull it up. I am still trying to reach your site without success.
Still trying. I appreciate your efforts and keeping me informed.
Will let you know my success with eBay.
Cathie
Cathie
finally was able to get to the website, and the page I'd put
together about her career.
Saturday 12/11/1999
Rick,
I actually found the site!...I...was very touched by the
"Merchant of Menace" [the title of the page about her]. The text is
very clever. My only complaint is the pictures. I have stills and
shots on set (that are much more flattering to me). If you plan on
keeping the inclusion in your site for any period of time I will
provide them if you wish.
I do not mind you telling the "George
the cameraman" story or Lon Chaney's cooking habits...Debra was as
sweet and generous as she was pretty.
One point of interest
perhaps [about THE HAUNTED PALACE]. An additional scene was shot
which I believe was to be used as the final scene. Lon Chaney, and
the wonderful character actor whose name escapes me [Milton
Parsons], and myself were pulling the picture which had hung over
the fireplace representing the ancestor, from the big fireplace.
Roger's brother Gene was directing.
The fire was real. All our
makeup was melting. Chaney was cursing and I was falling apart. If
you notice, the dress I wore after the 'resurrection' was the same I
wore in the earlier scenes, except there is some light-colored lace
added on the neckline and cuffs. After the scene, the wonderful
wardrobe gal, whose name I don't remember -- shame on me -- said the
fireman standing by told her the lace was very flammable and if a
spark had landed it would have been a shame. I was crying after the
scene and we didn't quite do it to perfection. Lon Chaney would not
repeat it. I think he was the one who had the clout to say, 'this is
ridiculous.' I did a lot of work in the industry and that was one of
the most frightening experiences.I guess the fact that we had to be
on set at 6:00 and were there until 10:00 or so could have made our
nerves raw doing Rogers '14-day wonder productions.' Also, the
scenes were not shot in sequence. When Ward returns, all we ghouls
had green makeup. You can't really see it on me, but Chaney appears
tinged. I would have my makeup changed, as the shots were not in
sequence, two or three times per day. It was quite an experience. I
used to sing to Frank Maxwell [Dr. Willet] "what kind of ghoul am I"
(apologies to Sammy Davis). You seem to have a deep fondness for
Price. I would be so interested in how that developed.
Cathie
It was after receiving that email that I decided to offer
Cathie my own HAUNTED PALACE one-sheet poster as a gift. She was
delighted.
Wednesday 1/26/2000
Dear Rick:
How very gracious you are! You are very kind and I'm sure I
would enjoy the poster tremendously. However, I want you to think
about this as I am sure your Vincent Price memorabilia is very dear
to you, even if not currently on display. I am most touched by the
generosity and thoughtfulness of your offer.
Best Wishes, Cathie
I assured her that nothing would please me more than to give her
the poster she'd been hoping to acquire for so long. I mean, she
even appears on the poster! Of course she should have it!
A poster like the one I gave Cathie.
That's her right in the middle!
Saturday 1/29/2000
Dear Rick,
I am very touched by your offer and gladly accept.
The particular time of making that movie holds many memories for me.
Not just of the film, but of many significant things occurring in my
life. Thank you!
Again, thank you for your generosity,
Cathie
Tuesday 2/15/2000
Dear Rick:
Please forgive me for not getting back to you sooner. The dreaded
flu bug struck here and I have not been at the computer. I received
the poster intact and am so grateful. How kind of you to make this
gift. Since I have been looking, not knowing anything of posters, I
realize now how significant it is to have a poster actually used for
display. You are very generous and it will bring me much pleasure. I
hope we will keep in touch - please remember me to the family and if
you are ever in Los Angeles I hope you will let me know and we can
meet. Once again, thank you for your kindness - Much, much
appreciation!!!
Cathie
I checked in with Cathie again a
few months later, telling her that I'd found another Vincent Price
poster (not quite as scary) to take the place of the one I'd sent
her.
Friday 5/12/2000
Hi Rick!
It was
good to hear from you. Indeed I am enjoying the poster. I have my
friends interested in posters to reminisce by. I am currently
looking for one for a friend who was in BULLITT [Pat Renella] (he
also didn't speak a word in the film - was the bad guy running from
McQueen). I'm so glad you found a poster that doesn't bother your
wife and still makes you happy.
I was interested to hear MGM
bought the American International rights. Orion had purchased at
least some of them and then did a Chapter 11 and the residuals were
paid off pennies on the dollar. They're not much anyway, but every
now and again I get something from the old films and TV things. I am
glad people enjoyed any contribution I might have made to the site -
you have put such a lot of work in it and it is very impressive.
I am getting ready to go to Italy and France in June. I am very
happy as I have not been for years and figure now or never. And a
respite from practicing law! What a sorry profession. How I envy
people who enjoy their work, and from what I read about you, you
seem to be one of the lucky ones.
I hope the flu is gone from
your household for good. Give my regards to the family and please
keep in touch. It is a pleasure to hear from you -
Cathie
We continued emailing about current events and the like. Cathie
was very outspoken about things -- mainly politics -- and was always
a joy to hear from.
Saturday 8/5/2000
Richard,
I visited the site and saw your picture and read your
philosophy. I do not find it corny at all, but very admirable. You
look like a nice guy and that is not a bad thing. Hope things are
well with you and yours. Still enjoying the poster and thank you
again
My very best,
Cathie Merchant
People visiting
the Price site started sending me fan mail for Cathie. I would scan
and forward those to her. I also asked if she could recall other
acting assignments so that I could add them to the webpage.
Friday 10/13/2000
Rick,
Thanks so much for
forwarding the letter. I will answer in the future and take you up
on your offer to send same. I wrote you a long diatribe about life,
the current political scene and personal feelings about life in
general. AOL wiped it out - probably quite a cogent commentary on
the content. In any event, I hope you and the family are well and
surviving these troubled times. I will attempt to put a resume
together, although that is like another life and will strain the
memories and evoke others maybe best forgotten. I do appreciate your
involving me in your web site and also appreciate the work you are
doing. Will write with a hopefully appropriate answer to the letter
soon.
Cathie
Sometimes it was easy to see discouragement
in her emails.
Tuesday 10/17/2000
Rick,
I wish I could have your positive feeling about the future. I am
pretty cynical and I am sorry about that. Skeptical is fine, but not
cynical...In any event, we do live in interesting times. I will send
something to answer the letter you have forwarded in the future.
Things here are pretty hectic. I hope you and yours are well and
enjoying life. It is so very short!!!!!
My best regards.
Cathie
I tried to keep her up to date on new releases of her
films, and she'd keep me posted about plays and films she had seen.
Wednesday 10/25/2000
Dear Rick,
It's always
so good to hear from you and about the family. I am not so much down
as frustrated. Sounds like you guys have good "family values" if one
will excuse the use of a perverted term by we-all-know-who.
I did
not know about the DVD. I saw the X-Ray thing the other night and I
thought 'no wonder Roger didn't let me speak.' Honestly, these were
not my best two lines. I did study at Goodman, for God's sake, and
have some ability. Joking, because I did almost every TV show in the
60's - early 70's with my day-player bits and was really quite good.
Breaks and all that, but most importantly, as in everything, you
have to want to succeed at what you do above everything. I really
will try to remember and send you a list of credits, but if I don't
please forgive me.
You sound so grounded and so able to live
each day with enjoyment. I do so admire that. That is really what
life is.
As an aside, I saw Brian Dennehy last Saturday in Death
of a Salesman. I had seen it on cable and thought he was the best
(and most unlikely) Loman I had ever seen. I hated Dustin Hoffman. I
have seen Cobb, March and others do the role. I was terribly
disappointed with Dennehy in the first act. He may have been thrown
off as he had a very dramatic stage entrance in silhouette, and no
applause. In any event, he was off the entire first act. Started way
up there with no where to go. It was a matinee and I don't usually
go to matinee's so I don't know the expectation concerning the
audience, but maybe he thought we were idiots because of no first
entrance applause. Anyway, the second act was, of course, much
better. It is hard to believe Miller wrote that 50 years ago. Every
time I see it I see more. I have almost forgiven Miller for writing
After the Fall. I grew up adoring Monroe and felt she was
betrayed...
I seem to be rambling. I so like the idea of
corresponding with an unknown quantity. I can imbue you with all the
attributes one wishes in a correspondent. Don't you dislike knowing
exactly what to expect from everyone you encounter? Do write when
you have time.
All my very best to you and yours,
Cathie
Wednesday 12/27/2000
Hi Rick,
I had every
intention of sending an email greeting for Christmas but you know
what they say about good intentions. I hope your family had a great
holiday and I'm not too late to say Happy New Year!!!
Cathie
Wednesday 1/17/2001
Hi Rick...Marquez is one of
my favorites. When I finished my first year of law school (which did
not allow for any outside reading, unlike a masters where all one
did was show up) I got One Hundred years of Solitude and The World
According to Garp and the experience of devouring these words after
all the linear language was euphoric. Marquez's syntax, even in
translation, and metaphors are so masterful. I thought you would
appreciate this. Don't you always wonder what we miss by having to
read translations. I'm sure it's much like that very particular
incommunicable experience of existence that isolates us from even
those most dear.
Cathie
I gently kept after her to help
me flesh out her acting assignments.
Tuesday 3/6/2001
Hi Rick,
I am delighted to hear from you. We don't have the
winter you are having but we have had so much rain! I usually love
it, but this has become a bit much...I have the picture taken on the
set [THE HAUNTED PALACE] to which you refer. Yes, it does look
pretty silly. When I finally was 'raised,' there was a kiss. I
remember Roger telling me I must keep my lips closed. Things have
certainly changed! I will try to remember something that might
interest someone. Problem is, the most interesting things I am
reluctant to repeat for the world to view. I do wish you had more
flattering pictures (I mean of me, of course). Had I known you were
going to keep that aspect of the site I would have sent you some. I
may see if my daughter the computer person can scan and email you
some to use if you like. As far as other work, the usual 60's
things. Did several Hitchcocks, The Greatest Show on Earth, The New
Breed, Burke's Law, Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, the very last Sunset
Strip, Alcoa Hour, Third Man, Bob Cummings, The Virginian,
Untouchables, Laramie and so many others that no one remembers, and
that includes me. I would say all small parts, but 'no small parts,
only small actors.' I studied at Goodman in Chicago and that was
drummed into our heads. Your site just keeps getting better -
congratulations. Hope your weather (and ours) gets better. Keep me
informed on how things are going and let's hope the country doesn't
have to go through the economy we had after Reagan put in his tax
fix. Hi to the family,
Cathie
Cathie with Simon Oakland and Robert
Stack on the TV show The Untouchables
Vincent and Cathie
Monday 8/20/2001
Hi Rick-
It is so good to hear
from you! I visit your site (you're doing a great job). I will see
if there is anything I can find you might want to use. I haven't
heard Roger's commentaries but would be interested to hear how he
describes what you refer to as his 'fast paced' methods. ...Let me
hear from you and I do hope you are well. My best to your family and
hope your son enjoys high school and that you and your wife survive
the experience. Don't be a stranger,
Cathie
Thursday
8/23/2001
Dear Rick: ...I really will look for those
pictures. You could never be a pest and I love hearing from you so
keep me informed as to how you are doing,
My very best to you
and yours,
Cathie
1963
My first email from
Cathie following the events of 9/11.
Saturday 9/22/2001
Rick,
...I have lost my
favorite places [bookmarks] and your site. Please let me know if you
still have a site and if you want me to send the photos. I do hope
you are feeling alright. You are in my thoughts and I wish health
and peace of mind, as much as possible, for you and yours.
My
love to you and your family in these turbulent times,
Cathie
After THE HAUNTED PALACE was released on a new DVD.
Saturday 9/27/2003
Rick,
As always, so good to hear
from you. Thanks for letting me know about the DVD. I will pick one
up - after getting the makeup changed and re-changed I would like to
see it reflected on film. I am glad your family is well - stay
healthy and please keep in touch.
My regards to you and yours,
Cathie
Thursday 1/8/2004
Dear Rick:
First, Happy New Year! As with the best intentions, I was going to
send a holiday card - hope this late wish will suffice. I just
visited your newly-designed site and was so touched by the article
concerning your relationship with Vincent Price [an editorial in our
local paper that I wrote following his death, describing how much he
meant to me growing up]. I had no idea you were so personally
involved and have even greater respect for your wonderful tribute to
him. I hope you and the family are well and that this new year will
bring all good things.
My best to you and yours,
Cathie
Tuesday 1/13/2004
Hi Rick,
So good to hear
from you. Six degrees - so hard to imagine - when it is 50 we
complain of the cold. I have completely forgotten my Chicago
background....I have not seen any movies - for one who used to live
at and in the movies, I seldom attend. I have heard SOMETHING'S GOT
TO GIVE is very good. I did see THE BARBARIANS, a sequel to the
French Canadian film of some 17 years previous that won all sorts of
awards. Very good. And yes, I would like to be doing almost anything
but law.
Stay well and keep in touch.
Cathie
2007 was
an intense year for me. My father died, and then I was approached by
Fox/MGM to take part in some 'extras' to be included on a new
Vincent Price DVD set. A small film crew came to our house. I told
Cathie about it.
Monday 7/2/2007
Dear Rick,
It was so good to hear from you. Please accept my condolences on
the loss of your father. I am so very sorry. I'm sure having the
film crew come to interview you was fun. You say it is for some
films to be released - how would I identify the collection? I would
like to see your contribution. At the moment I can't think of
anything of particular interest to add to your site (at least
nothing I can put in print!). I may have some pictures and I will
take a look if I can find them. How is the family? I hope everyone
is well and doing well. Tell them hi for me. Please do keep in touch
- I love hearing from you. Again, thanks for thinking of me and keep
in touch ~
Cathie
The rise of social media precipitated
the following email, and lead to Cathie joining Facebook not long
after.
Tuesday 7/3/2007
Rick,
I came
upon your site on MySpace and learned a lot about you. I am so glad
I discovered the site. I learned so much about you. You have some
very interesting friends (I hope you consider me a friend even if we
have never met) and you sound most interesting yourself. I know
things about you I never would have. I would never have know you are
a Lovecraft descendant [I'm not. Cathie had seen mention of a book
I'd written about the Lovecraft family] - no wonder you are
interested in the tale of Charles Dexter Ward. I am so glad your
children are doing so well . I know you must be concerned about the
London experience as a parent [our son was going there to study for
a semester], but we will always be so concerned about our children
their entire lives. It never stops, I am here to tell you. But this
should not keep us from allowing them the opportunities that will
enlighten their intellects and enlarge their souls. You and your
wife are brave and will always know that you supported your kids in
spite of your concerns. And, if we are realistic, life is random.
Better to live the best life we can, in spite of the dangers, than
to cower in a small space and think we are 'safe' while we wither
inside. Enough of that! I think your new site looks great. I have
found only a few pictures from THE HAUNTED PALACE. I should be
embarrassed to say they are mostly of me (but I'm not - why would I
be interested in anyone else at 20-something?) but I do have a
couple stills with Vincent Price. One over the 'pit' and one a
close-up of both of us. I have several around the coffin (those
people just wouldn't give up, would they) - remind me to tell you of
my friend who was Johnny Ross in Bullet [Pat Renella] who turned
down a part with Roger [Corman] because my friend wouldn't get in a
coffin. Anyway, as I digress, would you want the pictures as I have
described them? I could attempt to get my daughter to scan them and
send to you as I don't have a scanner, or I could just send the
prints and you could scan and send them back. I wouldn't ask you to
return them but they are a part of my history and you, I know, are
one who respects history that it is important to have our past close
to our present. And please be truthful, as these pictures are much
like what you have and perhaps you don't need them. I just want to
help make your site as thorough as you would like....
My very
best,
Cathie
Cathie [right] and a friend with
Cathie's good friend Pat Renella
On the ten-year
anniversary of our first communication.
Thursday
8/20/2009
Hi Rick,
So very good to hear from you.
Ten years! Hard to believe. Your children have become adults -
although it is so unfair. We become older codgers, sometimes even
strangers to them while to us they are always our babies. Pretty
unfair I'd say. Of course, I visit your site - you've done such a
good job and I do appreciate being included. I hope to get to New
York in the not too distant future and hope we can meet in person.
Actually, it has been a cool summer here - at least for me. I live
in Marina del Rey and we have been overcast all year and cool
although it does get hot in the valley but even there it has been
unusually cool. It was so good to hear from you. Do please keep in
touch and let's not need another [computer] virus to have contact
with each other. Say hi to the family and stay well. My fondest
wishes to all of you,
Cathie
Wednesday 2/16/2011
Hi Rick,
So good to hear from you. I have written before - after
I went on Facebook and heard from you I composed an email that was
practically a book and for some reason, Facebook said I couldn't
send it. It all seemed much too complicated and I couldn't figure
out why I went on the thing in the first place, so you never got the
email.How is the family? Your kids must be in college now, right?
And is Associate Professor a new position? [I'd just been promoted]
Do you do any teaching? I thank you for alerting me to the Vincent
Price interview [I'd found an interview online that author David Del
Valle had done with Price in which he'd mentioned Cathie]. It may
not matter what they say as long as they spell your name right, but
I felt uncomfortable and found his memory regarding me a bit
degrading. I don't recall the incident (perhaps repression). After
studying at Goodman and with Jeff Corey, Stanley Marks and others,
it is sad to think the only thing memorable about me or my mute
performance was my boobs, which just happen to come with the
package. I rather suspect he only noticed as the wardrobe lady told
me the pendant I wore Vincent had given to her and he pouted for
days when he saw she had given it to me to wear in the film. Oh
well, this is the man that thought Debra Paget would have been a
great actress. She was lovely and so very nice, unlike her mother,
who was plopped on the set everyday and who appeared to dislike me
thoroughly as she never spoke a word to me through the entire film,
although she was more than loquacious otherwise. Nevertheless, it
was so kind of you to tell me of the site and I enjoyed reading the
article. I'd love to hear about you and the family. Please give them
my best and do write when you have the time. Maybe you can explain
how Facebook makes money. Anyway, it is so good to hear from you. As
they say in the song, 'Don't wait too long' for another email talk.
The very best to you and yours,
Cathie
A birthday greeting I posted on
Cathie's Facebook page in 2011, and her reply, which still touches
me to the core.
In early 2011, I was asked to
introduce a showing of HOUSE OF WAX to a college film class where I
work. Then I was invited to attend the 100th anniversary of Vincent
Price's birth in St. Louis (to be called Vincentennial). But before
that, I learned I would be undergoing hip replacement surgery. I
wrote to tell Cathie about it all.
Thursday 2/17/2011
Dear Rick,
Sorry I complained about the remarks in the article.
I think when I responded I was in one of those dark places. I am so
grateful you pointed me to the article and remember Vincent had a
wicked sense of humor, so I was most ungracious. On second reading
it is funny and was meant all in fun. Thank you so much for
directing me to the article.I am sorry to hear you must have surgery
and I am glad it is a hip. I had to have a total knee replacement
last April and got a hospital infection and it has been hell, but I
was told by the physical therapist that recovery is at least a year.
I have always had high pain tolerance but for the last four months I
average maybe three hours sleep a night, which is not good for a
naturally cranky person, but I think things are improving, although
slowly. I say, if it has to be anything, good the hip. I have
several friends, much older than you (and even me) and they all had
easy hip surgery and quick recovery. One friend didn't even need
rehab. He used the pool and walked everyday.. He plans to live
forever although I cannot imagine why as this will likely entail
having to make a lot of new friends. I will be holding a good
thought for you.Sounds as if the family is doing well. The fact that
Andrew [my son] has work in these times is quite impressive. You
must be proud of Hannah's choice [to become a librarian, like her
old man].I'm sure the students indeed enjoyed your information and
knowledge when introducing HOUSE OF WAX.. I do hope you are able to
attend the St. Louis event. It sounds like a super experience and,
if my friends are any examples, you should be fine to go.I will
really have to give Facebook another chance. I will have to do
something. I haven't worked since July 2007. I fell backward
downstairs in my townhouse and shattered my humerus (right hand of
course). No surgery, but took forever doing P.T. to finally be able
to raise my arm any distance. Then the left knee started and I spent
a year trying to avoid surgery and now recuperating and to the point
where I realize I have to find a way to fill the remaining years. I
have always had a goal in life and when reached, set another. Now is
the time in life when reflection and the past seem to predominate. I
am sure I will find a direction that intrigues me soon and set
another goal - although I suspect at this period in life that goal
may be to try to remain upright and breathing. Please stay in touch
and forgive me for being such a grouch about the article. I am just
pleased to be remembered by anyone at this point. To an easy surgery
and a quick recovery. Keep me informed as to your progress -
Always love hearing from you,
Cathie
Cathie and her very good friend, actor
Pat Renella
I learned that author/film lover David
Del Valle was working on a book about the Roger Corman Edgar Allan
Poe films and asked him if he was acquainted with Cathie. He was
not, but was very excited to have the opportunity.
Thursday 2/24/2011
Dear Rick,
How very kind and
thoughtful of you to speak to David Del Valle, and I do hope he
understands I am honored to be mentioned in his book. My initial
reaction was really to many things other than the interview and
mostly of the 'if only' feelings that come as time shortens. I would
be happy to contribute anything I might to his Poe/Corman book that
might be of help to him and will contact him with the email address
you provided. Alas, I am afraid I will not be able to see Mr. Del
Valle's posting on Facebook as I am still unable to convince them I
am me (I am even beginning to believe them). As to Mr ____ [a fan
who wanted me to forward an email to Cathie], I would be happy to
drop him a line and sign any picture for him. How kind of him to
have noticed and remembered me. And again, thank you for all the
time and trouble you have taken on my account. I have come to
consider you a special friend....You be sure and let me know how the
surgery goes. I will hold the very best thoughts for you - make sure
everyone that touches you washes their hands!
Again, thank you
for everything
until next time.
Cathie
Cathie at a book launch for David Del
Valle's latest work in 2011
After searching eBay for months, I
finally found -- and obtained -- this beautiful still of Cathie from
THE HAUNTED PALACE. I scanned it and sent her a copy. I had no idea
it would mean so much to her.
Thursday
2/24/2011
My dear Rick,
How kind of you and
touching. That is one of my favorite all time pictures as it is so
very flattering. All camera people on that shoot were wonderful.
This is a still, but the wonderful camera man on the film was indeed
a genius [Floyd Crosby]. All reviews mention Debra Paget had never
looked better and he made all of us (save poor Lon Chaney) look so
good. And believe me, he worked quick -- a necessity in a Roger
Corman film. Thank you so much for going to all this trouble. Now,
you have made my day!
With much affection,
Cathie
Cathie and I continued our correspondence, both in emails and on
social media. Her lively political discussions on Facebook with her
other friends were always a delight. But Cathie suffered several
setbacks during this time as well. Her dear friend, Pat Renella,
passed away. Her home was flooded in a terrible plumbing mishap,
causing her to have to relocate to a hotel while restoration slowly
proceeded, and she continued her recovery from her painful fall.
Then, on February 2, 2013, Cathie's daughter Victoria posted on
her mother's Facebook page that Cathie had passed away from natural
causes. I have so missed her wit, viewpoints and warmth ever since.
But it wasn't until after I'd had a chance to process the suddenness
of her departure that I considered the irony of it all. That Cathie
Merchant -- part of one of my earliest memories -- and I had become
friends. That's something I'm still so grateful for.
Cathie
Merchant was so much more than the beautiful actress we see
all-too-briefly in many of her screen appearances. She was a
complex, extremely intelligent individual. I so hope that I've done
her justice in this tribute.
Cathie's listing in the Academy Players Directory from the early
1960s
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