JOHN WAYNE was in the middle in the middle of divorce negotiations with his wife Esperanza. Understandably, he preferred to hibernate. But the St. Joseph Hospital requested him to head the benefit at the Valley Garden Arena. As No. 1 box-office star, his appearance alone, would insure thousands of dollars at the gate for a needed charity. John put personal matters aside and played the show. On stage, he was smiling the successful, kind-hearted, lusty, rugged, John Wayne of the movies. Off stage, his "hail-fellow-well-met" popularity was evidenced. He was mobbed by fans, friends and former co-workers. "How are you Duke?" they asked. "Fine," he said. Many he called by name inquiring the health of their wives and children. Then he stepped into his car and the smile left his face. He was a lonely man, sad and weary. "I can't believe that I have lost Chata," he remarked in a low voice—half to himself and half to a friend who had accompanied him. He loved her.
I have known John Wayne for several years. To know him at all is to like him—to admire him. I knew before I asked that he would not discuss the news in the papers that he and Chata were through. He did confirm the announcement that this time he wanted her attorney, Jerry Giesler, to get it over as quickly as possible; that their beautiful $140,000 ranch home in San Fernando Valley was for sale; that, if Chata didn't file the divorce in thirty days, he would. John knew no other way. He was at the end of his rope.
Time, pride, personalities and human emotions play many tricks. Even a strong love can weather two strong demanding personalities for only so long. Chata (Spanish for Pug Nose) , as John affectionately called her, is half Spanish, half French fiery and docile, temperamental and loving, fascinating, possessive and proud as her heritage. And John a lovable sweet guy, argumentative and stubborn, a great friend, restrained and impulsive—she discovered is a man's man. No woman will ever harness h.
Generous to a fault and loyal, he loves people and he loves his friends, all of them. A wife is a part of him. He expects her to go along with him sharing his life—as he lives it, always being there like his right arm.
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