In the throes of financial struggle and solitude, often under the influence of alcohol, Ava Gardner, a former Hollywood icon, faced a pivotal decision: “I either pen down my life story or part ways with my cherished jewels,” she pondered.
“And the jewels hold a sentimental value in my heart.”
In January 1988, amidst the ravages of alcohol, cigarettes, and a recent stroke, Ava Gardner reached out to British journalist Peter Evans with a unique request – to assist in chronicling her life.
What ensued were the profound confessions of a legendary figure, encapsulated for the first time in Evans’ final publication, “Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations.”
Among the startling disclosures was the revelation that her first husband, Mickey Rooney, known for his philandering ways, betrayed Ava – then hailed as the epitome of beauty – in their marital bed while she recuperated from an appendectomy in the hospital.
Recalling Rooney’s promiscuity, Ava disclosed how her close friend Lana Turner, who had prior relations with Rooney, dubbed him “Andy Hard-On.”
Subsequently, Gardner entered into marriage with bandleader Artie Shaw, whom she described as a disparaging figure, consistently belittling her.
However, it was her union with Frank Sinatra that garnered widespread attention, as he left his spouse for her.
Their love story manifested dramatically during their initial encounter, a late-night intoxicated drive from Palm Springs to Indio, where they recklessly discharged firearms at streetlights and windows using Sinatra’s concealed .38s, epitomizing their passionate bond.
Simultaneously involved with Sinatra, Gardner engaged in a clandestine affair with the married Robert Mitchum, whom she held great affection for.
Nevertheless, upon revealing her association with Sinatra, Mitchum opted to end the relationship, cautioning her against provoking Sinatra due to his potential for violence.
Originating from humble beginnings in Grabtown, NC, as a naive teenage virgin, Gardner’s discovery by a talent scout in 1941 marked the inception of her cinematic journey.
Driven by her mother’s unwavering belief in her star potential, Ava acknowledged that her physical allure facilitated her entry into the movie industry.
Despite acknowledging her limitations in acting prowess, Gardner professed indifference, noting that much of her work ended up on the cutting room floor, hinting at her perceived lack of substantial talent.
Following a successful screen test, she secured a lucrative seven-picture contract with MGM, catapulting her to prominence among Hollywood’s leading men.
Gardner’s encounter with Rooney, the diminutive star of the wholesome “Andy Hardy” series, on her inaugural studio day, depicted his immediate indecent proposition toward her, shocking the young and innocent Ava.
Succumbing to societal pressures, she eventually consummated their courtship on their wedding night, delving into a world of newfound experiences.
Subsequent relationships with Howard Hughes and Artie Shaw unfolded, portraying Gardner’s tumultuous personal life marred by excessive smoking, alcoholism, and emotional turmoil.
Her marriage to Sinatra in 1951, characterized by intense passion and conflict, culminated in divorce in 1957, yet their enduring bond persisted until her demise in 1990 at age 67, attributed to pneumonia.
Throughout her tumultuous existence, Gardner’s narrative intertwined with tales of romance, heartbreak, and resilience, immortalizing her as a timeless emblem of glamour and intrigue in the annals of Hollywood history.
