A TRIBUTE TO ANN RUTHERFORD From Her Bobby
I know there will be many tributes and remembrances of Ann Rutherford, and I would like to share mine.
I have a love for old movies! When I say old, I mean from the silent era to the late 1950’s! Anything after that I consider new. This led to my desire to be a film historian. I had done much research and reading on the old studios, films, and classic stars. When I realized that we had some of the stars still with us, I wanted to write to them before it was too late.
How I discovered Ann Rutherford:
One morning in the summer, after finally getting TCM, I was watching a film called Love Finds
Andy Hardy. I was watching for Judy Garland. At the time I did not know much about Mickey
Rooney whom I discovered to be an indescribable talent; however, Mickey and Judy were not
my greatest discoveries in the film. The best part was Andy’s girlfriend, Polly Benedict, played
by Ann Rutherford. I thought she had the best facial expressions I had ever seen on an actress.
Whenever Polly would be angry or jealous at Andy, she would pout in a spoiled kind of way and
say something like “Why Andrew Hardy how could you!” I loved it! I could not get enough. I
knew I wanted to see every movie she was ever in. I thought she had the most beautiful eyes and
hair. I knew she had become one of my favorites. What I did not know, was that in about a year
and a half I would call her my friend and she would be the biggest help in my beginning my
career as a film historian.
I wrote Ann a fan letter in June of 2009. I did not hear anything, but I still held out hope she would write to me.
When I was attending college, I was taking History, but the only thing I cared about was film history, not offered at my college. I asked my Professor to sign a couple of letters that I had composed (about my interest in film and classic film stars, etc.) to make it seem more official and for someone to take notice.
I wrote to Ann again in late February, 2010 with my Professor’s letter and that did the trick!
On Saint Patrick’s Day March 17, 2010, the phone rang a little after 9 P.M. The person who called said they were looking for a Bobby Sulecki. “This is he.” I said. “This is Ann Rutherford,” she said. I could not believe it! She said she was so pleased with my letter. Ann said she was very happy that I “give a rip” about what she and everyone else did in the old days and said “I’m on your team.” I was also impressed that she pronounced my last name correctly and asked if I was Polish. When I said that I was Polish on both sides of my family she thought that it was wonderful, “they are such a happy tribe!”
Ann told me that the reason she was calling me at this time was that she had to leave for Palm Springs the next day for some zoo or animal benefit that she was going to with her dear friend Anne Jeffreys. She said she was going to have fun talking with all the giraffes! It was then I realized that Ann was someone who liked to keep busy and had a unique zest for life! She was trying to set up an appointment to call me back next week, and wanted to let me know she had received my letter.
Ann also talked about the GWTW Museum in Marietta, Georgia and about her friend, Dr. Chris Sullivan, who runs it. “He’s an endocrinologist, whatever that is!” She mentioned that he would be bringing her to Kent State University in September for a Katherine Hepburn exhibition, and to support their Museum’s 25th Anniversary, “25 Years of Dazzle.” This was during our first conversation! Ann was already inviting me to meet her there, and to see if I was available! I knew I had to be! She said she would ask the good doctor to arrange everything, and thank God he did!
We talked for about an hour and as Ann said, “And now we’re friends!” During the conversation she received a few phone calls on her other phone, and told who was calling that she was busy talking to a Pennsylvanian right now! Even though she did not know me, Ann was already telling me I was a self-starter and offering encouragement in my goal to be a film historian. Even though she knew I had cerebral palsy, she said I could do anything I wanted to and had complete faith in me.
Ann had a very sharp memory and was a wonderful raconteur. She was very direct and nothing was off the record.
Random Thoughts and Remembrances of our Conversations:
Ann’s Sayings:
I first called her Miss Rutherford, to which she replied, “Honey, you can call me Ann without the E.”
“My Atlantic Ocean!”
“J is for Just a Minute!”
“I was coming and going, to- ing and fro- ing.”
“Prop me up and wheel me out.” After speaking about “Wind.”
“Acting is REACTING!”
“I’ve been travelling!”
“And that’s a good thing!”
I told Ann I just tried to call her, and she said, “I was just doing a trash run, I believe in recycling!”
When I asked Ann what she thought about Robert Donat receiving the Oscar in 1940 instead of Clark Gable for GWTW, she replied, “Well, they needed to have their heads examined!”
I was telling Ann about TCM’s Moguls and Movie Stars, I was disappointed about their handling of the 1930’s portion. I couldn’t believe how much time they gave to Mae West (an unfavorite of mine.) Ann’s response was “Well, she was a freak!” It made me laugh, and I couldn’t agree more.
If I called to say that I just watched a movie of hers on TV, she would chirp, “What was I doing?”
When I mentioned I was interested in Diana Lynn, Ann told me that she was a very good friend who had stayed with her a short time while she was preparing for a movie. This was also at the time that Diana suffered a stroke and passed away. According to Ann, Diana’s husband pulled the plug too fast. It was around Christmas and Ann had to go in the guest room and find Diana’s Christmas gifts to her children. It was Ann’s sad task to send them to her children. She said of Diana Lynn, “She had taste.” Taste and charm were very high on Ann’s list.
Sometimes I would call and ask for Polly Benedict. Ann replied, “Polly Benedict used to live here!”
Before we met at Kent State, Ann would keep me up to date on what to expect. “There will be an autograph session and then we will go to the Hoo Ha! (the big reception and dinner that was to follow.) She told me my father and I would be fine in a dark suit and favorite tie; my mother should wear her cocktail dress! I felt that I was going to an old Hollywood Party!
When we met at Kent State, Ann was just about to sign and autograph her pictures for me, but we were interrupted. She said, “I have your address, I’ll just mail them to you.” Unfortunately, that never happened. Something always came up……..There was flooding and she had to get it cleaned up, raccoons or squirrels were invading her chimney and she had to take care of that, she was remodeling her kitchen and couldn’t get to the Post Office. When I said maybe someone can take it for you, she said, “I don’t shop that way.” And then she was always travelling! She said, “Honey, I promise you I will get to it, and I also have a box of things for you and a special surprise, I’m not telling you!” I am beyond heartbroken that I will never receive this!
Remembrance of our Meeting at Kent State
I waited in the museum director's office for Ann and Robert Osborne's arrival. I had a dozen roses and a gift I purchased for Ann ready. They said, "They're here!", so I stood by the office entrance. They walked in! Ann and her entourage, Dr. Chris Sullivan, Al Morley, Bob from Chicago, and Robert Osborne.
The museum director said there is someone here waiting for you, and Ann walked in with a cane she barely needs, and said, "There he is, there's my Bobby!" She has called me that ever since. She took off her sunglasses and I saw her eyes, I knew it was Polly Benedict. Ann hugged me as I gave her flowers, and there were a couple of reporters and photographers snapping pictures. Even Robert Osborne took a picture of us!
She kept talking to me and telling the reporters that I'm going to be the next Robert Osborne!
I was so happy, I was shaking! She gave me a kiss from Polly Benedict.
I was the first in line for autographs, and I had Ann sign a book I had bought on Ebay, (it was a mystery series from Whitman Publishing that was written with her and other stars of the 1940s.)
Then, I stayed for the entire autograph session from 11 AM to 1 PM, but there were so many people they had to close the doors at 1:20 PM. I was able to talk to other people from Kent State University, and had said few more interviews. They were asking my opinions on the movie studios, movie colorization, and other stars that I Iiked. Me! Unbelievable!
I also got to know some of Ann's friends. Dr. Chris Sullivan, who made the arrangements for me to come to Kent State, Bob from Chicago a longtime Gone With the Wind fan, and Al Morley, Ann's traveling companion.
With the exception of Dr. Sullivan, most of these people are in their 80's! It was like being a guest at an old Hollywood Party! Al Morley was a riot! He kept telling funny stories and teasing me and Ann! And everyone said that I'm all Ann talked about, her Bobby!
We took a break at the hotel, and then arrived at the Cocktail Party back at the museum. I have never been to something like this with wine, and an open bar, and odeurves. I was sitting down in the corner because I thought Ann would like to mingle with guests, but when she walked in she sat right down next to me! And Robert Osborne walked by and said, "Hey Bobby!" like we were old friends! I can't tell you what this felt like!
The Cleveland Plain Dealer or some other news pulled her away for an interview, and we were again entertained by Al Morely. Also, an elderly gentleman who was a sponsor for the museum had passed out, and they were calling 911. Ann returned to sit next to me, as they were pulling in a gurney for the gentleman. She just kept right on talking, unfazed! It was a funny scene. Al Morely stated, "Some people will do anything to get attention!" He was just too funny! Ann asked Al to get her a drink, something that Anne Jeffreys drinks! Al said in a funny way, “I don’t know what Anne Jeffreys drinks!!!” Later on, Ann misplaced her purse and people were scrambling trying to find it. Al Morely brought it back and told her, “Everything’s in it but the money and the jewels.” Ann told him jokingly to shut up. You could tell how close they were.
Then we boarded shuttle buses to the Student Center for dinner. Again, unbelievable! Steak and Lobster! I thought I was living in a dream!
Again I was seated next to Ann. The steak was a little tough, and Ann and Al Morely did not care for it. When I had commented that my father loved steak, I saw her fork coming over with her steak on it for my father. He was already full, so she then offered it to take home for my dog.
After dinner Ann made a few remarks and Robert Osborne introduced a documentary film about Katharine Hepburn, and then it was over. I hugged Ann goodbye, and she said, "I love you, bugger!"
We returned home on a Saturday, and she immediately called me when she returned home on Sunday.
For Ann’s 90th birthday (which I thought was her 90th, now they are saying she was three years older), I sent her roses like I had given her at Kent State and a small photo album of our pictures together. She described her delight and surprise at receiving her gifts and said she carried our photos in her pocketbook and showed everyone “her Bobby.”
I called her after Thanksgiving that year to see how her Holiday was and she said, “Honey, I lied! I told everybody I had plans to go to my nephews, but instead had turkey and cranberry sauce at home. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I just wanted to be by myself!”
At Christmas time, she sent me a lemon cake from Mrs. Beasley’s, Hollywood’s Favorite Bakery. I couldn’t believe she thought of me like that.
After that, we had many more telephone conversations and interviews built around Ann’s traveling schedule.
I hadn’t heard from Ann in awhile during 2011, so I called her in October. She told me she wasn’t doing too well, and that she told her doctors to fix whatever it is, so that she could go back to normal. She said she still had that stuff to send me and will try to get it out to me.
Sadly, this was not to be. She spent Christmas in the hospital, and I sent her some Christmas flowers with a note saying, “All I want for Christmas if for you to get well.”
I kept waiting to hear something about how Ann was doing, being careful not to be too intrusive. I contacted Al Morely who said she is not doing well, but would love to hear from me.
My last conversation with Ann was in April. She was still offering me encouragement and told me to keep writing. Her last words to me were, “I’m watching over you. I love you, you’re my kid!”
I love you too, Ann…. And in Ann’s words, “That’s a good thing!”
I know there will be many tributes and remembrances of Ann Rutherford, and I would like to share mine.
I have a love for old movies! When I say old, I mean from the silent era to the late 1950’s! Anything after that I consider new. This led to my desire to be a film historian. I had done much research and reading on the old studios, films, and classic stars. When I realized that we had some of the stars still with us, I wanted to write to them before it was too late.
How I discovered Ann Rutherford:
One morning in the summer, after finally getting TCM, I was watching a film called Love Finds
Andy Hardy. I was watching for Judy Garland. At the time I did not know much about Mickey
Rooney whom I discovered to be an indescribable talent; however, Mickey and Judy were not
my greatest discoveries in the film. The best part was Andy’s girlfriend, Polly Benedict, played
by Ann Rutherford. I thought she had the best facial expressions I had ever seen on an actress.
Whenever Polly would be angry or jealous at Andy, she would pout in a spoiled kind of way and
say something like “Why Andrew Hardy how could you!” I loved it! I could not get enough. I
knew I wanted to see every movie she was ever in. I thought she had the most beautiful eyes and
hair. I knew she had become one of my favorites. What I did not know, was that in about a year
and a half I would call her my friend and she would be the biggest help in my beginning my
career as a film historian.
I wrote Ann a fan letter in June of 2009. I did not hear anything, but I still held out hope she would write to me.
When I was attending college, I was taking History, but the only thing I cared about was film history, not offered at my college. I asked my Professor to sign a couple of letters that I had composed (about my interest in film and classic film stars, etc.) to make it seem more official and for someone to take notice.
I wrote to Ann again in late February, 2010 with my Professor’s letter and that did the trick!
On Saint Patrick’s Day March 17, 2010, the phone rang a little after 9 P.M. The person who called said they were looking for a Bobby Sulecki. “This is he.” I said. “This is Ann Rutherford,” she said. I could not believe it! She said she was so pleased with my letter. Ann said she was very happy that I “give a rip” about what she and everyone else did in the old days and said “I’m on your team.” I was also impressed that she pronounced my last name correctly and asked if I was Polish. When I said that I was Polish on both sides of my family she thought that it was wonderful, “they are such a happy tribe!”
Ann told me that the reason she was calling me at this time was that she had to leave for Palm Springs the next day for some zoo or animal benefit that she was going to with her dear friend Anne Jeffreys. She said she was going to have fun talking with all the giraffes! It was then I realized that Ann was someone who liked to keep busy and had a unique zest for life! She was trying to set up an appointment to call me back next week, and wanted to let me know she had received my letter.
Ann also talked about the GWTW Museum in Marietta, Georgia and about her friend, Dr. Chris Sullivan, who runs it. “He’s an endocrinologist, whatever that is!” She mentioned that he would be bringing her to Kent State University in September for a Katherine Hepburn exhibition, and to support their Museum’s 25th Anniversary, “25 Years of Dazzle.” This was during our first conversation! Ann was already inviting me to meet her there, and to see if I was available! I knew I had to be! She said she would ask the good doctor to arrange everything, and thank God he did!
We talked for about an hour and as Ann said, “And now we’re friends!” During the conversation she received a few phone calls on her other phone, and told who was calling that she was busy talking to a Pennsylvanian right now! Even though she did not know me, Ann was already telling me I was a self-starter and offering encouragement in my goal to be a film historian. Even though she knew I had cerebral palsy, she said I could do anything I wanted to and had complete faith in me.
Ann had a very sharp memory and was a wonderful raconteur. She was very direct and nothing was off the record.
Random Thoughts and Remembrances of our Conversations:
Ann’s Sayings:
I first called her Miss Rutherford, to which she replied, “Honey, you can call me Ann without the E.”
“My Atlantic Ocean!”
“J is for Just a Minute!”
“I was coming and going, to- ing and fro- ing.”
“Prop me up and wheel me out.” After speaking about “Wind.”
“Acting is REACTING!”
“I’ve been travelling!”
“And that’s a good thing!”
I told Ann I just tried to call her, and she said, “I was just doing a trash run, I believe in recycling!”
When I asked Ann what she thought about Robert Donat receiving the Oscar in 1940 instead of Clark Gable for GWTW, she replied, “Well, they needed to have their heads examined!”
I was telling Ann about TCM’s Moguls and Movie Stars, I was disappointed about their handling of the 1930’s portion. I couldn’t believe how much time they gave to Mae West (an unfavorite of mine.) Ann’s response was “Well, she was a freak!” It made me laugh, and I couldn’t agree more.
If I called to say that I just watched a movie of hers on TV, she would chirp, “What was I doing?”
When I mentioned I was interested in Diana Lynn, Ann told me that she was a very good friend who had stayed with her a short time while she was preparing for a movie. This was also at the time that Diana suffered a stroke and passed away. According to Ann, Diana’s husband pulled the plug too fast. It was around Christmas and Ann had to go in the guest room and find Diana’s Christmas gifts to her children. It was Ann’s sad task to send them to her children. She said of Diana Lynn, “She had taste.” Taste and charm were very high on Ann’s list.
Sometimes I would call and ask for Polly Benedict. Ann replied, “Polly Benedict used to live here!”
Before we met at Kent State, Ann would keep me up to date on what to expect. “There will be an autograph session and then we will go to the Hoo Ha! (the big reception and dinner that was to follow.) She told me my father and I would be fine in a dark suit and favorite tie; my mother should wear her cocktail dress! I felt that I was going to an old Hollywood Party!
When we met at Kent State, Ann was just about to sign and autograph her pictures for me, but we were interrupted. She said, “I have your address, I’ll just mail them to you.” Unfortunately, that never happened. Something always came up……..There was flooding and she had to get it cleaned up, raccoons or squirrels were invading her chimney and she had to take care of that, she was remodeling her kitchen and couldn’t get to the Post Office. When I said maybe someone can take it for you, she said, “I don’t shop that way.” And then she was always travelling! She said, “Honey, I promise you I will get to it, and I also have a box of things for you and a special surprise, I’m not telling you!” I am beyond heartbroken that I will never receive this!
Remembrance of our Meeting at Kent State
I waited in the museum director's office for Ann and Robert Osborne's arrival. I had a dozen roses and a gift I purchased for Ann ready. They said, "They're here!", so I stood by the office entrance. They walked in! Ann and her entourage, Dr. Chris Sullivan, Al Morley, Bob from Chicago, and Robert Osborne.
The museum director said there is someone here waiting for you, and Ann walked in with a cane she barely needs, and said, "There he is, there's my Bobby!" She has called me that ever since. She took off her sunglasses and I saw her eyes, I knew it was Polly Benedict. Ann hugged me as I gave her flowers, and there were a couple of reporters and photographers snapping pictures. Even Robert Osborne took a picture of us!
She kept talking to me and telling the reporters that I'm going to be the next Robert Osborne!
I was so happy, I was shaking! She gave me a kiss from Polly Benedict.
I was the first in line for autographs, and I had Ann sign a book I had bought on Ebay, (it was a mystery series from Whitman Publishing that was written with her and other stars of the 1940s.)
Then, I stayed for the entire autograph session from 11 AM to 1 PM, but there were so many people they had to close the doors at 1:20 PM. I was able to talk to other people from Kent State University, and had said few more interviews. They were asking my opinions on the movie studios, movie colorization, and other stars that I Iiked. Me! Unbelievable!
I also got to know some of Ann's friends. Dr. Chris Sullivan, who made the arrangements for me to come to Kent State, Bob from Chicago a longtime Gone With the Wind fan, and Al Morley, Ann's traveling companion.
With the exception of Dr. Sullivan, most of these people are in their 80's! It was like being a guest at an old Hollywood Party! Al Morley was a riot! He kept telling funny stories and teasing me and Ann! And everyone said that I'm all Ann talked about, her Bobby!
We took a break at the hotel, and then arrived at the Cocktail Party back at the museum. I have never been to something like this with wine, and an open bar, and odeurves. I was sitting down in the corner because I thought Ann would like to mingle with guests, but when she walked in she sat right down next to me! And Robert Osborne walked by and said, "Hey Bobby!" like we were old friends! I can't tell you what this felt like!
The Cleveland Plain Dealer or some other news pulled her away for an interview, and we were again entertained by Al Morely. Also, an elderly gentleman who was a sponsor for the museum had passed out, and they were calling 911. Ann returned to sit next to me, as they were pulling in a gurney for the gentleman. She just kept right on talking, unfazed! It was a funny scene. Al Morely stated, "Some people will do anything to get attention!" He was just too funny! Ann asked Al to get her a drink, something that Anne Jeffreys drinks! Al said in a funny way, “I don’t know what Anne Jeffreys drinks!!!” Later on, Ann misplaced her purse and people were scrambling trying to find it. Al Morely brought it back and told her, “Everything’s in it but the money and the jewels.” Ann told him jokingly to shut up. You could tell how close they were.
Then we boarded shuttle buses to the Student Center for dinner. Again, unbelievable! Steak and Lobster! I thought I was living in a dream!
Again I was seated next to Ann. The steak was a little tough, and Ann and Al Morely did not care for it. When I had commented that my father loved steak, I saw her fork coming over with her steak on it for my father. He was already full, so she then offered it to take home for my dog.
After dinner Ann made a few remarks and Robert Osborne introduced a documentary film about Katharine Hepburn, and then it was over. I hugged Ann goodbye, and she said, "I love you, bugger!"
We returned home on a Saturday, and she immediately called me when she returned home on Sunday.
For Ann’s 90th birthday (which I thought was her 90th, now they are saying she was three years older), I sent her roses like I had given her at Kent State and a small photo album of our pictures together. She described her delight and surprise at receiving her gifts and said she carried our photos in her pocketbook and showed everyone “her Bobby.”
I called her after Thanksgiving that year to see how her Holiday was and she said, “Honey, I lied! I told everybody I had plans to go to my nephews, but instead had turkey and cranberry sauce at home. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I just wanted to be by myself!”
At Christmas time, she sent me a lemon cake from Mrs. Beasley’s, Hollywood’s Favorite Bakery. I couldn’t believe she thought of me like that.
After that, we had many more telephone conversations and interviews built around Ann’s traveling schedule.
I hadn’t heard from Ann in awhile during 2011, so I called her in October. She told me she wasn’t doing too well, and that she told her doctors to fix whatever it is, so that she could go back to normal. She said she still had that stuff to send me and will try to get it out to me.
Sadly, this was not to be. She spent Christmas in the hospital, and I sent her some Christmas flowers with a note saying, “All I want for Christmas if for you to get well.”
I kept waiting to hear something about how Ann was doing, being careful not to be too intrusive. I contacted Al Morely who said she is not doing well, but would love to hear from me.
My last conversation with Ann was in April. She was still offering me encouragement and told me to keep writing. Her last words to me were, “I’m watching over you. I love you, you’re my kid!”
I love you too, Ann…. And in Ann’s words, “That’s a good thing!”