Crypt 33 (30 page)
Authors: Adela Gregory
Marilyn was told to try to work out something with Bobby. She defended her actions. “They can't do this to me! I want an answer!” The years of deep analysis had promoted her ability to get directly in touch with her anger instead of hiding her terror and masking her pain. But the direct approach positioned Marilyn for direct conflict, and she could not back down.
The next weekend visit with Joe at Hyannisport was fraught with anxiety. What would stop Monroe? Joseph Kennedy knew the answer but wanted to wait until the affair played out. Though not the first alternative, he knew of no other way to squelch the actress. Not trusting Bobby, his father and older brother would make the decision without him.
A fervor was stirring in the former ambassador. As his youngest son, Ted, was battling for the Massachusetts Senate seat, rumors of Kennedy infidelities were surfacing. It became more challenging to fit the Kennedy clan photo with the newspaper caption:
FROM A GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY.
The primary on September 11 was particularly troublesome. Critiques of Ted found him sorely missing expertise in any area.
FROM A GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY.
The primary on September 11 was particularly troublesome. Critiques of Ted found him sorely missing expertise in any area.
Papa Kennedy was dangerously close to forfeiting his dream of seeing all three of his sons in government. With Bobby Kennedy recently named Father of the Year, the old man confided his fateful decision only to son Jack.
Jack had occasionally been in contact with Sam Giancana, who was still working closely with the CIA in undercover attempts to assassinate Castro. Jack had the right connection in Sam, “the best in his profession.” Judith Campbell would see her relationship with the President fizzle during the midsummer months of 1962 (as she would later write). But one more favor was due the President, who had no qualms about enlisting her aid in contacting Giacana once again.
Giancana was more than happy to hear from the President. Wanting Kennedy beholden to the mob, he listened carefully to the President's request. Sam called for cooperation from the first family, but Jack told him not to count on Bobbyâand Jack was his strongest ally. The President was still courting the mob for added protection as J. Edgar Hoover was waiting for the young President to stumble and fall.
Knowing that the Monroe home had been bugged, Giancana found another way to nail the President. In planning and executing the hit on Marilyn Monroe, he would also have a tape recording of the previous conversation with JFK and RFK, about their triangle and the baby. Then the hit would be forever on tape and the perfect blackmail material would be in the hands of the mobster. The ultimate coup!
Giancana ordered Sinatra to reestablish contact with Peter Lawford, to forgive him for the Palm Springs debacle and invite Pat and Peter for a weekend at Cal-Neva. Lawford, aware that Bobby was refusing to take Marilyn's calls, called her to suggest the trip as a diversion. At first, Marilyn was hesitant, but than Peter expressed his hope the actress would simply take it easy and enjoy herself.
Marilyn continued to make vigorous efforts to reach Bobby. Her calls to Bobby's home in Hickory Hill, Virginia, deeply infuriated his family. Joe Kennedy grew more impatient with Bobby and more certain in his conviction that Marilyn Monroe had to be silenced.
Behind Lawford's invitation to Monroe was the sinister plot by Giancana, who wanted to find out from her anything and everything possible about his archenemies that might help him in his quest to bring down the White House. By drinking and socializing with Marilyn, still angry at the Kennedy brothers, at the same time taping and bugging rooms in the place, Giancana assured himself that before her impending death, he could have her “sing” on his tapes as well. Already complaining to Frank about the Kennedys, Marilyn found solace in Sinatra's company. He understood.
By their second evening together, Sinatra and Monroe had already had a feud. Guests at the hotel watched as Frank shouted at her and sent her to her room. Bill Roemer, the FBI agent, speculated that Frank had been expecting Marilyn to participate in a private orgy with him and Giancana. Encountering her unwillingness, Frank threw a fit. Marilyn Monroe had refused a request from him, something not many women would do.
Again, Marilyn contacted her best friend, Joe DiMaggio, in San Francisco. She confided in him that her relationship with Bobby had ended and that she had been wrong about the Kennedys. Sorry for the hurt she had caused DiMaggio, Marilyn assured him she still loved her ex-husband and begged for his return. Willing to see the actress while near San Francisco, Joe arranged to travel to Lake Tahoe.
After “bitching” all weekend long to both Sinatra and Giancana and privately to Peter and Pat, Marilyn continued her “get Kennedy” tirade. She wanted Kennedy to tell her face to face, but Marilyn wanted to use her muscle to wrangle a deal of some kind, like the one she had with Twentieth. Saving face was foremost, but she wanted respect and submission as well.
After a long night of drinking, Marilyn retired to her room and Pat and Peter to theirs. Concerned about her health, as she was still recovering from the abortion, she left the phone off the hook, not wanting late night calls to disturb any possibility of sleeping until morning. But the switchboard operator became alarmed and called the Lawfords to her room, where they found Monroe had rolled off her bed onto the floor. Afraid she had passed out, Peter revived Marilyn with doses of strong coffee. Just what she hadn't wanted! But they were relieved that she was all right. With her rage so visible to her “friends,” it was apparent Marilyn would not relent in her badmouthing the president and the attorney general to almost anyone who would listen. Rupert Allen, Agnes Flanagan, and Ralph Roberts continued to try to tone down her anger and encouraged her to move on. But the new Marilyn would not let them get away with their behavior.
By the time Marilyn was ensconced in Bungalow 52, DiMaggio was fervently looking for the actress. He had heard enough about her disastrous love life, and was close to conceding that he wanted a more permanent relationship with her. He knew all too well that she was looking for a husband and that if he could not be the one, her search would continue. DiMaggio loved Marilyn and he was ready. Checking into a local motel, he prepared to soothe her feelings and give her the word. By the next week, Joe would send the actress a pair of his pajamas by mail, another hint he had finally decided to at least live with her on a permanent basis. He could no longer watch her floundering and do nothing but offer sympathy. He searched in vain to find the actress in Lake Tahoe. But she hid in her bungalow and slept. The abortion had weakened her.
On Marilyn's return to Los Angeles, business as usual resumed. She continued with the remodeling of her home, even ordering bougainvillea and dozens of plants to lend the house the look of a Mexican plantation. The good news regarding the final details of her contract excited her. The arrogant Cukor had been replaced by Jean Negulesco, who had directed the box-office success
Millionaire,
while Nunnally Johnson would retain rights to the final rewrite of
Something.
Even though she continued seeing Dr. Greenson several times a week, the actress had already begun “cleaning house,” first by letting Paula Strasberg go. Then, since she had decided that Greenson's business advice had not been helpful, nor had his psychotherapy, she began distancing herself from his overwhelming clutches. Earning over $1,500 a month from the actress, Greenson had tried his best to keep Marilyn employed but obviously had insufficient expertise in the film business. And Agnes, Whitey, Marjorie, and Ralph would remain. Though sleepless nights were still plaguing Monroe, she vowed to change her sleeping habits and hoped that the newly installed blackout drapes would help.
Millionaire,
while Nunnally Johnson would retain rights to the final rewrite of
Something.
Even though she continued seeing Dr. Greenson several times a week, the actress had already begun “cleaning house,” first by letting Paula Strasberg go. Then, since she had decided that Greenson's business advice had not been helpful, nor had his psychotherapy, she began distancing herself from his overwhelming clutches. Earning over $1,500 a month from the actress, Greenson had tried his best to keep Marilyn employed but obviously had insufficient expertise in the film business. And Agnes, Whitey, Marjorie, and Ralph would remain. Though sleepless nights were still plaguing Monroe, she vowed to change her sleeping habits and hoped that the newly installed blackout drapes would help.
By Wednesday, Marilyn had received Joe DiMaggio's pajamas in the mail but had trouble understanding the hidden message. She called her ex-husband for an explanation and both had a good laugh over their standing joke; she detested men's pajamas. DiMaggio admitted he missed her and especially wanted to see her in the house she had been remodeling and making “her own.” Marilyn's subconscious hopes were confirmed. DiMaggio would be coming back.
With her recent victory over Fox and the renewed promise of Joe DiMaggio in her life, she notified Whitey that it was time to celebrate. She had to make plans for additional photo sessions. Whitey called Marjorie for the typical champagne-and-caviar feast that they had both enjoyed with the actress on many occasions. Marilyn told them that Dean Martin had already committed to return and was nearing completion of
Toys in the Attic.
He would be available by mid-September. Whitey reminded Marilyn he had told her things would not be so bleak. A happy, appreciative Marilyn thanked him for his loyal encouragement throughout the cacophony of negotiations. They drank into the night.
Toys in the Attic.
He would be available by mid-September. Whitey reminded Marilyn he had told her things would not be so bleak. A happy, appreciative Marilyn thanked him for his loyal encouragement throughout the cacophony of negotiations. They drank into the night.
By Friday, reporter Dorothy Killgallen had the guts to suggest that Marilyn was having a secret affair. Since most of Hollywood already knew, the reverberation within the administration was sheer silence. Cautiously and carefully, without revealing her sources, the daring Dorothy took her chances. (Killgallen is believed by some to have been murdered after the Kennedy assassination, though her death was officially called the result of an accidental overdose.)
Accepting the commitment to “silence” the actress, Jack found it hard waiting for the impending explosion and warned Bobby to stay away from Hollywood. Contact with Monroe was strictly forbidden. But Peter Lawford continued to report to Jack on her most recent ravings.
With the “silence” plan securely in place, Bobby prepared to address the American Bar Association in the Bay Area, making the convention headquarters the Hotel St. Francis. He and his wife planned a few days of rest and relaxation at the ranch of an attorney friend, John Bates, in Gilroy, California. Knowing that Monroe would be permanently silenced only as a last resort, and not knowing of the contract already in effect, Bobby was persuaded by Lawford to meet with Marilyn to try to explain the second abrupt breakup.
With the ever increasing possibility that Marilyn might call a press conference or give a devastating exclusive to a reporter, Bobby had to make one more shot at convincing the actress that he meant her “no harm.” Against his father's and the President's wishes, he planned to meet with Marilyn to try to suppress the already negative effects of the Kennedy/Monroe affair.
Armed with excuses to dissuade any possible leak to the press of her name as respondent in a possible divorce, as suggested by Kilgallen, the attorney general would make his pleas. Asking for forgiveness for getting more involved with her than he planned was part of the package. Then he would point out that saving her newly created career and respect would also be on the line.
The attorney general discreetly left the Bates's ranch by car and flew to Los Angeles in a chartered helicopter. Peter Lawford met him upon his landing on the Santa Monica beach late in the morning of August 4. Plans to see Monroe were made for later in the afternoon.
Pat Newcomb had spent the night with Marilyn. Joe DiMaggio's son had called the actress that day and knew she felt renewed hope for a reunion with his father. Greenson, unwilling to give up his share of control, suggested to Eunice Murray that she spend the night with Marilyn. Using every resource available to exercise his remaining power over his patient, he wanted to be sure that Murray, as always, would be “spying” for him. Eunice Murray left the house by early afternoon to return to her apartment and pack the personal items she needed for the weekend stayover.
Neighbors who played cards into the early evening (even after the time of Marilyn's death) would report that around 5
P.M.
Bobby showed up in a convertible. He was wearing casual clothes and was accompanied by another man, who carried a “doctor's bag.
P.M.
Bobby showed up in a convertible. He was wearing casual clothes and was accompanied by another man, who carried a “doctor's bag.
21
The Assassination
A
s the commercial aircraft departed the Windy City of Chicago for Los Angeles International Airport, the turbulence was violent. Five passengers on the nearly full plane were planning a vengeful, violent act of their own. They carried their undetected, concealed weapons aboard the airliner. Guns would not kill their next victim. Their instrument of death would easily pass any airport security even today.
s the commercial aircraft departed the Windy City of Chicago for Los Angeles International Airport, the turbulence was violent. Five passengers on the nearly full plane were planning a vengeful, violent act of their own. They carried their undetected, concealed weapons aboard the airliner. Guns would not kill their next victim. Their instrument of death would easily pass any airport security even today.
Downing several stiff drinks, they endured the rough flight. After their bumpy ride, as previously arranged, they were greeted by Johnny Roselli. Driven in a dark sedan, they departed LAX to an undisclosed rendezvous just minutes from Brentwood.
Murder was part of their profession. Loyal service to the Mafia was a lifetime commitment. The selected slayers were among the Mafia's most trusted and proficient hit men. They had committed, witnessed, or in some way been involved in over three hundred killings.
Unlike their other victims, typically fellow mobsters and loan shark debtors, this time their prey was an actress whose only crime was demanding love. Her lover had made her privy to national security matters and she had carefully recorded her knowledge in her diary, a document that could disgrace the Kennedy dynasty if it were made public.
Each room in her modest house was bugged; every word spoken, sound uttered, and clandestine meeting in her tiny bedroom was monitored and recorded. Incoming and outgoing phone calls on the actress's two unlisted phones were tapped.
Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa had instructed his ace wiretapper Bernard Spindel to oversee the eavesdropping. Originally Hoffa never suspected the illicit bugs and taps would eventually record Marilyn Monroe's assassination. His motive was merely to compromise the Kennedy brothers and force them, particularly Bobby, to stop interfering with his union's affairs and mob activity.
Sam Giancana, the boss of bosses, discovered Hoffa's conspiracy. Momo's trusted underling, Johnny Roselli, was ordered to monitor the Monroe dwelling with Hoffa's spies, and to listen to anything and everything within the house. His vantage point was two blocks from Monroe's home. An inconspicuous van bearing the name of a nonexistent service company was the listening post.
Inside the van, a state-of-the-art Uher 4000 audio recorder was running, set to an ultra slow speed of 15/16 revolutions per minute. An RCA input jack ran from the tape recorder into the output of a crystal-controlled receiving monitor. A miniature radio transmitter and receiver broadcast confidential transmissions from within the Brentwood residence.
Hoffa's wiretappers and Giancana's “ear” had almost all the comforts of home. The van housed its own generator, which powered the monitor, an electric fan, a portable toilet, and a mini-refrigerator stocked with several six-packs of beer. Hoffa's men were strategically operating out of sight of Marilyn's residence, hearing only sounds echoing from within the dwelling.
Neighbors claimed that Bobby had been known to visit Marilyn. Eunice Murray would deny Bobby Kennedy's visit, but later reverse her own story and admit that Kennedy had shown up early that evening.
With tapes rolling, the eavesdroppers listened intently to the conversation between Marilyn and the attorney general, but much of it was muffled by the sounds of a stack of 78 rpm records playing loudly in the background. The man assigned to monitor the bugs immediately picked up the mobile phone and contacted his boss in Chicago. Giancana was told of Bobby's visit.
It was a blessing in disguise for organized crime. Before Giancana had ordered the hit on Monroe, he had received consent from Tony Accardo, the
consigliere
and adviser to the Chicago mob. Completely unaware, Bobby was walking into a maze of surveillance. Giancana reveled in being able to record the President of the United States's own “hit,” with the President's brother's timely visit an added bonus.
consigliere
and adviser to the Chicago mob. Completely unaware, Bobby was walking into a maze of surveillance. Giancana reveled in being able to record the President of the United States's own “hit,” with the President's brother's timely visit an added bonus.
Marilyn's death was to appear to be an accidental suicide, exploiting her false reputation for reckless overdosing. Marilyn Monroe would “commit suicide” according to their schedule.
Â
No one outside of the Mafia and Hoffa's eavesdroppers talked about the events that took place inside Marilyn's house on the last day of her life, until 1982. Twenty years after the event, a close associate of Spindel's came forth. Asking not to be identified, he reported, “I have information that may help you.” Then an executive of a large California security company, he added, “I've been following the investigation over the years,” concluding, “Spindel's tapes prove Monroe was murdered.”
Just before his disappearance, Hoffa told a reporter, “I have taped evidence that would embarrass the President and the attorney general.” Hoffa's body would never be found, but his evidence would come into the hands of the New York District Attorney's office.
Contractor tools and construction equipment were scattered about Marilyn's new home, which was then being remodeled. Unlike other superstars' estates, Marilyn's had no alarms or private security, which made her vulnerable to any intruders.
After Bobby left, Maf, Marilyn's small poodle and only bodyguard, barked ferociously as the doorbell rang while Sinatra's records blared inside. Just a half hour before, a compassionate Marilyn had accepted a collect call from Joe DiMaggio, Jr. Her former son-in-law had announced, “Our engagement is off,” explaining that his relationship with his fiancée had ended.
It took Marilyn just seconds to walk from her bedroom to answer the front door. Unstartled by Roselli's appearance since they had been old chums, she admitted him. Maf stopped barking as the hitmen, like hungry vultures, flocked nearby in agitation, waiting for the kill.
While Roselli and Marilyn sat in her living room, two soldiers quickly entered her home. Their faded baby blue four-door sedan was visible from the doorway. When the intruders quietly rushed in, one moved toward the actress while the other shooed the dog into another room and closed the door behind it. Maf yelped helplessly, but they had a job to do. Each had careful instructions to follow. They had been explicitly ordered not to bruise Miss Monroe, not to leave any visible signs of violence.
The shorter hitman removed a chloroform-soaked cloth from a plastic bag and quickly placed it securely over Marilyn's nose and mouth. The other took out a prepared solution in a thermos bottle. The solution contained a highly concentrated mixture of chloral hydrate, Nembutal, and water. After she stopped struggling from the effects of the chloroform, they stripped off her robe and laid her nude body on the floor, placing a small towel under her buttocks. After dipping a bulb syringe into the solution and filling it to capacity, the larger hitman lubricated the tip with Vaseline and gently slid it into her rectum. With a quick, tight grasp, he expelled the poison into her colon. A second dose followed immediately. They placed her nude body on her bed. Then they went into her bathroom, gathered her numerous containers of prescription drugs, removed and retained all of the Nembutal, and set the remaining containers on her nightstand. Before leaving, they finished up with a few more moments of cleanup. Their work had been expertly executed except for one oversight. Nowhere in sight or nearby was there a glass Marilyn would have used to swallow the pills. But she had never been known to swallow a pill without drinking water or another liquid!
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