DORIS DAY--GREATEST LEGEND EVER? Two women were never less alike than Doris and Joan. They both had legions of fans and one of them was probably the most BELOVED female star in history while the other went quite a different path, indeed. Both lost husbands late in their careers and both were forced to go back to work. One really wanted to-- while the other hated the idea. Doris husband, the late Martin Melcher had died suddenly leaving her almost bankrupt due to the mismanagement Melchers business partner Jerome Rosenthal . Many believe that Melcher was complicit with Rosenthal but Doris always publicly denied this--although her private statements to confidantes leave the matter open to speculation. Whatever the truth, Doris faced years of work in television from the late 60s to the mid seventies--contracts which Melcher had committed her to. She might have been able to void those contracts--but Doris was a trouper and she fulfilled the contracts and made a financial recovery also. Eventually Rosenthal was out of legal maneuvering--after a grueling twenty-year legal fiasco she recouped about a quarter of what was initially owed. At least she wound up with bucks to help see her through an incredibly successful, long life of ups and downs. She is still top of her form. She made a surprise appearance at a party to commorate her life on her 90th Birthday--she was not supposed to attend--and was overcome with emotion at seeing so many fans of all ages. We still love ya Doris!!
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 23:02:45 +0000