Past Issues
"The Most Beautiful Face in the Whole of England"
by Jimmy Bangley
It’s raining cats and dogs in Los Angeles. El Niño is living up to its dire publicity. The February winds are relentless, and Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood is starting to resemble a river! In the midst of nature’s fury, I remain calm because my mind is on Patricia Medina Cotten -- whom I’ll be meeting in a matter of minutes. I’m thrilled at the prospect.
Her varied film roles flash through my mind: the sexy bad girl in Botany Bay with James Mason and Alan Ladd; the French spy in the campy comedy Francis with Donald O’Conner and the talking mule; The Lady in the Iron Mask with Louis Hayward; the beautiful gal with “Valentino;” the lady in the big feathered hats in The Foxes of Harrow with Rex Harrison; Orson Welles’ leading lady in Mr. Arkadin; the prostitute in The Killing of Sister George; the hapless woman in Murder in the Rue Morgue; the evil queen in Snow White and the Three Stooges; cavorting with Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion; her refulgent beauty in Sangaree; and Lana Turner’s romantic maid in love with Gene Kelly in The Three Musketeers.
Patricia’s stunning beauty stands out in practically every one of her roles. My first recollection of this striking rose was in the medieval film The Black Knight. I remember thinking how lucky Alan Ladd was to have this gorgeous gal by his side. Soon I was to have her by my side as well, if not in a castle in England, at least in her condo in the drenched suburb of Westwood!
Patricia Medina was blissfully wed to one of my favorite actors, the golden voiced Joseph Cotten. No one can ever forget his brilliance in movies such as Citizen Kane, Gaslight, The Magnificent Ambersons, Shadow of a Doubt, Duel In the Sun, Portrait of Jennie, Beyond the Forest, Niagara, The Angel Wore Red, and Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte. Patricia’s love story with her “Jo” Cotten is wonderfully revealed in her new book “Laid Back In Hollywood, Remembering.” Just reading it, gave me a warm feeling.
With me during the interview was my dear friend Margaret Burk. Margaret is also Patricia’s friend and served as editor of her book. (Margaret Burk is as fascinating as the celebrities in her social circle. She founded the famous Round Table West Literary Society with Hollywood writing icon Adela Rogers St. John, and the delightful Marylin Hudson). Before I knew it, Margaret had ushered me out of the condo building elevator and to Patricia Medina Cotten’s door.
I tapped lightly, and suddenly before me stood this lovely, ageless, petite beauty. Her eyes were radiant pools of excitement. I told her she looked like Hedy Lamarr, and this warm-hearted lady responded with a big hug and a hearty laugh. Her laughter is contagious, and soon all three of us were chatting away.
Her luxury condo is tasteful and well appointed. I especially loved her gorgeous paintings. When I complimented her good taste in art, she modestly told me she had painted them! There were oils and water colors and acrylics in many styles. I realized that her versatility is shown in more than just her acting.
Patricia still has a distinctly pleasing British accent. She noticed my accent and asked me which part of the South I was from. I answered “Virginia” to her delight as she exclaimed, “My ‘Jo’ was from Virginia.” After only about 15 minutes with this charming lady, I felt as if I’d known her for years. She has a sincere quality about her. I told her I knew Dorris Halsey, who had described Joseph Cotten as a Virginia gentleman. (Dorris is a literary agent and friend of Patricia’s.) Patricia let out a hoot and told me, “One time someone told my Jo, while I was present, that he was a Virginia gentleman. He smiled and quietly said, ‘Thank you, but don’t be redundant.’” Patricia, who was just getting over the flu, has so much energy. She took me on a tour of her condo with its spectacular view of West Los Angeles. We even went out on her magnificent balcony despite the raging torrent provided by El Niño. I told her how much I loved her book and that she still lived up to the title “The Most Beautiful Face in the Whole of England.” She humbly pooh poohed me and said, “Oh, that title, really now, it’s ridiculous, and they didn’t say anything else about the rest of my body. Only my face.” After taking the tour of her beautiful living quarters, we sat down on a most comfortable sofa to commence our interview.