With the upcoming U.S. presidential election, I've decided to do a weekly Franchot and Politics series of posts here through election day. There are several politically-themed films in which Franchot starred. Franchot even played the U.S. president in Preminger's Advise & Consent, which I'll be covering for Pop Culture Reverie's Hail to the Chief Blogathon. In addition to the films, I'll be looking at politically-related events of which Franchot played a part.
On Friday, October 21, 1960, Franchot helped Helen Hayes and Jean Dalrymple host a luncheon for Pat Nixon (wife of later president Richard Nixon) in New York City. The luncheon, called the "Celebrity Committee Luncheon" by the press, was held at Tavern-on-the-Green on 67th Street at Central Park West. It was announced that there would be "no solicitations of funds or votes" and that all political parties were welcome. Mrs. Nixon was campaigning for her husband at the time.
Many other celebrities attended the luncheon including: Rosalind Russell, George Murphy, Constance Bennett, Ilka Chase, Katherine Murray, Tina Louise, Al Capp, Anita Colby, Jinx Falkenberg, Jules Alberti. The wives of prominent businessmen also attended and included: Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller, Mrs. Thomas E. Dewey, Mrs. Ogden Reid, Mrs. Preston Davie, Mrs. Bolinger, and Mrs. Gardner Cowles.
Mrs. Nixon, who wore a wine-colored suit and flowered pillbox hat, commented, "When I get home, I'm going to be a mighty famous person when I tell our girls about this party today," and praised the individuals who entertained her "for the courage to come out for the principles and leadership they believe in."
According to Mrs. Nixon's itinerary for the day, Pat arrived at Tavern-on-the-Green at 12:30 p.m. Seated at her table were: Mrs. Preston Davie, Helen Hayes, Jean Dalrymple, Franchot Tone, Constance Bennett, George Murphy, Jules Alberti, Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller, and Mrs. Bohlinger. There was a question and answer session during the lunch and Franchot, along with Helen and Jean, served as a panelist. The luncheon ended at 2:00 p.m. when Pat Nixon returned to the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria.
I know that Franchot donated time and money to liberal causes throughout his life, so I'm not sure that he would have voted for Nixon. I've not found any records of Franchot publicly endorsing Nixon or Kennedy (or any presidential candidate for that matter.) From interviews, it is clear that Franchot was well-versed in and had a family history of politics. I'm sure that the candidate he selected in the ballots was done so after much consideration of the issues at hand.
Sources:
Pittsburgh Press. October 21, 1960.
Spokesman Review. October 22 1960.
Richard Nixon Presidential Library: Schedule for Friday, October 21, 1960.
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