The Marina in St. Augustine where Dennis Davern works on many boats. |
The segment will coincide with a special release of Vanity Fair magazine -- a "best of" edition that includes Sam Kashner's March 2000 article on Natalie Wood's final weekend, when he interviewed Dennis and broke the story that indeed there had been an argument in the Wagner master stateroom that carried over to the back deck minutes before Natalie went missing.
We were interviewed by the producer of the show, Liza Finley, who happens to be Dominick Dunne's niece, and she asked pointed questions that were right on target. The camera/technician crew consisted of pure professionals (who work worldwide and for many of the most popular news shows such as 60 Minutes and major network magazine shows). We couldn't have been in better hands. I hope we will be portrayed as honestly as we offered our knowledge and witness accounts of what transpired the night Natalie left her yacht.
It was 40 years ago this very year that I met Dennis Davern at Jax Beach in Florida, just above St. Augustine Beach where we culminated our 40 year journey with our interviews. It was a poignant visit, and I did get to spend a day and night at Dennis's beautiful home. He has a wonderful family and his life in St. Augustine is so far beyond the haunting night of November 28th, 1981, but it was quite apparent that Dennis is still haunted by the happenings of that final, fateful weekend Natalie Wood experienced.
I've heard, but cannot confirm that Detective Rasure will also be interviewed for this show and that's exactly the way Dennis and I prefer. Let him answer why he ignored Natalie's bruises, why he ignored Marilyn Wayne and Roger Smith, and let him explain, finally, how he feels about learning that Dennis's account of the bottle smashing is indeed, confirmed by Robert Wagner himself twenty five years later. The show will also be filming from the actual Splendour and showing in comparison where Dennis just showed the crew the dinghy was tied with two lines to the yacht that night Natalie went "missing."
We will also stay on top of the LA County Sheriff's Department for an answer as to their intentions on reopening the case. The petition is still open for signatures and will remain open for an extended period of time.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support, and I want you all to know I've done all I can up to this point to try to bring Natalie justice. I truly hope the justice system will give Natalie the opportunity to have the truth connected to her history, her legacy. If not, "Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour" will always be available for those who care about truth and justice for Natalie Wood.
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I can't wait for this. Thank you for all your hard work! I'm presenting a piece on Natalie to my film class. I'll be sure to mention this special interview and the petition to reopen the case. Natalie deserves justice.
ReplyDeleteSteph,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the show, too. The producer is fair and hopes to include vital interviews. I think even she wishes it could be a longer segment than allotted, but it's nice to know a show like 48 Hours is remembering Natalie.
Thank you for planning to mention the petition in your film class. Most likely your students will know who she is. The producer of 48 Hours told me she mentioned Natalie to a few younger people and they didn't recognize the name.
While in St. Augustine, Bob and I met a 26 year-old girl who operates a restaurant with her family from Philadelphia there. She immediately knew who Natalie is, and even named the people on the boat with Natalie her last night. I was so impressed, I went back to my hotel room to fetch a book for her. I asked her to please share it with her friends of her generation.
It will always amaze me how many people who were closest to Natalie are the ones to mention her least of all, especially her surviving husband. The name Natalie Wood is the last name he ever wants brought up in conversation he can't control, as it always leads to talk about her suspicious death.
Again, thanks.
Can't wait Marti, you know I will be watching and I will inform many people. Thank you and Dennis for all that you have done. Your friend, Pam
ReplyDeleteHi Marti,
ReplyDeleteI'll keep an eye out on Cbs site sections and YouTube in case there will be some interview videos available outside US.
I'm way behind on following your blog, but I'm looking forward to that segment! This is great news.
ReplyDelete