Thank You

Thank you to all for the support you are offering me. It is appreciated. Sincerely, Marti

Special Day

Today I held the published version of Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour in my hands for the first time, and I signed a copy for my sister-in-law, Shirley Carter. It felt electrifying, to say the least, to see the finished product of these past decades that offers a "voice for Natalie" for all to hear and to consider.
Corresponding with this huge day was Cindy Adams column in the New York Post talking about GNGS (link follows), and several radio show schedules (TBA). The photos used in GNGS are old but truly capture Natalie as she was aboard her escape, the Splendour. Readers are receiving their books now, and I hope most of you will come away from it feeling the same about GNGS as I do: truth was long overdue. Marti

NATALIE WOOD'S DEATH PROBED 30 YEARS LATER - New York Post

Thank you

I just want to offer a sincere thank you to all of you who've emailed me with your questions and comments. I just started to check this new gmail address here at the blog and was surprised to see how many of you are interested and awaiting the release of GNGS (which is now here!).
FINALLY!
This decades-long journey is now here. It's an overwhelming realization for me at this moment, and when you read GNGS you will have a complete understanding as to why. This was not an easy journey, and one I will never regret. I'll continue to do my best to reply to your questions.
Marti

IN STOCK!

Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour is now in stock, available and ships quickly! I believe bookstores are still looking at September 1st. Two very appreciated reviews are listed at Amazon.com. I am grateful to these readers, and relieved that both seem to have heard Natalie's "voice" throughout the chapters. That was my exact intent for this book. Thank you to the reviewers. Just click on the book cover photo to the left at top of blog to go right to the reviews.
I received my Amazon notice that books are shipping. Again, I'll be happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Marti

Countdown to release date

Official announcements are now starting for GNGS. Hope you might catch an article or report in the media.
Please click on my email address above, martirulli@gmail.com to ask any questions. I will try to respond promptly. I look forward to September when I can finally discuss the book with readers. I've been told that some of the online book purchasing sites are getting their shipments soon. Thus, you might receive the book faster by mail than from in-store.
Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour has been an incredibly long time coming, a compelling journey through the decades, and a story that should have been told long, long ago. Again, I look forward to receiving your comments. Sincerely, Marti

Link to Phoenix Books & Audio GNGS page

http://www.phoenixbooksandaudio.com/books/bks_prodcuts_fall2009/fall_Catalog_2009.pdf

Natalie Wood honored at 2009 Film Festival

Click on Link:

Yesterday’s Angel: Natalie Wood - Film Society of Lincoln Center

It is Natalie Wood being honored at this year's film festival. She is remembered in this manner because she is so worth remembering. Dyan Cannon and Elliott Gould in person at the screenings of Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice on Friday, August 21 and Sunday, August 23.

Media agenda for GNGS

There will be an excerpt from GNGS in the Nov. issue of Woman's Day Magazine
(available on stands Oct. 6th).
Dennis and I will appear on the CBS Early Show on September 15th.
Any additions or changes to media itinerary, I will post here.

Links for Pre-orders

http://www.ecampus.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.target.com/

http://www.borders.com/

search by author or book title, Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour

Catalina Island

Doug's Harbor Reef Restaurant, as it was called in 1981...at Two Harbors at the Isthmus of Catalina Island. Doug's is the restaurant where Natalie ate her last meal. Splendour was moored not far from the restaurant.

Happy Birthday, Natalie

Today, July 20th, 2009, would have been Natalie Wood's 71st birthday. I've often wondered what her filmography credits would look like by this time in her life, and I envision that she still would have been a stunningly beautiful woman in her early 70's. Eyes like hers wouldn’t have diminished with age. Her eyes went through you, as if she saw into every being who ever watched her. Natalie left such a lasting impression on me when I first recognized her as my favorite actress when I was the mere age of 10. I saw her in Gypsy, quite a racy movie for a 10 year old to see at that time, but I saw it, and I was mesmerized by Natalie’s part as Gypsy Rose Lee.
I didn't pay much attention to her first marriage to Robert Wagner, as I was a mere 5 years old at that time, but I was quite aware of her second marriage to RJ because soon after they reconciled, my dear friend, Dennis Davern, started working for the Wagner family, and I was thrilled that I had that kind of connection to THEE Natalie Wood…only ONE DEGREE apart from her! I had her boat phone number and her house phone number (which I never called, but sure was tempted to many times), all because my friend Dennis was that close to them, and I was so proud of Dennis for having landed such an important job as the Splendour boat captain.
I could never have dreamed, as an adoring child fan of Natalie’s that I would become a liaison of sorts between Natalie's life and death, a channel for HER voice. Of all the destinies one can imagine, this position would have been the least expected or dreamed of for me, and despite all of the trials and tribulations connected to the "position" I acquired, I have never had one regret and never will for having spent many years, myself, "working" for Natalie...to offer her what her legend deserves.
I am proud to have had this opportunity and privilege to share what I've personally learned about Natalie, to recall my pleasure in naming her as my favorite actress for decades, and to share what I know about her that goes far beyond her filmography credits. I would trade all of it in a heartbeat, however, for only one thing: that Natalie had lived to this day so that this blog and my work would never have transpired. I wish she had lived to this day, to have had the opportunity to enjoy her daughters, to have expanded her revered career, to have loved and received pleasure just a little longer in this world. I might have dialed her number today and said, "I've never met you, but happy birthday, Natalie." Instead, I must say it to the memory of her. And, I can honestly say that I HAVE "met" her....I've met her virtually every single day since her November 1981 tragic death, through Dennis Davern in a personal way, and through all that has since been written and filmed about the esteemed Natalie Wood, and through reviewing all of the fine work she left behind her.
I thank Dennis for the personal insights into Natalie, and I thank all who keep the memory of the legendary Natalie Wood alive and thriving. She was such a vibrant, happy woman, and such a profound, professional actress. Happy birthday, Natalie. I hope I have served you well.

Natalie Wood loved her Canon Drive home

Top: Natalie's 8-burner gas range in her kitchen on Canon Drive that Nanny Willie Mae cooked most of the Wagner family meals on. Below: Dennis is photographed with Natalie's daughter Natasha, about 9 years old at the time of this photo. Dennis was a regular visitor at RJ's and Natalie's home, and after Natalie's death he was a resident at the Canon Drive home. Dennis was very close to the entire Wagner family.

Dennis in Wheelhouse Aboard Splendour

Catalina Island in background.

Some extra photos

(Below) Sean Connery and his wife Micheline (her back) aboard Splendour when Natalie filmed Meteor with Sean. (Left): Natalie chats with friend and Micheline on the bridge.

There were more photos of RJ in Dennis's Splendour years collection than of Natalie, so I had many RJ photos left over. Here are two photos of RJ with some friends. Dennis can't recall who these people with RJ are. The Wagners didn't always invite just celebrities for pleasure cruises. They shared their yacht with many friends. Natalie liked inviting the owners of her favorite restaurant aboard. Although Dennis was the official skipper of the Splendour, note the title on RJ's jacket. (Captain). Dennis, when aboard Splendour, usually called RJ "Chief" or "Boss" ... RJ was an experienced and adept yachter. Here, he stands with his friends as far forward as you can possibly get upon the Splendour.

Splendour Photo

The Splendour, cruising to Two Harbors,

Santa Catalina Island on an overcast day.

One more post for the night with Photo

As the release date of Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour approaches, I selected photos to be used in the book from the many that Dennis took throughout his years as the Splendour captain. Of course, only so many pages can be allotted for photos, so I will post a few of the unused photos here. This image is a little dark, but it's of RJ and Natalie on a family outing, taken by Dennis in the wheelhouse. The couple really enjoyed their yacht. It was their quick escape from hectic Hollywood.

Book Recommendation

A friend of mine I met over 10 years ago through business has had her 2nd book recently published, an interesting compilation of NJ Pines stories. It's called Voices in the Pines by Karen Riley. You see many bumper stickers in NJ that say "Piney Power" as NJ is not one huge city as the show "The Sopranos" seems to have impressed upon many.
You can visit www.voicesinthepines.com for reviews, signings, products, and excerpts. Karen's book is selling well here in NJ, but Karen's interesting book will fascinate people from all over.
I live near the NJ Pines, and always, always thought about how interesting it would be to interview people about all the tales that have sprung from the core of the Pinelands and Barrens. Karen got the job done: you'll really appreciate her approach and the captivating stories from the people who actually live near or are "Pineys" ... check out her website. I highly recommend it.

Book description at Amazon

Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour's book description has been entered at Amazon.com (click on book title there to get to it) It reads:
Product Description
Natalie Wood was a Hollywood icon, beloved by millions for her performances in such classics as Miracle on 34th Street, West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause. Married for the second time to actor Robert Wagner and the mother of young children, Natalie had everything to live for. Her bizarre death on or near the yacht Splendour on a chilly November evening in 1981 has been shrouded in mystery. In his recent best-selling memoir Pieces of My Heart, Robert Wagner told his version of what happened on the yacht Splendour on the night his wife died. But is Wagner’s version accurate? Who knows the truth? Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour is the result of a decades-long investigation by journalist Marti Rulli and Dennis Davern, Natalie’s friend, confidant and captain of the Splendour on that controversial night. Painstakingly researched and written from the heart, here is an in-depth examination of Natalie Wood’s life—and death.
About the Authors
Marti Rulli has held executive positions in printing and media. She runs her own advertising business and is a long-time freelance writer. Dennis Davern was the boat captain for Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood and was on the yacht Splendour on the night of Wood’s death. He currently owns and operates a marina and boat maintenance business.

GNGS's release

I've been very busy, unable to follow my own blog! Thank you to those who have posted here and thank you to all who have visited. I see a lot of activity over GNGS on the Internet, and I encourage those concerned or interested to please wait for the book's release Sept 1st. Many of your questions will be answered in it, and I will be happy to answer any that aren't.
Thanks, Marti