Elaine Raines has been the librarian at the Arizona Daily Star for almost 30 years. While she does not claim to be a historian, she does have access to a treasure trove of great historical information.
"Tales from the Morgue" is a way to share some of that information with readers.
If you have an idea for a tale from Tucson's past that you would like to share, please e-mail morguetales@ azstarnet.com.
In 1969, when Lee Marvin was filming “Monte Walsh” at Old Tucson and Mescal, he must have decided he liked the Old Pueblo. From then until his death in 1987, Marvin continued to spend time here, eventually purchasing a home in the foothills. The noted actor did more than just reside here, he was an active Tucson resident.
Star file photo Jack Palance, left, and Lee Marvin on the set of “Monte Walsh.”
When “Monte Walsh” was filming here, a drought was causing starvation of the cattle on the Tohono O’odham (then Papago) Reservation. Marvin and his co-star Jack Palance stepped in to help. They even helped load the feed onto trucks.
In 1974, when Raul Castro was running for governor, Marvin appeared at a get-out-the-vote rally at Randolph Park. More than 3,000 attended the event. But, it would be his last campaign. He said, “If I’m going to be up there on a platform with a candidate, I should be able to answer all the questions and know the stands on all of the issues. I don’t and am through stumping for politicians.”
The Tucson Symphony Youth Orchestra was fortunate to have Marvin narrate their performance of “Peter and the Wolf” in 1977. In 1981, he presided over a workshop on acting, directing and cinematography at the UA and also participated in a Southwestern Film Consortium benefit. At that affair, he was joined by Gene Kelly and George Peppard.
Star files Lee Marvin, left, and Gene Kelly at Tucson film benefit.
He was a strong supporter of Sarah Gorby and her wildlife rehabilitation efforts. He regularly assisted her with fund-raising efforts.
Star file photo Sarah Gorby, Lee Marvin and three orphaned javelinas.
What Marvin really liked about Tucson was its laid back approach to celebrities. He told a reporter “They see you driving around in a pickup and that’s it. … They leave you alone.” And, as he said in another interview “it sure beats the hell out of Phoenix.”
Lee Marvin died at Tucson Medical Center on August 29, 1987, at the age of 63. He suffered a heart attack following a bout with the flu.
He was a great guy, I jump started Rio Rico and all the stars that were around were great to all the visitors I brought to Tucson to see Rio Rico and they all met and signed photos, cards whatever and it was a great spin from 1966 to 1974, It was known as the giggest land movement in the country at that time, several thousands were brought in from all over the world, I am writing a book about it now.
Lorraine Anderson
Well I wasn’t there, but not only was Lee Marvin an awesome actor, he was also a genuine war hero, a recipient of the Purple Heart during World War II!
I used to see him in the Lucky grocery store at Orange Grove and Oracle. He was very fond of my infant son. They would play peek-a-boo all through the store. He was a genuinely nice man.
In the 80’s I worked at a bank downtown on Stone that had large western murals on the walls. He would wander in sometimes to take a look. A lovely warm gentleman, always gracious.
My father had the pleasure of producing one of Lee Marvin’s movies. As a child, I remember him as a brooding, serious “adult.” Looking back, with an adult’s hindsight, I now recall him as a funny, charitable, and genuine guy. I would have liked to have been a little older when he was around. I think I would have heard some really funny stories from someone who made it in Hollywood, but didn’t let Hollywood make him.
Lee Marvin may have owned more than one house in Tucson.
But for sure he owned a house on Ina near Cholla. Nice piece of desert that had its own fitness trail. That would square with those mentioning Casas Adobes and Orange Grove at Oracle as places he was seen.
He was a great guy, I jump started Rio Rico and all the stars that were around were great to all the visitors I brought to Tucson to see Rio Rico and they all met and signed photos, cards whatever and it was a great spin from 1966 to 1974, It was known as the giggest land movement in the country at that time, several thousands were brought in from all over the world, I am writing a book about it now.
Lorraine Anderson
— Lorraine Anderson 10/23/2008 12:47 AM #
Well I wasn’t there, but not only was Lee Marvin an awesome actor, he was also a genuine war hero, a recipient of the Purple Heart during World War II!
— Joseph Cross 10/23/2008 12:59 AM #
Lived off of River Road east of Campbell didnt he?
— PM 10/23/2008 02:55 AM #
Worked out at the Tucson Athletic Club off Columbus
— Jake 10/23/2008 10:05 AM #
I used to see him in the Lucky grocery store at Orange Grove and Oracle. He was very fond of my infant son. They would play peek-a-boo all through the store. He was a genuinely nice man.
— Cathy McCall 10/23/2008 10:27 AM #
I believe that he lived on or near Via Assisi/Giaconda, Casas Adobes. I sold him newspapers outside of Defender Drugstore (now Frost).
— Eric 10/23/2008 10:36 AM #
In the 80’s I worked at a bank downtown on Stone that had large western murals on the walls. He would wander in sometimes to take a look. A lovely warm gentleman, always gracious.
— Barb 10/23/2008 12:38 PM #
My father had the pleasure of producing one of Lee Marvin’s movies. As a child, I remember him as a brooding, serious “adult.” Looking back, with an adult’s hindsight, I now recall him as a funny, charitable, and genuine guy. I would have liked to have been a little older when he was around. I think I would have heard some really funny stories from someone who made it in Hollywood, but didn’t let Hollywood make him.
— Morgan Loew 10/23/2008 03:26 PM #
Lee Marvin may have owned more than one house in Tucson.
But for sure he owned a house on Ina near Cholla. Nice piece of desert that had its own fitness trail. That would square with those mentioning Casas Adobes and Orange Grove at Oracle as places he was seen.
— Dave Patterson 10/23/2008 05:32 PM #
In the mid- to late-70’s he lived on Calle La Vela. North of River/West of Campbell
— KN 10/23/2008 07:17 PM #