Family Values Not on the Screen?

You don’t even have to be famous to get caught up in what Beverly Beyette covered in “Hollywood Shuffle.”

Years ago, when Friday lunch at Ma Maison was de rigueur, I was taken there for my birthday by the publisher of the then-very “in” Beverly Hills People. We sat at the third table and were joined by the then-very de rigueur Mr. Bon Vivant, Henry Berger. The introductions went like this:

Publisher: Henry, do you know Chloe Ross?

Henry Berger: Chloe Ross? Why no. Are you married to Frank Ross (the director)?

Chloe Ross: No, I’m not. My ex-husband is married to his ex-wife.

Henry Berger: Oh, well, that explains it. How do you do?

We lunched. I don’t remember much else about the lunch itself, but I have had many a chuckle thinking about that introduction even now. It just goes to show you that you don’t have to be in a very exalted orbit to get caught up in the whole song and dance.

As your writer said, “That’s Hollywood.” Indeed.

CHLOE ROSS

Los Angeles