In Her Book, Did Esther Williams Sink to a New Low?

Whether Jeff Chandler was a cross-dresser or not is nobody’s business (“Esther Williams Is All Wet, Say Friends of the Late Jeff Chandler,” by Glenn Lovell, Oct. 27). Who cares?

What is shocking is that Esther Williams has come up with the trashiest book of the decade. And, I might add, the most boring. Her apparent infatuation with male genitalia is mind-boggling. And her incessant whining about the way men treat her is a yawn. (And why did she put up with it?)

I struggled through the book and tossed it. I’m sure she’s making a fortune off it, which is the point. But money, Miss Williams, can’t make up for the respect you have lost in the community.

JAMES PRIDEAUX

Los Angeles

Judging from the “outraged reactions” to Esther Williams’ assertion of cross-dressing by Jeff Chandler, it’s no wonder he kept it a secret. Apparently it did not damage his acting ability or his virility.

A quick glance at some modern psychological literature will reveal that cross-dressing is a sexual pleasure enjoyed by many heterosexual men, a fact more widely understood today than in 1956.

It seems to me that Williams was very discreet at the time, including her reluctance to discuss such personal issues with her close friends. Maybe those who are so upset now are afraid of their own little sexual proclivities being made public at some future time.

VIRGINIA URIBE

Pasadena

It does not surprise me that Williams will stoop to any level to sell copies. I am a longtime friend of the late Sydney Guilaroff, who was a true friend to her for more than half a century and who, during his more than 60 years in this town, maintained a discreet and quiet personal life. She thought nothing of “outing” him in her memoirs. Frankly, I think she has chlorine in her veins!

PAUL E. BROGAN

West Hollywood

I found your story intriguing. Especially the posthumous (?) photo of “Chandler in 1963” placed next to the paragraph saying he died in 1961. He was a gorgeous man--I’m not surprised he looked better dead than most men do alive!

You’ve probably gotten a million ribbings about this erroneous cutline, so let me sweeten it by saying you folks at Calendar do a terrific job. Keep up the good work!

MOIRA SHEPARD

Venice

I once dated a fellow who was a close pal of Jeff’s. He told me he had once borrowed Jeff’s car for an errand and found the trunk filled with women’s clothing, high-heeled shoes and accessories. He realized they were extremely large-sized and unsuitable for any woman Jeff might be dating. Later, when confronted, Jeff admitted his addiction.

Sorry Esther has had to deal with all of this. It reminds me of the Rock Hudson matter. I never met anyone who didn’t know Rock was gay. Who cared? It was simply an accepted fact. Then, after his death, the media made it sound as though his “gayness” was a shock to everyone. And the beat goes on.

ROSE BELLE

Calabasas