What luck for all of us that you were seated next to Mr. Dunne those many years ago. I read his columns ravenously when I was introduced to his work by a neighbor 20+ years ago. VF was the only magazine I subscribed to in college (Bennington ‘08), and I have all of his books. With the Swans & the Menendez shows, Griffin’s book, and your substack… as the kids say: we are SO back.
yes what luck that was. He became the defining voice of VF in the 80s and his eye for detail was flawless. Georgie's costume ideas become more eclectic by the day! Thx for writing T
I remember, with pleasure, DD's refined horror at the Menendez house and its furnishings. But that urbane and occasionally flippant front masked a steely adherence to notions of equity and justice. The patrician bearing, surely, was a defence against the horrors of the world from which he couldn't quite avert his eyes. I can see him conceding the extenuating nature of the abuse, but I can't see him flip-flopping on the question of the brothers' guilt.
Hi Luke, you are probably right. But of course their guilt was never in doubt, it was the motive - greed or sexual abuse. Following them for five years after they come out would be the interesting story T
What a treat. Tina in fresh hell. Dominic I knew thru my sister and brother in law Gabe Katzka (rip my most unique film producer buddy ). His heart was as generous as disdain for liars and gross entitlement. Despite what appears to be horrific sexual and emotional abuse “post Oprah” I think he’d still be on the fence.
Thanks Jennifer. Yes Nick was one of the most empathetic people I've ever known except towards liars. I just wish we could read the piece he would write on their release. T
Cont. my father not . When I moved east from Bev hills my mother suggested i get in touch with Rush Skakel. Georgeann’s brother. The year was 1977. I called. I entered their BellHaven home . Right into the seemingly comfort of large family as I . One of 5 sisters. The only girl in a team of boys was Julie. Despite a 5 year age gap we became fast friends. Her father “Uncle Rush” took a shine to me. Most every Sunday I joined the entire crew at varied County Clubs. Seated next to him and Julie. I had no idea of the Martha Moxley horror nor did anyone speak of. It happened a couple of years before my time . At some point I was filled in . Not by Julie, her family or the Terrian’s whom I began to socialize. Yes it was fun for awhile. Similarities to my childhood friends. Some far wealthier but not, as it turned out of control. I began a passionate affair with a handsome Irishman . Owner of a Greenwich restaurant. He had zero time for the Skakel’s and extended family with exception polite when patrons . He. A native knew far too much but the question remained . Who killed Martha ? Michael or Tommy? 1978. My Irish man bid me au revoir. Yes I believe a heart really breaks. Yet in the same time a mutual friend “I have a friend who’s going thru a divorce do you want to meet him?” Not interested . I acquiesced. “Bring him to Skakel’s for tennis. “ He did. We did. 2 years later, oct 18,1980 . Married. Same home as my parents. Contentment Isle. Oh this is longer than I expected. Best recall . 2000 ? I was sitting next to Dominic . In someone’s home. He began to speak about the Moxley murder and his close relationship with her mother. I’d had a couple glasses of vino . He of course recovering alcoholic. My ears perked up . “ oh I know the Skakel’s . They are close friends of mine.” He almost levitated. I became, for 30 mins his best and only friend. Obviously I didn’t know who commented a crime so unspeakably sinister. I actually felt guilty. I could have given him a Birds Eye view of the 2 years I spent with them. Instead I was protective . God knows why . I do believe alcoholic blackouts exist. If Michael was doing drugs and drinking that Halloween night he most probably was and a beautiful neighbor was the victim of his inner demons. Believe me when I tell you. Michael was a sweet , insecure, nice little boy. His brother Tommy. Not. I’ve been typing this on my cell with one finger. If Dominic were here I’d apologize. If only he were here to give all the best of Dunne on the biggest liar of them all. DJT. God bless us all. Jenn
I’ll try edit version. Georgeanne Skakel Terrian was a bridesmaid in my parents wedding . Darien Ct Contentment Isle . My grandparents home. Mother from elite. Father
What luck for all of us that you were seated next to Mr. Dunne those many years ago. I read his columns ravenously when I was introduced to his work by a neighbor 20+ years ago. VF was the only magazine I subscribed to in college (Bennington ‘08), and I have all of his books. With the Swans & the Menendez shows, Griffin’s book, and your substack… as the kids say: we are SO back.
Has Georgie picked a costume yet?
yes what luck that was. He became the defining voice of VF in the 80s and his eye for detail was flawless. Georgie's costume ideas become more eclectic by the day! Thx for writing T
I remember, with pleasure, DD's refined horror at the Menendez house and its furnishings. But that urbane and occasionally flippant front masked a steely adherence to notions of equity and justice. The patrician bearing, surely, was a defence against the horrors of the world from which he couldn't quite avert his eyes. I can see him conceding the extenuating nature of the abuse, but I can't see him flip-flopping on the question of the brothers' guilt.
Hi Luke, you are probably right. But of course their guilt was never in doubt, it was the motive - greed or sexual abuse. Following them for five years after they come out would be the interesting story T
What a treat. Tina in fresh hell. Dominic I knew thru my sister and brother in law Gabe Katzka (rip my most unique film producer buddy ). His heart was as generous as disdain for liars and gross entitlement. Despite what appears to be horrific sexual and emotional abuse “post Oprah” I think he’d still be on the fence.
Thanks Jennifer. Yes Nick was one of the most empathetic people I've ever known except towards liars. I just wish we could read the piece he would write on their release. T
Cont. my father not . When I moved east from Bev hills my mother suggested i get in touch with Rush Skakel. Georgeann’s brother. The year was 1977. I called. I entered their BellHaven home . Right into the seemingly comfort of large family as I . One of 5 sisters. The only girl in a team of boys was Julie. Despite a 5 year age gap we became fast friends. Her father “Uncle Rush” took a shine to me. Most every Sunday I joined the entire crew at varied County Clubs. Seated next to him and Julie. I had no idea of the Martha Moxley horror nor did anyone speak of. It happened a couple of years before my time . At some point I was filled in . Not by Julie, her family or the Terrian’s whom I began to socialize. Yes it was fun for awhile. Similarities to my childhood friends. Some far wealthier but not, as it turned out of control. I began a passionate affair with a handsome Irishman . Owner of a Greenwich restaurant. He had zero time for the Skakel’s and extended family with exception polite when patrons . He. A native knew far too much but the question remained . Who killed Martha ? Michael or Tommy? 1978. My Irish man bid me au revoir. Yes I believe a heart really breaks. Yet in the same time a mutual friend “I have a friend who’s going thru a divorce do you want to meet him?” Not interested . I acquiesced. “Bring him to Skakel’s for tennis. “ He did. We did. 2 years later, oct 18,1980 . Married. Same home as my parents. Contentment Isle. Oh this is longer than I expected. Best recall . 2000 ? I was sitting next to Dominic . In someone’s home. He began to speak about the Moxley murder and his close relationship with her mother. I’d had a couple glasses of vino . He of course recovering alcoholic. My ears perked up . “ oh I know the Skakel’s . They are close friends of mine.” He almost levitated. I became, for 30 mins his best and only friend. Obviously I didn’t know who commented a crime so unspeakably sinister. I actually felt guilty. I could have given him a Birds Eye view of the 2 years I spent with them. Instead I was protective . God knows why . I do believe alcoholic blackouts exist. If Michael was doing drugs and drinking that Halloween night he most probably was and a beautiful neighbor was the victim of his inner demons. Believe me when I tell you. Michael was a sweet , insecure, nice little boy. His brother Tommy. Not. I’ve been typing this on my cell with one finger. If Dominic were here I’d apologize. If only he were here to give all the best of Dunne on the biggest liar of them all. DJT. God bless us all. Jenn
I’ll try edit version. Georgeanne Skakel Terrian was a bridesmaid in my parents wedding . Darien Ct Contentment Isle . My grandparents home. Mother from elite. Father