PRESSED  BETWEEN  THE  PAGES  OF  MY  MIND

by

Allen Curry

 

 I'm afraid I've been reading the obituaries again, but this time one of the notices hit closer to home for me.  On Friday, May 14th, British actress, Anna Lee, died of pneumonia in hospital in Los Angeles.  She was ninety-one at the time of her death.

 

I knew the lady as Mrs. Nathan, widow of my old friend, novelist Robert Nathan.  It was through him that she and I became acquainted back around 1976.  In those days I was one of the editors of a science fiction fan magazine (known as a fanzine) called "QUANTUM."  While our circulation was relatively small, we had a diverse readership, with subscriptions from the all over the United States and Canada to England and France; from Germany and Poland to Czechoslovakia and Russia; from Australia and Sri Lanka to Singapore and Japan.  Our contributors ranged from unknown fans looking for their first break, to old timers such as Robert Bloch, Isaac Asimov, Harlan Ellison, Arthur C. Clark, and, even, the long-retired but fondly remembered Robert Nathan.

 

You may remember Mr. Nathan's name if you were ever a fan of old films from the late 30's and early 40's, because a number of his novels were adapted for the screen.  One of those was "A Portrait Of Jenny," and the film adaptation of his novel "The Bishop's Wife" starred Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young.  He was quite the prolific writer, with something in the neighborhood of eighty or ninety novels to his name. 

 

Our exchanges began due to a review we had published from one of my co-editors, Art Metzger.  Art felt that Nathan's work was too good to allow it to be forgotten, so he wrote a review of one of the old novels and presented it just as if it was fresh off the presses.  Apparently our influence was just enough to get some word-of-mouth going, because Mr. Nathan later told me that he credited us with a spur in new sales of those of his novels which were still in print.  Out of the sheer goodness of his heart, he gave us first-publishing rights on two short stories of his which had never seen the light of day.  We were inundated with letters from jealous editors of other magazines who were ready to pledge their firstborn for the tiny favor of giving them his mailing address.  As I had promised to protect his privacy, I politely refused to give out the address.  However, I did re-direct their attention to his current publisher, so I assume that some of them must have written him via that source because he said that his mail had definitely increased after his appearance in our magazine.

 

For quite a while, our exchanges were only via the mails.  Then I started calling periodically, and it was with that first call that I made the acquaintance of his lovely wife.  She greeted me quite graciously on the phone.  "Oh, hello, Mr. Curry.  My husband has told me so much about you," she said.  I remember her commenting, "You have no idea how much he enjoys your letters.  At our time of life, with our careers winding down, so many people seem to forget that you're even around anymore, and I wanted you to know that your letters really give him a lift." 

 

Later on, as I was talking with Mr. Nathan, I made the comment that Mrs. Nathan's voice had sounded very familiar to me, but I had refrained from saying so because I didn't want to seem rude.  He chuckled and said, that I may have remembered her voice from films.  "I don't suppose," he said, "that you're a fan of soap operas?"  I said that I wasn't.  He then informed me that for a number of years, she had been one of the stars of the soap opera "General Hospital" as the character Lila Quartermaine.  I was flabbergasted.  While I don't watch the soaps, I had seen newspaper photographs and the occasional tv ad for the show and recognized her from those.  "So," I said, "your wife is Anna Lee?"  He was delighted that I knew of her work.

 

"Well, no wonder I recognized her voice," I said.  "I've had a crush on your wife since I was twelve-years-old and first saw her as Bronwyn in 'How Green Was My Valley'."  He laughed out loud at that.  "You and every other adolescent boy in the western world who has seen that film."  Anna Lee, known in England as "the British bombshell" when she was on stage tours with the London Repertory Theater, must be one of the most beautiful actresses that ever came out of England.  With her naturally glowing blond hair (so fair that it was almost white), a lovely face and figure, eyes to die for, and a voice as soft and gentle as a British summer breeze, she turned heads and broke hearts across half the world.  And like her contemporary, Loretta Young, she aged with such grace that, even in her later years, you could never forget nor fail to see the same beauty that you had known from films she had made in her youth.  Perhaps that was because she never lost that graciousness, beauty, and gentle spirit that comes from deep inside where the real person lives. 

 

It was in early 1979 that Mr. Nathan was stricken by a virulent strain of influenza.  At his age (mid-70's), it was particularly tough to recover from such an attack.  In the early 80's, he finally succumbed to its effects, and I wound up losing contact with Mrs. Nathan shortly thereafter.  Oh, for a while there I had continued to call, and she was still the most gracious of ladies.  But he had been the love of her life for over forty years by the time he died, and I began to feel that, just perhaps, my calls were less a welcome visit than a painful reminder of what she had lost when she lost him.

 

Somehow, I think I know that they're now re-united ... if, indeed, they were ever really separated at all.  And I know that if I were able to put through a phone call to where they are now, I would still hear her answer, "Oh, hello, Mr. Curry, it's so very thoughtful of you to call."

My deepest condolences to to her family, as well as to her General Hospital family, with whom she spent so many many years.

I have watched the show since it's first airing, and tape it every day while at work and watch it over my dinner...

She will truly be missed. Anna IS Lila....and Lila IS Anna.

Kenn
Cleveland Ohio

i will miss anna she was an inspiration to us all now who's gonna keep those Q's in line i will miss her very much

I just found out yesterday about her death and I'm truly saddened by her passing. She was a Lovely, Classy, and a Superb Actress. The way ABC treated her was unfair and just plain WRONG! General Hospital will never be the same now that Anna has passed. To Anna Lee's Family I'm so sorry for your loss and you all will be in my prayers. Anna will never be forgotten, she was the best, and No One can ever replace her.

I will miss you Anna!

Love Always and Forever,
Alicia Osborne
Jackson,Ohio

Not only will I miss Anna because she was a special grandmother on General Hospital, but I loved her in The Sound of Music, as well. I will always remember how kind she was to everyone on General Hospital. To her son, you were lucky to have such a lovely person for a mother.

Sincerely, JoAnne in Ca.

Hi my name is Stella. I watched Anna, for more than 25 years. I remember racing home from Jr high to watch. Alas only part of the show then and then high school half of the show. Adult years raising my kids they know her as Lila. My family sends their respects to Anna's (lila's) family. I am really ashamed of how abc treated her in the past. She is now with God. Rest in Peace dear dear women. Blessings, stella in ca.

ABC sucks for how they treated her. Too many big businesses are doing this to older people - just before people retire they can them so they don't have to pay pensions. Everything for the almighty dollar. WRONG!!

I really loved Anna playing Lila. It was so nice to see the children coming over and how much she loved them, and they loved her. I loved watching her tell Edward where to go and how far. That was a hoot and she is the only one who could keep him in line. We have a new star in heaven, her name is Anna Lee. Like Oprah says, when someone dies, we have an angel we know. I hope she is at peace now. Love and sympathy to her family. I loved her like my grandma and I'm sad to see her go. I bet she is dancing now. - Jean

I have been a fan of General Hospital for 25 years. I loved Lila! She was the best Quartermaine, no one could ever say that they hated all of the Q's because everyone loved Lila. Her scenes with all of the men (Edward, Sonny, Luke, Jason, Jax, etc.) have always been so fun to watch. You could tell that she just melted the hearts of all of the men so ever spoke to. Jason even visited Lila even when he wouldn't speak to the rest of the family. That was just so typical of her effect on everyone, I'm sure in real life she had everyone eating out of her hands because she was so lovable! I cryed when I heard the news, I know so many people will miss her so much. My heart goes out to all of her family and friends please let them know they are in our prayers! This could be such a great storyline for GH (it's sad that it comes from such a tragedy). The Q's could just all start causing such trouble since they don't have Lila to keep them in line. They should definitely have a wonderful memorial for her and bring back some old favorites for the funeral, she deserves a wonderful tribute. Afterwards the grief could cause Edward, Tracey, Ned, Skye and A.J. to all start drinking and causing all kinds of trouble! Lila was their conscience and I wish she was able to come back as an angel to help them through everything (maybe they could find old clips of her telling them to be good so we could still see her smiling face!) God bless Anna, her family and her friends! Heaven has a very special angel.

Joyce Weber
Loyal soap fan
Newark, Ohio

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Ms. Lee. I met her only once briefly, when my Father, (now-retired British character actor Ivor Barry) shot a pilot ("The Princess and Me" starring Barbara Hershey)with her in the late sixties. It was a special thrill for me to meet this lovely lady,because I was named after the character she played in "How Green Was My Valley";and I still have her autograph,which she signed "To Bronwen, with love from 'Bronwen"-- and Anne Lee." Sincere condolences to all her family and loving friends...
Bronwen Barry

I have just recently gotten a computer so am still new to all the sites that I can access. I entered Anna Lee in the search and your site was the first one I clicked onto. Your website was very interesting and informative. I am very sad that Ms. Lee has passed away. After watching her on General Hospital, I would look for her in the other roles that she played -- Fort Apache and other movies. She was very beautiful and had not seemed to change very much over the years. I agree with your assessment of how ABC treated her. I was very disappointed that she would not be appearing anymore. Not everyone who watches General Hospital is interested in who is going to hop into bed with whom. Thank you for your website. Donna

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Anna Lee. She was defitnitly the best actress on Tv. Anna Lee will be truly missed on general hospital. My thoughts & prayers are with her Family, friends & the cast of general hospital.

Kim

My deepest sympathy is with Anna Lee's family. A few days before she passed, I was telling my co-worker of how Ms. Lee was brought to the harshness of age discrimination, in my opinion, and then my best friend emailed me on 5/17/04 with the news that she had passed away. I started to cry at work as I read the obituary because she was such a beloved person, in all aspects of life.

In many ways, her on-screen persona and the parallels of Lila and Edward reminded me of my own grandmother and grandfather, one might say my grandparents are modeled after Lila & Edward or vice versa.

Anna was a formidable woman, who had grace, dignity, and style. She will be missed, but all of us here on this board know that she is now watching over all of the people that loved her most, including her devoted fans, she will not be forgotten.

My prayers and blessings are to her family during this time of grief.

Sincerely,
Paul
Sacramento, CA

I have watched GH for 15+ years and have always love Anna Lee as Lila. She was very inspiring to how she always seen the best in everyone, (including Tracy). When ABC fired Anna without notice, I was devastated. But Anna came out the winner by not retaliating against ABC. I will always remember her sweetness and kindness to all.

Anna, you will be missed.

Michelle Jumper Springfield, MO

Anna Lee was truly a wonderful lady. She touched the hearts of every fan of hers and i could only imagine how hard it is for her loved ones. All my heart and prayers to Anna's family for you have the courage to get through this unbelievable hard time. God bless you. Anna Lee was such a graceful woman with class and elegance and a heart of gold. I looked up to her and wished and hoped to grow up to be a half of how she turned out. She is someone who can never be replaced and though i didnt know her personally i felt as though she was my own grandmother becuase she mad all her fans feel as though she was. Her sweet smile just brought joy to everyone who watched her character on General Hospital. I have watched GH since i was 4 years old and now im 14. Ten years i have been able to see Anna's youthful face on my screen. She inspired me so much theres not even a word for it. It almost brought me to tears to hear that one of the m! ost caring people i have ever witnessed. She not only inspired the hearts of millions but she also taught them lessons. I learned from Anna to love everyone and treat them right for everyone is a human and everyone has feelings. She took great pride in her family and i am sure she would be proud to know that she has brought love to this world. She will continue to glow and will live on through the hearts of her family and her fans. We believe that the world is duller without her shine and appearance. Rest In Peace dear Anna for you will always be remembered

Melissa Boyles
(( a great fan of Anna Lee's ))

Hi My thoughts and prayers go out to Anna`s family I am planning on doing a tribute page for her , her character Lila Q who she was so wonderful at. I was wondering if it would be ok if I used some of the pictures on your site thank you so much

Emily

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Anna. She is one of the last from a generation like no other. We will never again see that kind of gentleness and grace. My thoughts and prayers to her family.

Ever since I watched General Hospital, Lila was on. When I first started watching it over 20 years ago, Lila was so dignified. She was the only Quartermaine that put things together amicably. When she was angry she did it graciously and never shouted. She was so beautiful and wonderful.

She kept herself so well. Actresses and actors in the past were very talented and presentable. I didn't like the way General Hospital treated some of its veteran stars. On Friday I am sure there will be a big tribute to her in the awards. I shall tape it. Everybody liked Anna Lee. Her funeral will be a big one. All the General Hospital stars past and present will miss her and other soap stars as well. Was her son in All My Children some time ago acting as an intern in the hospital ordering people around? She only has one son? Give her family my heartfelt sympathy. I never knew her personally but I feel for her and the family. My mom and sister were shocked to hear the news. I am sure on General Hospital her death will be put into the script.

Helen

since not seeing anna lee i haven't watch general hospital for a long time, it saddens me that lila was treated so badly i know now that i will not watch this soap again i love ms. anna lee as lila quartermain she brough life and truth to the show.. god bless her always. p.s also sorry to hear about the others that have been mistreated in these day time soaps.. maybe its time to take a stand on these people and their writers.. love and god bless lila a.k.a anna lee god be with you always..

arc angl raguel

To the family of Anna Lee: I have been watching General Hospital ever since it first aired. Your mother was an incredible actress and a wonderful addition to the show. She was a beautiful and gracious lady. She will be dearly missed.

Renee L.

So sorry to hear of Anna Lee's passing. I've been watching GH since I was a young girl with my Mom and I ALWAYS thought Ms. Lee was such an elegant lady. She was beautiful!!

Jeannie P
Massachusetts