Huichol Indians |
Liz Taylor’s Gringo Gulch
 E
WERE always intrigued with the story of Elizabeth Taylor who left
hubby Eddie Fisher to stay with her paramour Richard Burton, who was
also married to someone else, while he was filming Night of the
Iguana in 1963 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Produced by
Ray Stark for MGM, the film was based on the Tennessee Williams
play, directed by John Huston and starred Richard Burton and Deborah
Kerr.
Elizabeth Taylor Museum |
Elizabeth
bought a house and built an overhanging bridge across the
cobblestone street where Richard was in residence during his shoot,
so the star-crossed lovers could connect whenever they desired. Her
house, known as Gringo Gulch, was sold 13 years ago; it’s now a
bed and breakfast and museum.
We got our
chance to visit Taylor’s house one day when we went on a winter
vacation with Club Kosher, which took over La Jolla de Mismaloya
All-Suites Resort six miles south of Puerto Vallarta (322 226-0600).
Venture out of
Puerto Vallarta and discover the charm and mystique of nearby
laid-back towns, such as the charming Pitillal. Across the imposing
Michaelangel Church we ran into Huichol Indians who came to market.
Descendants of the real natives of Mexico, the Aztecs, they live in
isolation in adobe structures on the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains.
Huichol art, inspired by mystical visions, is highly prized by savvy
collectors.
Charles Rosenay (left)
emcees the fun |
A walk on the
magnificent Playa Mismaloya (beach), in the majestic Banderas Bay,
where Iguana was shot, is a real treat. On the beach we
stopped at Teos & Arturo restaurant (phone 228-0953) to talk to
proprietor Jeffrey Kress. He also owns Oceana Diver, conducting
diving, snorkeling, fishing and boat tours (phone 228-0823).
Jeffrey
regaled us with Hollywood lore from a personal vantage. He was the
youngest assistant film editor in the guild when he joined at age
18. His grandfather was legendary producer Mike Frankovich at
Columbia from 1959 to 1967. He made Butterflies Are Free, Cactus
Flower, and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. His
last movie, The Shootist, was John Wayne’s last.
La Jolla de Mismaloya on
Banderas Bay |
Be sure to
carry a copy of Frommer’s Portable Puerto Vallarta
(Wiley, 204 pages, paperback, $10.99), which I found extremely
useful and handy, and fits in your pocket.
This winter
Club Kosher offers two family vacations at the 4-star scenic Jamaica
Grande Resort & Spa (formerly of the Renaissance/Marriott chain)
in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. Dates are Dec. 22-29 and Jan. 19-29.
Information at www.clubkosher.com
or call Charles Rosenay at (203) 799-7791.
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