News-Record.com

My column today:

Not wanting to make the world wait for decades after our deaths, like Ernest Hemingway and Marlene Die­trich, I've decided to release my private correspondence with actress Kathleen Turner today.

It's clear from these letters that the Hollywood star and I are victims of "unsynchronized passion."

Our communication began this way:

May 21, 1991

Dear Kathleen,

I am thrilled at the news that you are coming to High Point for filming of the movie "House of Cards." I have long admired your work, especially your sizzling performance in "Body Heat," and always hoped to have an opportunity to meet you. I know we could be great friends, at least.

Please call me when you arrive in town. I'll take you to lunch at The Dog House -- I recommend the dogs "all the way" -- and give you a personal tour of the city. High Point is almost like Paris in the early summer. Sunsets over Oak Hollow are flush with romance. Do you fish? If motor sports excite you, we can visit Petty Enterprises in Level Cross.

Ardently anticipating your answer,

Doug Clark

May 30, 1991

Dear Mr. Clark,

Ms. Turner will not be granting interviews while she is in High Point.
Sincerely yours,

Jaclyn Winters
Publicist for Kathleen Turner

June 16, 1991

Dear Kathleen,

Should I address you as Kathy? I feel our relationship should be intimate and informal.
Thank you so much for your reply. I understand completely your reluctance to commit to a lunch date given the uncertainties of your schedule. Perhaps our first meeting should be arranged at more of a distance.

I have learned you are staying in a penthouse apartment on Market Square Tower while you are filming here in High Point. As it happens, my house affords me a perfect view of the tower. We're only a mile apart.

I propose this: If you have a westward vantage, look toward the sunset at exactly 8 p.m. Thursday. I will be standing on my roof dressed like Michael Douglas in "Romancing the Stone." Our eyes will meet and our spirits will connect. It will help if you have binoculars. Until then,

Affectionately yours,

Doug

June 22, 1991

Dear Mr. Clark,

Ms. Turner is not interested in meeting you or in hearing from you again. Please don't write anymore.

Sincerely,

Alice Silverstein
Personal Assistant to Kathleen Turner

June 26, 1991

Dearest Kathy,

The heartache cries out from every word of your letter. It grieves me, too. We're not free, I know, my darling. Perhaps what we both desire can never be -- unless we're willing to throw our fates to the wind and dare to fly. Will you take that chance with me, or will we forever wonder what might have been?

Waiting for your heart to speak,

D.

July 2, 1991

Mr. Clark,

This will serve as an official and final warning to cease all attempts to contact my client, Ms. Kathleen Turner. Failure to comply will force me to seek a restraining order from the District Court of Guilford County. I am not patient with harassment of my client and will not hesitate to use every legal means available to protect her from your unwanted communications. I hope I have made myself clear.

Sincerely,

Raymond T. Brownstone
Attorney-at-Law

"House of Cards" was a flop. Poor Kathleen. She was just so out of sync.

Contact Doug Clark at dgclark@news-record.com and 373-7039.