Actress Geraldine Page had an unusual relationship with soap and water—she mostly avoided contact with both, at least as they pertained to the pursuit of personal hygiene.
During the production of the 1953 western “Hondo” in Camargo, Mexico, Page’s personal hygiene nearly led to a confrontation. Story editor Tom Kane remembered, “(Page) thought it was cute, walking around smelling like a goat.”
Page was sharing a room on location with Mary St. John, the personal assistant to “Hondo” co-star John Wayne. And, of course, in the heat and primitive living conditions at the remote Mexican location, St. John was uncomfortably aware of Page’s outrageously shoddy hygiene.
St. John endured Page’s pungent aroma for most of the production, but eventually was compelled to explain to the eccentric actress the facts of life—at least as they pertained to actor John Wayne, and his practice of direct, straightforward honesty.
One night, St. John advised Page that the next day’s filming included the climactic love scene between her and John Wayne.
“I strongly suggest that you bathe tonight,” St. Johns told the actress. “It’s better that I tell you, because (Wayne) will certainly tell you—and he’ll tell you in front of the whole cast and crew.”
Thankfully, Geraldine Page took Mary St. John’s advice to heart and bathed that night.
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