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474

April 16-   Rome,

friend of Tamara, came to call on me. He is Bulgarian. Has lived in Rome the past 20 years. Occupies himself mostly with portrait & gov't. commissions. Appears to be successful, drives his own car, etc.

Short, fat, looking like a Japanese scholarly Buddha, with drooping mustachio and young spirited eyes. Has son of 15. He appears about 50 yrs. Offered to come tomorrow at 3 o'clock to show me about the art galleries & the artists' café. Spent a pleasant hour chatting with him & let him drive me to a movie, Desirée - with Marlon Brando as Napoleon with Jean Simmons. Altho he had little to do but gesture a bit & make love to Desirée, Brando's charm comes thru on the screen at all times. Since Italian was dubbed for English - I realized how wonderfully personal his voice is - on missing the sound of it in relation to his interpretation of the role. It has a unique quality. Would like to see the film again in English - just for that reason.



475. 

Sunday April 17   Rome

9 AM. Staying in bed this half day. Have been unwell, a week too soon (since 15th) because of the strenuous travelling about, & need to rest. Dr. Nicoletti came at 9 AM & spoke to me on the phone. I had misunderstood him, & had expected him this evening at 9 instead. He was charming & said he hoped we would meet this week end, when I returned from my tour to Naples.

After lunch at 2.30 - took a tour to Tivoli and Villa D'Este. Passed Acque Albule (sulphurous baths) Lucano Bridge, Tomb of Plantius Lucanus, Hadrian's Villa. The countryside, all luxuriously green & the mountains in the distance, the valley near Tivoli with its waterfall - and then the magnificent water displays of the fountains, grottoes & pavillions of the Villa D'Este. The parks - terraced & superbly, richly magnifique!

Came back to send another letter and 30 postal cards home to friends - and so to bed.