Hollywood Mystery: Natalie Wood

It is a strange story, even by Hollywood standards. It happened in 1981, so, with the passage of time you would think the interest would go away. The shelf life on any story is no more than a blink of the eye nowadays. Still, this case sputters on. And, now, with the reopening of the investigation--- and, the rumors which are getting stronger--- we may finally learn what happened that November night when Natalie Wood drowned...... The facts are these: Natalie Wood, 43 years of age, was found floating in the Pacific Ocean, just off  Santa Catalina Island on the morning of November 29, 1981. She had been in the water several hours before her death. A small, rubber inflatable dinghy was nearby. The autopsy report said that she had a blood alcohol level of 0.14, almost twice over the legal limit. She had two types of prescription drugs in her system, one for motion sickness and one that was a painkiller. Both drugs were legally prescribed by her doctor. However, because she had these drugs in her system, when mixed with the alcohol, this made her even more intoxicated. There were also bruises on her body and arms and an abrasion on her left cheek. The coroner, Thomas Noguchi, concluded that the bruises had occured when she fell in the water, perhaps, hitting the boat or dinghy along the way of the fall. Natalie Wood was on the boat with her husband, Robert Wagner, and, also two other men, fellow actor Christopher Walken, and the ship's captain, Dennis Davern. All three men later testified that after a night of dinner and drinks, the two actors went to bed and Natalie stayed up. After the men retired, nobody saw her again. After a certain amount of time, Wagner became concerned that he could not find his wife anywhere on the boat. After checking with Walken and Davern, Wagner called the shore patrol, who then alerted the police. Robert Wagner told the authorities that his wife was missing and that a dinghy was also missing from the boat. The police asked Wagner if he thought that Natalie would have taken the dinghy out by herself. Robert Wagner did not think so. His wife was terrified of deep water...... The coroners office, working with the L.A. police, concluded that it was an accidental drowning. No foul play involved. It seemed like a sad ending to one of Hollywood's most popular stars. From childhood star in ''Miracle On 34th Street'' to ''Splendor In The Grass'' to ''West Side Story'', Natalie Wood seemed to have a charmed life. She was beautiful, popular, certainly dated around with the famous, and, was generally well-liked in the industry. She was married [ for the second time ] to Robert Wagner, himself a well-liked, if lightweight actor. They had children together and seemed to be the Golden Couple. Natalie Wood seemed to be on top of the world. There appeared to be no dark clouds in her life. Her only fear in life, of all things, was of drowning in deep, dark water....... Soon after the investigation was closed, the rumors started. Natalie Wood, it was determined by police, decided either to get away from the boat for awhile and took the dinghy out into the water, or,  perhaps, she heard the dinghy knocking against the boat and tried to untie it and then fell in. There was a story that a boat nearby heard a woman crying for help in the middle of the night. This voice was pleading for someone to save her from the water. The nearby boat frantically searched for the source of the cry, but, found nothing. If this story is true--- and the police did check out the lead, but, found nothing came of it---- then why did not Wagner, Walken , and Davern not here the same voice? If Natalie accidently fell in the water, unless she knocked herself out somehow, there must have been some call for help from her. She was conscious, according to the coroner, for a little while. Why did the three men not hear her?......... There have been other rumors of this night that have always made the rounds in the gossip mill. One story was that Wood and Walken were having an affair. They both, at the time of her death, were co-starring in a forgettable movie together called, ''Brainstorm''. The stories that came from the set of the movie of a location fling between these two already were widespread. Robert Wagner must have heard them. Wagner himself, the star of the TV series, ''Hart To Hart'', was the subject of much gossip directed at the chemistry he and his co-star, Stefanie Powers had. Surely, Natalie Wood must have heard these rumors also. Why, Walken was invited on that ship that night has always kept people wondering. Allegedly, there was some kind of fierce verbal fight between Wagner and Walken at dinner that night. Over Natalie, perhaps? Another rumor that night was that the three were engaged in a threesome. And, there has also been the open question of why Natalie had bruises on her. Did she receive them before or after she went into the water? Finally, the big question: why did a woman, notorious for her fear of dark water, attempt to go out alone on a dangerously small dinghy in the middle of the night?..... Something else happened in this story. For years the pieces did not add up to a logical conclusion. What did the boat's captain know? Does he know more and was paid for his silence. Or, does he know nothing and is innocent in this? Was Natalie Wood beaten by someone on the boat before her drowning? Maybe, by a jealous husband, with alcohol in his system, confronting his wife's lover? And, what is Walken's role in all of this? What does he know? Both Walken and Wagner have dodged this question for decades. Walken denied having an affair with Natalie. But, a public denial does not mean that nothing happened between the two of them. And, Robert Wagner. He sure rebounded quickly after his wife's death. Within months, he was living with his future wife, Jill St. John. We are talking only a few months after Natalie's death. Mr. Grieving Husband sure was in a hurry to run to another woman's arms...... So, recently, we have the investigation reopened. There might be something to these rumors after all. The coroners office and the police have determined that Natalie Wood may have received her bruises prior to hitting the water. If this was true, then there was a raging male on board who gave her these marks. Someone who was  angry enough at her to possibly do harmful and deadly damage to her. There are only three who could have done this, remember. And, finally, the boat's captain, Dennis Davern, has come out within the last year and said that there was indeed an argument that night between the three actors. Why he has kept his silence this long is a mystery [ usually, when someone breaks a silence, money is the reason ]. But, his speaking up cannot be dismissed. He would be a reliable witness, certainly, the most important. Wagner and Walken continue to deny any foul play, but, if I was Wagner [ whom I have always suspected ] I would be a little worried. I am sure he has contacted a lawyer recently...... The coroner's office has amended the death certificate these last few days in the death of Natalie Wood. The cause of death went from being ''accidental drowning'' to ''undetermined''......

Vegas, Baby!!!

Cool just seemed to surround them like air does us mere mortals. It oozed from them. When they walked, stood still, smoked a cigarette [ always holding it like Bogart did ] and, of course, when they performed, cool was their constant companion. Only one of them was a truly fine actor, but, two of them were exciting to watch in their own right, and, the other two were harmless filler. They were not equals--- either in talent or personality. They had one Leader. He strode the planet like a man picked by God to lead his minions. Maybe, he was. They had swagger, good-looks, self-confidence, and charisma. They were saddled with a name that they abhorred, but, it was the name that they public embraced. They were The Rat Pack...... Mythology has long surrounded this group. They are all long gone to the other side, but, the startling image that they projected is stronger than ever. We know of their story, with the broads and the booze and the horseplay that was their M.O. And, truth be told, when they were on stage together, they seemed more intent on entertaining themselves than the audience. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr were electric performers when they performed solo, but, onstage with Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop they all acted like immature teenagers. Entertaining as hell, I grant you. However, if you wanted a solid performance, it was better to see them when they performed alone..... The first-- and, best--- of the famous Rat Pack movies, is''Oceans's Eleven''. The story is simple: old war buddies gather in Las Vegas on New Years Eve to rob all of the big casinos at once. The movie is slight in quality. But, it soars tremendously in fun. They were playing towards the camera and the audience is in on the fun as fellow henchmen and women. They were having a raving ole time and wanted us to get close to the action. And, they succeeded. Normally, this type of smirking and winking borders on megalomania and arrogance [ see Burt Reynolds movies with a speeding car ]. Somehow, though, all is forgiven and we, the audience, enjoy ourselves because we know they are enjoying themselves on the old big silver screen. Following the plot is not necessary. Just sit back with a cocktail and enjoy the fun..... The filming of this movie was some story!! Sinatra, as we all know, had power over everyone. He convinced the casinos of Vegas in early 1960 to let him and his buddies shoot their little caper movie and not be bothered. They shot the movie during the day and performed two shows a night at the Sands. Then, the action really started!!! The boys would hit the casino to do a little gambling. People, us mortals, gathered around them to watch and gawk. They were still relatively young, and, certainly, vibrant. After the gambling--- which always included women and the ever present consumption of booze--- they would head to Frank's lavish suite in the Sands and party until the wee small hours of the morning. More women and booze followed. And, then the boys would find the partners to pair up with for the evening [ except for Joey Bishop, who was faithful to his wife and usually did not make the after-show scene]. Wild scenes of debauchery are always associated with rock stars, but, these men blazed a trail with their partying that other, future musicians, rushed to emulate. Frank was the most dedicated to having fun with the fairer sex. Hookers, showgirls, and regular ladies of the day and evening would go in and out of his bed, sometimes as many as three with Sinatra at once. Sometimes, there would be John Kennedy in the suite to party with the Pack. Sometimes, mobsters like Sam Giancana to mix it up with the group. Anyone who liked a good time was welcome. Frank called it ''Ring-A-Ding-Ding'' time. Sexual freedom and hard drinking and blowing off firecrackers reigned all night long. When the next day would arrive, these men, bleary-eyed and hungover, would stagger to the Sands steam room to clear the body of toxins. Then, they would head to the movie set to start the process all over again. Many days were spent going on no, or, very little sleep. When you are these Titans and live like they did, sleep is just an irritant in life anyway..... Frank Sinatra was a supreme talent. If he hadn't had been the greatest and most influential singer of the 20th Century, then he would have made his mark as an extraordinary actor with limitless range. Not in this movie, but, many others in his career, Frank showed a stellar ability to bring a character to life and give it his all. You wanna see Frank excel in a role? Check out the original ''Manchurian Candidate''. He shows a sensitivity and vulnerability absent from the lark of his Rat Pack films. Always compelling to watch sing, Frank showed such promise as an actor that he seriously considered giving up singing to concentrate fully on acting. Wisely, he stayed with singing. However, this multi-talented man [ arguably the most talented man in the history of performing] could have succeeded in anything he attempted..... Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr also showed some chops as actors. Both seemed to be happy playing second and third fiddle to their Leader. Sammy, a bundle of talent and drive, was the little brother in the group. He was constantly teased, affectionately, and, at times, cruelly, as younger brothers are. All of these men fought the prejudices of the day. Sammy was caught in the hypocracy of being able to entertain in the main room at the Sands, but, he had to enter the hotel through the rear entrance. At first, he was not allowed to stay at the hotel that he was earning money for. Frank stepped in and changed the color barrier for not only Sammy, but, all blacks in Vegas. Frank championed civil rights his whole life. However, he and Dean would cross the line of taste onstage when teasing Sammy. Make no mistake, they loved Sammy and would have killed for him. But, some of the lines bordered on racism. Sammy  laughed, and, as he later related, gritted his teeth at some of the barbs. It was explained by defenders of Frank and Dean that by making fun of the stereotypes in race realtions they were bringing down the borders and prejudices of the day. That was stretching it a little bit. Every race and nationality should always be open for the sport of humor[ Frank and Dean called each other Dago], but, when it came to Sammy they were a bit too cruel. Sammy, however, always knew they loved him. There was a genuine feeling of love and respect that the Top Three in the group had for each other..... Dean Martin was the loner of the three. He liked his booze and women, but, did it quietly on his own terms. Many nights after being onstage he would stop by Frank's suite just for a drink or two and excuse himself by saying ''I have a broad waiting for me in my room.'' They did not believe him, but, because he was Dean, he was excused from Frank's orbit. Dean wanted solitude away from the madness. He did hook up with women--- many times there was in fact a women waiting in his room for him. And, many times, he was alone in his room, sipping milk and watching one of his beloved western films on TV. He also wanted to get to bed relatively early because he loved early morning golf. While he and Frank were the best of friends, Dean never did have all the devotion and obsession of Sinatra that Sammy did. Frank could walk on water in Sammy's view. Dean had a cooler impression of the Leader. He viewed him as an equal. This gave him a great gift: Frank Sinatra's respect......Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop were the scraps in the group. Lawford owed his membership in the Pack because of his family connections. He wife, Pat, was the sister of John F Kennedy, soon to run for President Of The United States in 1960. Peter was a lighweight but charming man of modest talent. No great shakes as an actor or singer. He was the good-looking mascot not to be taken seriously. Like Sammy, he idolized Frank. He got girls for Frank, who then got girls for Jack Kennedy. That was the bond of all three men. Three swingers enjoying showgirls galore. It shows you the morals of Jack Kennedy that he was partying with his brother-in-law who was married to his sister. But, cheating Lawford was, and the showgirls flew in and out of Jack's and Frank's rooms. One of these girls was named Judith Campbell. She was one of Frank's girls whom Kennedy fancied. Soon, the Senator from Massachusetts and the Party Girl Campbell were lovers. Not long after they started their two year affair, Frank introduced Campbell to another friend of his, Chicago mobster Sam Giancana. The future President and the most powerful mobster in the country shared Judith Campbell as a mistress. And, all because of Frank Sinatra. He wasn't called the Leader for nothing....... Joey Bishop was only in the Pack because he made Frank laugh. Joey was a minor comedian of not much talent. His whole career unfolded because of his connection to Frank Sinatra. He would have some success later on in his career with talk shows and small parts in movies. Still, he was the odd man out. If you were to redisgn the Rat Pack I would put Don Rickles as the fifth member. His style of lethal humor would have blended very well with the antics of the Rat Pack. Imagine, the jokes Rickles would have made about the Mafia onstage!!!..... There is a scene in ''Ocena's Eleven'' that has been a strong rumor for years. About a third of the way through the movie Frank strolls into the casino. He passes several tables, all with the people turned away from the camera. One dark haired man sitting there is of note. This ''extra'' would eleven months later be elected President Of The United States...... The weeks filming ''Ocean's Eleven'' were in January and February of 1960 in Las Vegas. Then, they hightailed it to Hollywood to finish it. The movie came out the following August and was a rousing success. The public flocked to this film with its weak plot to have some fun [ or, ''hey, hey'', as Frank called it]. The movie is great fun because we all know that we were eavesdropping a little of these famous men and how they lived their lives. For most men, there is a little fantasy in our minds to live life like they did. No rules. Nobody telling you what to do and how to behave. No time clocks and no restrictions. Male bonding at its best. Five men showing the world their performing talents and their intense loyalty towards each other. And, the booze mixed with the broads. Show me a man who hasn't once or twice, in his mind, planted himself in this group and I will show you a man who doesn't know what a good time is. Those of us who believe in monogamy and the love of a good women can also appreciate the thought of tearing up the town....... The Sands is long gone, along with The Rat Pack. The magic days of ''Ring-A-Ding-Ding'' ended with the death of JFK in 1963. Soon, rock and roll took over and the Rat Pack became old hat. They aged and grew mortal--- something that they never thought would happen to them. Lawford was thrown out of the group when Sinatra felt he was disloyal when JFK snubbed a visit to Frank's home. Frank took his rage out on Peter and closed his friendship with the British actor. Lawford tried and failed to get back in Frank's orbit. He would divorce Pat Kennedy, and, he would lose control with booze and drugs as the years went on. He died in 1984, never reunited with Frank.....Sammy was next to go. Years of alcohol, drug, and nicotine abuse took its toll on this little man and he died in 1990..... Dean died in 1995. He had a strong career for many years after the Vegas days with the boys and was one of the biggest stars around for a long time. But, in 1987, Dean lost his son, Dino Jr, in a plane crash and grieved himself to death. He became a recluse. Frank tried to save him, but, Dean did not want to be saved. He died as he lived. A loner, who went out on his own terms......The Leader was next. Frank still tore up all life around him into his 80's. Still drinking and smoking like a young man. The broads fell away with his fourth and last marriage to Barbara Marx. He toured the world relentlessly to massive audiences. Age caught up with him in the 1990's. Bladder cancer and heart problems. He died in 1998 of a heart attack. He died kicking and screaming into death. He went to the ''Big Casino'' His Way.......Joey Bishop lived out his final years quietly with his wife. No alcohol or smoking for him. He passed away in 2007 of old age...... The Sands imploded in 1996 to make way for the Venetian Hotel. I was in the Sands the year before it closed. The Copa Room, where the Rat Pack reigned, was no longer. When I went back in 1999, I saw a plaque on the floor of the Venetian. It was where the old Copa Room was supposed to be. Myself and various other people stopped for a few moments over this little monument to fun. Perhaps, without saying much, we were all thinking the same thoughts. We were listening for the ghosts of glories past. We were trying to catch lightning in a bottle for a lost time. We were trying to hear five men, full of life and energy, entertaining in a way that would never come again.... And, I'm sure we all wished we could go back for a little while to have some ''Ring-A-Ding-Ding''........

America Honors

Having been off for a few weeks I have been able to catch up on some long-overdue TV watching. I rented the old series ''Night Gallery'' from the early 1970's. This show was the follow up series for the great Rod Serling after his legendary ''Twilight Zone'' show. ''Night Gallery'' is a program I have dim memories of as a kid. My Dad loved it, but, it scared the hell out of me when I was a small boy. The show now, some forty years later, still holds up. And, true to form, I was a little rattled by some of the episodes. I watched them as you should with a show like this: alone, late at night, in the dark. I recommend the rental for anyone interested in these types of shows. I also caught up-- via YouTube--- the yearly program ''The Kennedy Center Honors''...... This show does what it advertises. It honors those artists in the performing arts. It is a marvelous cross-section of the creative. This year they honored: Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy, ballerina Natalia Nakarova, and, most surprisingly, Led Zeppelin. If you have never seen the show, it consists of the honorees sitting in the balcony of the Kennedy Center, surrounded by family and friends, and, the President and First Lady. Each artist is given about twenty minutes in tribute. The selection of those asked to honor the honorees usually is reflected on those who have followed them in the same field and are most influenced by the award winner. The honoree sits and listens as his or her life is reenacted. It is part tribute, and, part celebration of said person. It is not fawning in the least. Rather, it is a respectful thank you to this person for advancing the cause of the artist. A tear is shed by the artist towards the loving way they are celebrated. Sometimes, the viewer will share along with that tear.... Dustin Hoffman batted lead-off for the show. Robert DeNiro came out and saluted his fellow thespian. A series of clips is standard in this show. For a few minutes the viewer is taken back in time through the work of the artist. With Dustin Hoffman, it is a rich, rewarding experience. A trailblazer because on his non-matinee idol looks, Dustin opened the door for those people who followed in his footsteps that might not have been the best-looking in class, but, they sure were the most talented. With the Hoffman clips the viewer is reminded what a national treasure this man is. From ''The Graduate'' on, he made watching acting a pleasure. Consider some of his titles, ''Midnight Cowboy'', ''Little Big Man'', ''Lenny'', ''Papillon'', ''All The President's Men'', ''Marathon Man'', Kramer vs Kramer'', ''Tootsie'', ''Rainman'', ''Wag The Dog'', etc, no one actor of the last forty years has shown the tremendous range that this man has. A notorious perfectionist and pain in the ass to work with, all of his colleagues testify that Dustin is like this not out of ego, but, a sense of purpose to make the work shine. Such a drive always needs to be applauded and not condemned. A few other, younger actors saluted him like, Liev Schroeber and Naomi Watts. They are the children of this man's influence. As is any actor who has followed his lead...... Ballet is not my forte. I have respect for any performer with talent, but, I will be damned if I could tell you anything about this art form. It seems to be about timing and discipline and constant attention to detail. There is a beauty to this dance. I will not disrespect this profession by commenting on it more, but, Natalia Nakarova, sitting on the balcony with all the others, sure deserves whatever accolades thrown at her. I do not know if I would ever follow ballet, but, for a few minutes on the broadcast, it was a pleasure being taken into this world...... Buddy Guy's name holds awe in the music business. People from Clapton to Richards, to anyone who has ever held a guitar cherises his influence. He came along in the blues scene in the late 1950's/ early 1960's period. British music was about to explode all over the world and the British stars learned their trade from black American bluesmen. Muddy Waters was front and center, along with John Lee Hooker. And, so, quietly, was Buddy Guy. He played the guitar like God Himself taught him the chords personally. A wailing sound emerged from his fingertips. In a fast-paced song that had everybody up dancing and singing, his guitar drove the action wherever it needed to go. In a sad song, his guitar cried the electrified tears of the sorrowful and lonely. He never rang the bell when it came to a Number One hit, but, popularity can be very deceiving. Madonna is popular, but, certainly no artist. Buddy Guy gave the spirit of the blues its backbone, crossing ethnic lines and bringing people together. Perhaps, that is his greatest legacy. The music stays in your soul and brings forth the hidden and unexplained euphoria that all good music does. I saw him live several years ago at his club in downtown Chicago. He played the guitar like a master, of course, but, he also lit up the crowd with his intense energy. The highlight of the show was when Buddy wandered the crowd with his guitar so his fans could experience him up close and personal. Then, he got more personal by walking into the ladies room and playing from there [ his bar, his rules ]! The Kennedy Center brought out the people he inspired: Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Beck, Tracy Chapman. While the man watched, they played him his music. From their souls to his. Also, ours...... Jimmy Kimmel, Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, and Ray Romano all came out to honor Dave. That is what we came him. Dave. Any formal title like David seems so ill-suited for this blue-collar prince from Indiana. Which is why it is so ironically funny that Dave should be honored at something like this. He deserves the honor, certainly, but, has spent his whole career making fun of taking show business so seriously. This was the crux of what Baldwin and Company took with them on stage when talking about Letterman. How funny they all found it that Dave was sitting there being honred by his country and HE COULD NOT UTTER A WORD IN PROTEST!!! Dave takes compliments like the rest of us take getting a root canal. But, he gamely sat there and listened while his history was played out. And, David Letterman should be rightly proud of his place in the world. Starting out in Indiana in college radio and local TV [ he was a weatherman!] Dave followed his dream to be a stand-up comedian with moving out to Hollywood. His ultimate dream was to be on ''The Tonight Show'' with his idol, Johnny Carson. After a few years he was asked on and hit a home run. Johnny [ another person of whom we only needed one name for ] was immediately taken with Dave and asked him to sit in for him to guest host. This led to his career going through the roof, and, eventually, Johnny gave Dave the plum job of following ''The Tonight Show'' with his own show, ''Late Night With David Letterman''. It started in 1982, and, from then on comedy has never been the same. Every comedian who does a talk show now--- including Letterman's rival and one time friend, Jay Leno--- is influenced, and, in some cases, outright steals, from Dave. His speciality is ironic, sarcastic humor. In short, he is America's greatest smart-ass. When he came to CBS in the early 90's, Dave shifted his comedy to become more a commentator of current life than he had been before. In the aftermath of 9/11, Dave led the way back to normal life by being the first entertainer to go back to work. That show, about a week after the tragedy, remains David Letterman's finest moment as a performer and human being. He spoke from the heart and expressed the shock and pain of a country. It seemed all ad-libbed. All good emotions come spontaneously. Dave delivered genuine human feeling that could only come from a caring person. The person they honored that night at the Kennedy Center was the comedian. And, the sweet man buried beneath his insecurity. I thought I saw Dave's eyes wet from the tribute. I hope he likes himself a little more after this, and, finally realizes what a treasure he is..... I must admit to being shocked by Led Zeppelin being honored. Their music needs not to be defended. It took the blues of America and melded it with hard rocking British poverty to create one of the finest bands ever. Other than the Beatles, no other band in music history has influenced more generations than Plant, Page, Jones, and Bonham. No, their music remains above reproach. Rather, what stunned me is that once upon a time, Led Zeppelin was considered the ''Devil's Music''. Beyond dark and shocking, this music bordered on the menacing and, sometimes, frightening. They freely embraced Satan and all his power. Look at some old footage from way back in time. All they needed was Rosemary's Baby to show up at the concert to make the picture complete. This was the music your parents warned you against listening to. And, naturally, that made you want to listen to it more. Led Zeppelin had to be listened to at a friend's house because Mom and Dad would have thrown your album out had they known you had it. But, lost in all the imagery was a solid, working class group of musicians who played against the forces of nature. They were howling at life and trying to find the lightness through the dark. They seemed to find that lightness in the years that followed. They grew up and realized that they didn't need all the bullshit Satanism to make their statement. The music did it for them. Jimmy Page remains a true rock God. I can think of no other guitarist in rock who is more admired and imitated [ yes, including Hendrix ]. His name is spoken with awe from musicians. Robert Plant, along with Jagger and Morrison, defined the raw sexual energy of a lead singer. He also possessed the best scream in music. When he howled at those forces in nature it was the howl from his deepest primal soul. John Paul Jones, the underrated member of the group, was its driving force in terms of musicianship and artistry. And, the late John Bonham--- Bonzo--- played drums liked the madman he was. With Keith Moon as his rival with The Who, Bonham attacked the skins like he was fighting for his life. When he died in 1980, it was a testament to him that the band immediately disbanded. All that was left was their influence. That influence showed up on the stage at the Kennedy Center with artists such as Heart, Lenny Kravitz, Foo Fighters, and Kid Rock. The performance of ''Stairway To Heaven'' is really something to see. Watching from their seats, Plant, Page, and Jones saw their ''Devil's Music'' being celebrated by a country that was frightened by them. Now, a President was sitting only a few feet away..... America has always embraced the artist. The artist goes back to the spirit of why this country was formed. Artists almost always come from humble origins. They chase the big dream, as all Americans have been taught to do. So, in a way, ''The Kennedy Center Honors'' is very much a wonderful thing. Unlike, say, the Oscars, which reward ego and commerce, ''The Kennedy Center Honors'' celebrate the person and the achievement without money and stardom mixed in.... When the show starts, all of the honorees take a collective bow for the audience. And, then for the next couple of hours, America bows back......