LEO GAREN, December 1, 2006
File — Box: 131, Folder: 22
Scope and Contents
Leo Garen was my "Hollywood" friend, introduced to me by Dennis Hopper, probably in 1970 or 1971. Leo directed Off Broadway plays in New York, including The Ginger Man, Norman Mailer's Deer Park, Jean Genet, and other well-known writers and plays. Then he went to L.A., worked for Ray Stark, was an A.D. for Antonioni on "Zabriskie Point," and made his own film with Gary Busey and Keith Carradine called, I believe, "Grasslands." The studio took it away from him, called it "Hex." It was eventually released in the U.S. on video titled “The Screaming.” Then Leo became a cynical screenwriter. He was a self-absorbed but fascinating (to me) bon-vivant, a major pussy-chaser, a sailor, a fearless adventurer. I lived vicariously through Leo, listening to his stories. He battled serious depression all his life. And wound up committing suicide in Cartagena, Columbia, in December 2006. I believe he was 71. This file contains my eulogy for Leo, and also it was published in the Taos Horse Fly on January 15, 2007 (copy enclosed). (For written drafts of this eulogy see my ACTIVITIES FILES for LEO GAREN OBIT, JAN. 2007 in BOX 101, FOLDER 26.) (See also my JOURNAL/DIARY FILES for JULY-DECEMBER 1984 for 3-page riff on Leo's life.) (See also my GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE or SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE FILES for my letters to and from Leo.) (Pages in this file numbered 1-7 at bottom of page.)
Dates
- December 1, 2006
Language of Materials
From the Collection:
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research, however, researchers must sign consent form prior to gaining access to materials. Calavera drawings, proofs, and etchings as well as "little diaries" (Boxes 14, 125, 126, 129, 142) are housed in high security and may require up to 24 hours for retrieval. Enlarged photocopies and typed transcriptions of "little diaries" in Box 142 are located in Box 184.
Extent
From the Collection: 184 boxes (172 cu. ft.)
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451