JACK PAAR Remembers Judy Garland ultra rare private recording.

DISCLAIMER: Although we believe that Jack Paar was sincere in his intentions, he is factually off base on several points, and sensationalizes others. The general spirit and tone of his memories seem in keeping with the Garland persona of that era, but Mr. Paar is not a historian. Big thanks to collector Tom G. for donating the audio recording to TJGE library.

[@solemandd67]

With "friends" like Jack Paar, who needs enemies?

[@richardgatton3881]

Jack Paar was great as a TV host and brought out the best of Garland in 1962. As a "friend", historian, story-teller, though, he fails miserably. He makes Garland sound like an out-of-control drunk and has no pity for her. What a jerk he comes off as. Reading any good biography of Garland and you know that pills were her weakness, and though she drank, she wasn't a drunkard so much as coming off the effects of too many pills taken in too short a time. She tried to stop the pills, but producers, agents, directors, and even her own Mother, continued providing them to her, and she became dependent on them 99% of her life. No records exist that she began this dangerous cycle of taking pills to perform, to wind down, to cope with life, on her own. She was and is one of the single greatest performers of the last 100 years. Give her the respect she is due.

[@seanburke5805]

I totally agree!! 💯. Kimmy Hawk

[@anniehall9589]

Amen!

[@WGARVA]

He was a leech. He didn't do her any favors.

[@toddkalk1470]

Could not have said it better. Paar, seemed like a loose cannon and a drama queen. A prime example was the temper tantrum he threw at the apex of his TV success when he walked off the show over a petty snub.

[@Liz-re3ek]

AMEN to that!!👍

[@Erinski]

He was so cloyingly sweet to her when she was on his show. Hearing him publicly dish on a supposed friend’s tragic spiral as if it were a comedy routine just illustrates the fake personalities show business is rife with.

[@lindseysanders3656]

Erinski It does seem odd he did this even if it was true. I believe Judy suffered from Borderline PD quite obviously, could be the petulant type, and could’ve had a host of other mental conditions, as well as NPD. I don’t say anything against Judy, I only have compassion. I don’t think these issues should be made light of, although a person is responsible for their own life. In those days people didn’t know what to do. But, I do think she was a product, and there were enablers who profited off of it instead of putting her in long-term treatment that she really didn’t want or see a need for anyway.

[@ronniebishop2496]

He sounded so phony and superficial with several other adjectives I won’t say. She never went on TV shows until she was broke in 1952. Wasn’t on the Tonight show until very late in her life.

[@ronniebishop2496]

Lindsey Sanders It’s the time way he does it !!!

[@bdff4007]

@@ronniebishop2496 May day ! ELVIS SIGHTING. Jack Who? Thought he said early on that Judy normally carried on high toned conversation. This was not a normal day. Financial ruin. Anxiety about future prospects and a reputation for unpredictability dogging her.. I think he painted a portrait that helped explain a tragic end of someone who lit up stage and screen. But this was an edited excerpt that makes Paar look worse than the human being he claimed to adore. Would like to hear a fuller version to make a fairer judgment. Saw Paar for first time recently. I only knew he preceded Carson and made a dramatic exit to end his reign. He seemed eccentric and candid like a disarming kid. He may have been muscled off that show because he was too candid about some high powered big shots that had reputations for destroying people, (Walter Winchell, for example). Everyone wants to know what their icons are really like. Then they get upset when someone shows a side - just a side - we don' t want to see. She must have liked Jack Paar because he was an admirer but also a very candid person. Paar may have been galled by the insult about his "dull" wife.

[@bradly2007]

Thought Jack Paar was a friend of Judy's, what a horrid character spewing out this garbage and recording it...disloyalty is an understatement, she would have been heartbroken to know the contempt & hate he ending having for her,.this is painful to listen to and completely shameful...

[@melisagalvalizi6982]

backstabbing in hollywood is the norm

[@Debby901]

How lovely! Jack exploits's Judy for his own ratings and then disposes her at his convenience! I will never understand why such a beloved women with all her rich famous " friends " couldn't collectively buy her a 2 bedroom bungalow and a car so she and her children wouldn't have to worry about not having a home! She gave so much and received so little. Shame on the ones that chose not to help! Jack Parr was a pompous ass!!

[@mickeymouse2able]

You're so right. Renee Zellwegger said in an interview one thing that surprised her in her research was that this "legend" was homeless. Why didn't any of her friends get together and buy her 2 homes. One for the family and another when her children had to get away from her just for a little while.

[@robertgalbreath6239]

It is difficult to handle friends with addictions...Paar was indeed insensitive but being a recovering addict with mant still addicted friends, unless you are a trained psychologist, it is difficult to manage the mood swings and erractic behaviors.

[@Debby901]

@@robertgalbreath6239 I get that but don't use her on your show and gloat about how wonderful she is then stab her in the back! He made plenty of money,,giving her some wouldn't have broken him. At least a enough for a place to stay for a month for her and the kids. Geez. Its really more about someone helping her children having a home with food.

[@kinkajou777]

I’m a Judy Garland loyalist myself. We can ask, “Just who is Jack Haar? Who cares who Jack Haar is?” Anyone who treats Judy poorly, I will not respect. We will always know who Judy Garland is. I for one care about who she is/was. Drinking alcohol never makes a person bad. I’m a small scale entertainer myself. I knew a fellow entertainer who had a drinking problem. I loved him very much. He was kind and generous like Judy. I have been saying that he was like Judy Garland and Elvis Presley. All three were wonderful talented people who left Earth too soon because of substance abuse.

[@8634StJamesAve]

This breaks my heart! My father was the same, easily annoyed, suspicious, outspoken, haughty - all increasing as he drank throughout the day, wandering off, being found by strangers. Judy and my father were victims of their own illnesses and couldn't pull themselves together during and after the help they repeatedly received.

[@kinkajou777]

I’m sorry about your father! Alcohol destroys the greatest of people! I knew people personally who got destroyed by alcohol.

[@marianicastanos5406]

The way this person treated is awful. Jack was not Judy Garland friend because friends don't do this.

[@mayaa5048]

Jack was mad that Elvis acknowledged Judy and not him, how sad that Jack waited until Judy was dead to speak ill about her. We have to keep in mind that Judy was a product of a horrible mother and later of the industry, she didn't know anything else besides what was feed to her including her addiction. If you have friends like Jack who needs enemies.

[@maxwellsmart6487]

We also have to deal with the fact Jack was jealous, petty, and Nott A 🌟✨🌠⚡💛💛✔️🎗️🛡️⚔️✔️💛✔️🎗️🥇 like her. Him and his* funereal* windows. Whott an asse.....self important twerp! He's the fn puppy. Moneyoney.moneyy Mummy money. Drink ur white whine!!!! He's an asse.toss ur own salad, asse!!!!!!!! Who's euphoric? Sophomoric! Abhorrent! Nice friend. Nice guy. Hope he finished LAST. If she only knewW. She probably did n just didn't CARE. Asse.wholely. I can't listen to anymore. What an enemy in sheep's clothing, with the BRAIN of a spider. ,Apologies to spiders everywhere! Reed more Read more. He is ISISIzZz dull!!!!!!by.d.

[@maxwellsmart6487]

We must go Bak to the hotel* too bad he didn't stay in his room!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@garlandgirl2006]

her mother wasn't cruel? are you kidding me!?!?! Do your homework. Her mother was awful.

[@bradmarkell2304]

Her mum fed her pills way b4 MGM ever did

[@longgrayline8055]

The first thing that should have happened is that Jack should have made sure she got home safely and eaten food and drank water to battle the alcohol. What he did was a punk move. You don’t ditch a “friend” when they are compromised.

[@robertgalbreath6239]

Yes that is the correct thing to do, but having addicted friends is very frustrating at times.

[@MoreMoxie]

Jack Paar was from Jackson, Michigan. That's all you need to know.

[@Verbsdescribeus]

no matter what he says, her work is forever!!!

[@davidvanhouten5576]

And he'll be just a minor footnote. In fact, he already is.

[@lindaeasley5606]

Having watched her interviews with him ,I found him to be a slobbering ass and celebrity clinger.

[@624radicalham]

@@davidvanhouten5576 Yet what exactly did he say that wasn't true?

[@marcballantyne5277]

Wow, people here seem to have made up their minds that Judy comes out of this better than Jack Paar. I tend to agree with them. I have heard Lorna Luft telling the anecdote about Elvis, so it is nonetheless useful to have it corroborated here. Paar leaves us with a vivid and powerful image of Judy bowing to the residents of the apartment block, shouting "It's me! I'm Judy Garland!" Poignant and fitting, in a way - she couldn't help but perform when the lights shone upon her. Wonderful Judy - people will always love you.

[@velvetbees]

To have been a resident and seen that. Then if she broke out in song, you could just die and go to heaven right there...

[@grai]

I'm British so Ii don't know who Jack Paar is but I've seen the footage of him interviewing Judy Garland and I thought he was a complete creep and this proves my first impression was right

[@barronmaxxx2991]

especially when he coaxed her on to make fun of Elizabeth Taylor or Marlena Dietrich....where as Jusy wasn't cruel but Paar's intention was.

[@catherines4088]

grai Americans have no clue who he is either.

[@mariaottavia]

I hope Judy Garland knew how much her gift touched our hearts!!

[@tomgrosemusic]

I don't understand the comments disparaging Jack Paar. He's speaking honestly about a difficult subject on a private recording here. It's obvious that he loved Judy, and I'm happy to hear him expressing himself.

[@mountaingirl3322]

Judy Garland has been a part of so many fond memories my entire life. All due to her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. Watching the movie as a little girl, watching it for the first time with my children, and now my grandchildren. Thinking about the most anticipated part of the movie and remembering my experience as well as the expressions on the faces of my children and grandchildren as they watched Dorothy Gale frightened and confused emerge from the darkness out to the most beautifully colored sight of Munchkin Land for the first time. Priceless! That is what I will always think of whenever I think about or hear the name Judy Garland. Not the things mentioned in this video. Rest in Peace Judy Garland and Thank You!!

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Elvis had the right idea * tinted car window slowly ascends as I look away from Mr. Parr, embarassed for him *

[@REMNANTRising2005]

Lol Elvis knew Parr was fake

[@jazzmanchgo]

Aw, c'mon, Jack! That "encounter" WAS funny! After all these years in show business, you can't laugh at yourself a little? Sad!

[@veronicakutt6427]

well that was very sad...what a jerk. it was very patronizing

[@sarahkay8436]

I find that her demeanor was due to her keen sense of who people really were and she was not afraid to show someones true colors, her comments towards Mr. and Mrs. Paul Keyes were I'm sure a (inside) slap in the face to Paar, I'm sure his embarrassment indeed showed. Mr. Paar seems to feel like a man who had set expectations of how someone should be and if you did not meet those standards then you were unacceptable. I get the feeling that with many years in show business it can teach someone how to see a fake and she knew how to kick'em in the balls when they needed a wake up call. And being surrounded with people projecting that fake personality type (for most of her life) takes a tole on someone physically and psychologically,. I don't blame Judy for how she tried to cope back in that time. Many of the Classic stars from that time go through the same challenges, especially if you were a woman. He saw a woman unaware and chaotic in nature, but I feel like she was a woman that was tired of the bull shit and called you out on it directly or indirectly, she was more perceptive of thing's on a deeper level than he or I'm sure others knew. Yet, she in a way didn't want to be cast out because of her discernment of someones authentic self. RIP Judy. And the misunderstood, Marylin Monroe(Norma Jeane Mortenson), Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh,. and many more.

[@pminner1]

To be a "so-called" friend he didn't paint her in a very good light! I don't think there is any thing wrong with telling the truth(if that's what it was) but the spirit in his narration was mocking and exploitive. Very lowbrow.

[@lauranorwar]

pminner1 exactly. He seems so unkind. He talks about how show people seem to behave in certain ways to get attention but it seems to me that he is the one willing to do just about anything to ensure the spotlight is on him. Apparently this includes throwing Judy Garland under the bus. Sad.

[@anniehall9589]

Couldn’t have said it better. So condescending. What an Jack a**!

[@ShogunHull]

COMPLETELY CLASSLESS AND INDECENT! SO CONSIDER THE SOURCE.

[@PeaceFan1]

AWESOME Photos of Judy... she was GORGEOUS!!!! xoxo

[@stagelifelv9324]

My heart aches for her. She was given a beautiful gift of talent, and the show biz world used her, made a fortune from her, broke her and when she was all used up, threw her away. I pray she is teaching the Angels to sing. May God hold her close.

[@emperry55]

This really does come across as such a shitty move on Jack Paar’s part. I read all the comments and tried to consider how this could have been recorded without any kind of meanness, but I just don’t think so. He starts off by claiming to have been the one to discover that Judy could be funny and anecdotal. Then the remainder is just him making her sound like a drunk idiot following him around. This is Judy Garland we are talking about! Drunk or not, he should have felt privileged to even be breathing near her. The things she said to his friends were hilarious through. I suspect Judy knew he was lying to try and get rid of her, and decided to make him regret that, or at least I hope so. And to make a point of mentioning all of her financial troubles including having to borrow $10...It’s really just disgusting and I don’t see any possible way that he thought this would portray her in anything other than a negative light. Private or not, this recording makes me sad. I liked Jack Paar a lot, until now.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Paar had a somewhat oily voice, which does not improve this bitchy recitation.

[@ronniebishop2496]

Is there people who didn’t know Judy and how she lived? Everyone that knew her said she wound up homeless getting kicked out of hotels every where. Her talent is all that’s real anyway, we don’t really know anything about her.

[@santinarainey9644]

He is definitely clowning her and enjoying his story.

[@ronniebishop2496]

Santina Rainey He’s just trying to make himself look more important which to the entertainment works, is a dull joke.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

@tintinesk Nothing speculative about any of that.

[@jgwire]

gosh, with friends like Parr.....

[@shannonm.4087]

exactly!!

[@xaviarston928]

the pic used for this segment is the first pic i can see the pain and intoxication and exhaustion in those eyes

[@gabe-po9yi]

I read an article that said Jack Paar was jealous of actor celebrities (because he had wanted to be one) and, as a result, loved getting dirt on them and making fun. The article said he liked having Judy on his show because he could always get her to relate something derogatory about famous others. I didn’t know if it was true that he was contemptuous, until I heard this (“If they were puppy dogs, their tails would be wagging.”). She thought he was her great friend and she adored him, but obviously like so many others in her life, he just used her. There’s not an ounce of affection in his voice when he talks about her, nor does he express any, nor any sadness about her death. And to relate this type of story about her at all. Despicable man.

[@MaxRyan777]

Wow. Reading these comments leaves me feeling like many “fans” don’t want to see the reality of Judys life. I respect Jack for being honest about his experience.

[@santinarainey9644]

Yeah! If that's how it was that's how it was. But I would not have left her out in that condition in the dark.

[@desertrehabpt211]

Jack was lying trying to gain notoriety. Jack was a bigger jerk than anyone truly knows. Look at his last interview with her and how he acted like he adored her. He always tells these outlandish stories to impress people claiming that “every word is true when none of the story or most of it has any truth at all. He really is two-faced and ignorant. He waits until she is gone when she can’t defend herself. Well actually she was too much a lady to defend herself anyway. She always said “let them have their legends. I know what is real.”

[@624radicalham]

@@desertrehabpt211 Bullshit. She was a flawed human being with an addiction to pills, an alcoholic and most possibly had a slew of other mental health issues like BPD. This is who she was. For you or anyone to pretend that she wasn't a wreck is the real outlandish story.

[@WGARVA]

​@@desertrehabpt211I agree. He was a creep who tried to use her to further his own career. Not very gallant.

[@terrystearns9463]

Jack Paar always envied all the real stars he thought he was so above them..

[@momof4greatones]

OK, admit it: We all love to hear the stories of the stars offscreen, good or bad. That's why we're all clicking to hear this "private recording." But this is beyond disappointing; it really saddens me. I thought Paar's tone and delivery were more appropriate to a funny children's story, not the way to tell a sad story about Garland at all. Sounds more like he's reading (he definitely is reading, not talking off the top of his head, interview-style) - like he's reading Paddington or Babar for a children's recording. He may have wanted to set the tone as "Hey, I have this funny story about Judy" - but knowing the tragic end, as we all do, and knowing her backstory, it's just plain wrong. Rude, not fair to Garland (who had enough "mean" people in her life) - and I just lost more of what little respect I had for Paar himself.

[@terrysmith8749]

I was a big fan of Angela Lansbury's at one time, until she talked about working with Judy in the movie The Harvey Girls. She complained about her always being late. She didn't start till 10:00a.m and she said it was Judy being Judy. Maybe it was because Judy was pregnant.

[@terrysmith8749]

I LOST THAT A LONG TIME AGO.

[@anniehall9589]

Judy Garland will live on forever, and will always be remembered and admired. Can’t say the same for Jackie boy.

[@624radicalham]

@@terrysmith8749 With all these stories it would be ignorant to think that Judy wasn't the problem ...

[@Lambchop47]

Gee, kind of throwing her under the bus, aren't you, Jack?

[@ronniebishop2496]

To who? People who loved her don’t mind.

[@frankiebowie6174]

Ronnie Bishop From everything that I’ve heard about her or read about her, she’d be the first one to laugh.

[@ronniebishop2496]

Frank Bowden Yes and of course Jack Parr has a ego bigger than Lake Tahoe, so he had to toot his own importance a little, by saying she insisted on tagging along and all of that mayday crap, hshaha.

[@frankiebowie6174]

@Assurance UMX Seems like she always managed to get her point across. She was no shy violet. 😊

[@paulsimpson4155]

I bet judy would tell a very different story to parr !!!

[@Hevynly1]

No doubt her version would be funnier and more entertaining, as well!

[@Hevynly1]

No doubt her version would be funnier and more entertaining, as well!

[@worrywart1311]

@@Hevynly1 If she even remembered it.

[@stanleyjensen1950]

Listening to this...my heart broke.

[@MarlaLukofsky7]

Although I'm listening to this audio interview, I'm feeling very uncomfortable at the exposure Paar is partaking at Judy's expense in the worst way possible. It's just not appropriate. I don't feel the same way about Paar anymore.

[@rosiewillenbring3446]

Agreed. Sometimes people gossip when they shouldn't.

[@ronniebishop2496]

I don’t know I thought it was interesting and I’m not judging her or him.

[@melvina628]

Wow! So, they used and abused her as a child and into her adulthood, and then made fun of her abuse. It seems that the only people who liked her were her millions of fans. This is Hollywood...

[@karishmaobrien3971]

Just when I think I know everything about Judy I learn more. I am never board to learn more about her. I love Judy

[@alicewatt4154]

So sad that all of the so called people around her could not try to help her. Instead all I her in this narrative was mocking her.

[@SaxonC]

How was it that “months later”, after she didn’t get the part in valley of the dolls, (which she did but was let go) did he get an invitation to Judy’s funeral? Valley of the dolls was made in early 1967 and Judy died in late June 1969? Jack Paar is a very strange man

[@patricedeltoro3344]

Yall don't know anything about Hollywood. Or alcoholics.

[@nicholastroutman5931]

It was about 1 and half years apart many people would call that several months.

[@andersb5007]

Although gossipy and a bit mean, this recording still is a fascinating insight into the real life of JG. Paar compliments JG on several accounts, but also points our her shortcomings. This recording should be considered in historical context around the time of her death. JG was well known to be a difficult star, yet brilliant. To some degree, her peers must have thought that JG brought some of the hardships that befell her, on herself. That at least is what this recording would suggest. And it mirrors similar points made in Judy, the movie about JG and the months in London prior to her untimely death. All in all Paar’s recording brings another look into the life and legacy of JG. And adds to the mystique and legend of the wonderful and glorious star Judy Garland.

[@elspethcoogan1499]

Anders B I don’t feel that Parr’s gossipy monologue adds to the mystique and legend of Garland. What it does tell me is that she was surrounded by more snakes hanging onto her fame than I realised.

[@mr.balloffur]

What he (or Judy) said about Jack Haley Jr was a lie. She knew him since he was a child and met him on numerous occasions including the time he produced the Jack Paar special. As for not liking Jack Haley Sr ... she adored him and he adored her. I'm not sure why any of these lies would have been told.

[@JumbaFan]

That raised my hackles, too. I read Jack Haley's autobiography, "Heart of the Tin Man", and he referred to her as one of his friends, and the mother of his daughter-in-law. I wasn't there to see them interact, obviously, but he had nothing but nice things to say about her, and I don't remember reading anything about her disliking him. One quite from Jack Haley about Judy Garland was, "A troubled soul, to be sure, but also the dearest".

[@lucyfoster4082]

What Judy suffered from is not a mystery to me. I also have a very talented daughter with a severe anxiety disorder. All the best people have it.

[@erinmacarthur7336]

I honestly would've loved to have a conversation with Judy Garland about different types of projects that she had worked on throughout her life, and she inspired me to become an actress and she died so young, she's going to have a special place in my heart forever. Love u Judy rest easy 💘🙏🎭💛❤🤟

[@Vincent50]

Oh my a God. This was heart wrenching to hear. So sad, really sad. But as a friend he let folks know what he dealt with being a friend. Ms Garland had an illness and with that illness she played on people to her advantage! She was a lost soul and when people are lost you can only do so much for them. I have one in my family and it is hard to deal with the many moods, etc. that accompany this illness.

[@lindseysanders3656]

Vincent50 I agree, and I don’t think it was just drug/alcohol addiction. I think she had BPD/ NPD, was possibly Histrionic, and a host of other issues that led to the addictions. She was not in control of herself and couldn’t be alone. A sad and scary situation for her and her family. Sometimes the truth has to be told, but heartbreaking she didn’t get the help she needed in her lifetime.

[@2Hearts3]

So terribly sad. She must have felt absolutely alone and hadn't the normal capacity to manage it. And to consider how young she still was, makes it that much more tragic. May her soul rest in peace.

[@sarahholland1375]

I don't think a kind 'friend' would have been so very, very detailed re her little foibles & her addiction. That's been well documented elsewhere, there was no need.

[@laraeejohnson7880]

When i was in trouble my friends helped me out they may have privately cussed me out, but they did not go back and tell the world or other people. . Was Parr dead when This was released or did he release it. i have been listening to Just Imagine, nothing Parr can say can stop that magic .I 'd be a mess and very afraid if i lost my house and car. She provided gold for him on his show and he took that gift and swept it under a sand pile. under a porch, Dude really That is hate , never met Garland Never met Parr, its not about being a legend you dont do this to people who hurt this much unless you are an ass and judgmental. where was the love? Jackie Chicago

[@hughhaefner5486]

Yes Laraee, I've wondered why some of these other wealthy stars didn't help her out financially. At least to keep her house from foreclosure and keep her car from repossession. But Paars stories are true and I do think he cared about her and maybe they did help her at times. Her husbands took all of her money.

[@grai]

I'm British and I don't know who Jack Paar is but even the little footage I've seen of him I sensed immediately he was shallow, self-obsessed and a creep Typical of the kind of low life poor Garland seemed to attract In the end everyone who came near her let her down

[@paulcousino8773]

This may be true but why couldn't he have talked about her good qualities instead.

[@Sorry_38]

Alcohol it's no joke

[@ednaosorio3888]

Sad story... Judy Garland who took care of everybody's joy, happiness and entertainment has nobody who genuinely cares for her to turn to in her last days. Her world crumbled Judy can no longer take it. 😢

[@MarleneXtreme2]

Great Recording, and Matching Pictures ! She was awesome ! Thanks for sharing :-)

[@juliachild834]

I thought less of Jack Paar after listening to this. He didn't need to sit in a restaurant with a friend watching her have four strong drinks on an empty stomach---I wouldn't. He didn't need to lie to her about his friends being 'dull', thereby creating another situation. What he clearly was, was star-struck. A fan. Not a friend. He knew she was an artist working on a different level than others, yet marvels that she doesn't behave like others. Grow up, Jack. (too late , I know)

[@mamatibborscassady9388]

I so agree with you. Jack Paar exploited many people, specially Judy....he did it when he knew she was drunk, and used it to his advantage......I hate him

[@garywarmee4367]

My phone(!) wanted me to play this this morning so I did. However people feel about Jack Parr, Judy Garland or their supposed friendship, listening without judging is an incredible, recognizable portrait of an alcoholic.The conversation is hilarious, and however big an admirer of Judy one might be, enough is enough as you just can't get rid of this greatest entertainer of all time. Driving down Wilshire Blvd. on your way towards the beach to take Judy home at the end of a full day to have her shout out, "I want to stop. I have a friend who lives in this building!", is just a horror show. No offense to all parties involved but this is one bad scene. My understanding of Jack Parr is that he is a conversationalist by stock and trade. Kind or not kind, I suppose he felt it was his duty to tell this story. Even if you are offended by what he chooses to reveal it does paint quite a sobering picture of a day in the life of troubled Judy Garland. Don't you think? Compelling.

[@larrypower8273]

I notice many comments dissing Jack Paar but I am glad to hear an unsanitised story about Judy Garland.

[@Kuklapolitan]

Judy was one of the greatest entertainers that ever walked on this earth but she could be and often was, impossible to be around and with. Mel Torme wrote a book about his experiences with her and it was sad to read ,back in the day. In later years she was beyond impossible but she was still the cream in the coffee of many, many people.

[@laraeejohnson7880]

many people have countered the versions of what really happened with torme and judy on that show. . i saw the christmas episode where torme said to judy when she missed a lyric/ almost/ on camera in front of an audience/ what a fked up thing to do and not with kindness or fun/and she looked stunned/ if she hired him. then that should have gotten him fired. check out steve coyne steven book over the rainbow on the show and his interviews with many of the principle players that contradicted torme. it seems to be a well researched book with the paticipants who tell a different story.on what torme was really doing,

[@Empowerman]

That was kind of an unpleasant experience for me, this interview, & Jack's tone, in his delivery of it. He could have brought a bit more empathy, especially in this delicate situation, that the whole world will hear, even if he didn't feel any at the time. I can feel Judy's inner pain. Deeply saddens me. We're just people, & we all have our stuff, & Hollywood, the Industry($$$ & control), isn't necessarily the best influence on one(to put it ultra-mildly).

[@brettthebad]

The empaty is upon the listener, Thank you , Johnny.Johnny LeRose

[@bobsquires4521]

Seems so narcissistic-he'd be trying to take any attention at all away from Judy Garland singing with Robert Goulet. Our finest entertainers should be safe-guarded from operators by design and by contract. Luckily, they were well qualified to dealing with what was really just an attention-starved heckler - they STILL SHINED ! Judy will always shine.

[@Itbmurr1]

Wow! What a jerk!

[@Liz-re3ek]

He had the privilege of meeting & interviewing the one & only Ms. Garland and getting to know her (somewhat), and THIS is how he chooses to remember & publicly describe her?!?… what a horrible thing to do!! Ms. Garland had such a difficult life and was trying desperately to hold onto some semblance of security, dignity, & happiness in her challenging life. His malignment & slanderous defamation of her is disgraceful!! She should be remembered as the truly wonderful gift she was to this world, not as some drunk who needed to be avoided!!

[@josephrussio46]

I like how at 4:20 he mentions the encounter with Elvis. Of course The King knew that Jack Paar was worthless, therefore the snub. That's about the only part I really enjoyed hearing.

[@josephrussio46]

(420), haha ;)

[@whollymary7406]

Thank You

[@Gregorius24]

Joseph Russio especially today! 😉

[@kinkajou777]

Judy Garland and Elvis Presley were wonderful talented people who left the Earth too soon. At this point, I say, “Just who is Jack Paar? Who cares who Jack Paar is!” People will always care about Judy and Elvis!! I’m among the countless who will always care about Judy and Elvis!!

[@leonardohummel8658]

Utterly fascinating narrative. Jack loved Judy as a guest. remember: he is relating what happened while Judy was clearly going through her final months. she was a wreck by that time and desperately needed help. Jack is being somewhat flippant here and doesn't show much empathy, tho I know he surely admires her talent and uniqueness.

[@clarekuehn4372]

Yah, and thanks for the write-up in the description section of the video.

[@geoffreyfox9801]

It is heartbreaking that, at this point, Judy was desperately ill, spinning out of control due to severe addictions, and in deep financial trouble. She was ill, not employable in the industry. Her only options were to appear live in concert. Judy always drew big crowds. This was a time when she could no longer snap back and pull herself together for any length of time. Her world was collapsing when Jack Paar made this visit. Her car was repossessed and her home was going to be foreclosed upon due to back taxes. She was over a million dollars in debt to the IRS and the debt kept growing. After being fired from Valley of the Dolls she had no choice but to go back on the concert circuit in 1967. She worked hard. Sid and his partner seemed to financially benefit from this arrangement. Judy was told Group Five would handle all her expenses and arrange housing all she had to do was sing. When she could no longer perform, she was left alone, high and dry without a dime and without a home. Tragic. It was a very strange fate that she worked all her life but the only people who profited were her family ( she supported her mother and sisters) then Sid Luft who squandered and gambled away her earnings while playing the big shot.

[@whollymary7406]

I love Judy Garland she worked her ass off all her life only to have her husband steal it all, She did not have a house to go back to see, IF her husband had not spent all her money she would not have been in trouble but yes she did drink too much but listen to how responsible she is dose not ask for a thing, Jack Parr has no class or heart and Sucks big time

[@musiqueguy1]

Trashes her yet had her on his show several times.

[@lynnlRDR-RDR2]

yes which confuses me he seemed to love her. so i dont know if he is being mean or just saying what really happen i love judy very much i know she could be difficult but i dont blame her for anything that happened i blame the mother she knew nothing else

[@desertrehabpt211]

Jack past would do or say anything for notoriety. So did so many others as well tho. She said once during on an interview when asked things she didn’t like, she said she wished people would stop spreading rumors about her. She said she could take it but her children....... I think so much of Judy and I know many things said were exaggerated and blown out of proportion, mostly by the press and because she was a big money draw.

[@JohnnyGNV]

Highly inaccurate on several facts - he states, regarding Judy's role in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, that she "did not get the part". Untrue - she was hired in the role of Helen Lawson and later replaced by Susan Hayward.

[@stefanels4049]

Was she hired? Why was she replaced, then? Or, what is the source to verify your claim?

[@stefanels4049]

"This is pretty well-known information." Nope. That is an appeal, not a fact. "A source? How about any one of the many biographies of Judy that have been published? According to Patty Duke, in an interview..." Biographies are anecdotal. There is always a possibility that a woman is unduly sympathetic to a story about another woman especially when talking about "that horrible man". This is not a good source for truth, it seems, to me. People are complicated. Men and women lie about others, and themselves. There needs to be a source better than "some woman claimed that another woman was hard done by." A good source would be a copy of Garland's original employment contract. For example.

[@stefanels4049]

"It is also a fact that she was fired." Your own source says she was "fired," placing the term in quote marks. So, sort of "fired" then, or "fired" but not really? It also says Garland herself later claimed she left by mutual agreement. Your source says there were many rumours and opinions circulating at the time like that Garland wanted out after not getting the script changes she wanted, that there may have been a nude scene Garland wanted none of. So, none of any of this adds up to your claim that "It is also a fact that she was fired." Your source is pretty terrible as far as propping up your certainties about all this goes. Did you not even read your own source? It is pretty clear there remains a lot of uncertainty about what actually happened, especially if your source is in any way trustworthy and reliable. *Edit. Here is the quoted source: www.thejudyroom.com/valleyofthedolls.html

[@stefanels4049]

You gave a source that did not even agree with you because you're clearly just that smart. So whom do you believe? Judy Garland claiming it was a mutual decision (your first source) or Zanuck that she was fired (your second source)? You can't have it both ways. Favouring Zanuck over Garland would merely be cherry-picking your anecdotal evidence. Perhaps you should become more comfortable with just admitting you don't know.

[@joannamichelle72]

Thankyou so much.

[@mattmammone2338]

I second that

[@mattmammone2338]

I am ....I don't....know what I am feeling but it is intense! WOW

[@log05mus]

My Dear Beloved Judy, what a God Given Talent...TOTAL PICTURE>>>>HAD IT ALL>>>>People like Paar....this is one example (Gossip) she was ruined......her demons were there....at all times....and the addictions were on top, at times....her addictions controlled the life off stage and I am sure as much as I love her, she was a lot of maintenance for friends and loved ones......Bi weekly, I speak and work with adults in rehab, outstanding human beings...trying to make up for this mistake made>>restructuring a life>>>NEW Start...been there and done that>>>> .........this bothered me terribly, his horrid detailed story>>>>making such fun of her and her behavior.... his description of her>>>>he knew the problems before the personal experiences.....he should have helped her, guided her.... and not enabled her>>>>>he should have been more responsible as her guest and escort....that's it..!!!!....Oh Jack, as I listen, you are telling it for your comfort and pleasure, of course ...to catch the whim of your public>>tantalize them>>>....so typical>>>>Hollywood, what a history of destroying people who were / are gifted human beings....the city of Souls>> ruined. I always loved Hollywood as a Child....thought it was near Heaven and the Stars, were they there? ....did not know it was Humans, People loved....Patronized, ridiculed, Monopolized, MONEY $$$$$>>tortured and USED>>> for their great talent, $$$$ how many reap their wealth, thanks to her work at MGM..30's / 40's and the Warner's in the 50's.... the MGM Legend and their descendents ....RIP my Dear Lady, the angels adore you>>>>....Harold in OHIO

[@mikegoupill7328]

Harold Holmes I

[@rogerfarraghersr1884]

Harold Homes !

[@mayaa5048]

Harold Holmes - your punctuation is none existent which makes it difficult to follow your flow.

[@francesyoung4417]

Maya A Judy garland

[@JasonStreetTV]

Her heart was there.. period.

[@SenorZorrozzz]

Come on, it’s possible to still love admire her AND acknowledge her being eccentric and having addictions. I’ve known people who’ve known Parr. He was a bit rabid with his mouth. He truly didn’t care about others feelings. Jack was all about Jack. He was also well known for his playing fast and loose with the facts. He always swore that his account was exactly as it happened. Boy, was that wrong.

[@jasonbeard4713]

Excellent, fair, and balanced summation of a true 'star' during her waning years of booze, pills, and ego. I didn't hear anything that wasn't known at the time. Perhaps it wasn't what her 'fans'/torch crowd wanted to hear; let's just hear how she, once again, knocked "Over The Rainbow" out of the park.

[@joeyjosephs]

He should have started out when she was healthy and appeared on his show in 1963

[@Ben63451]

I'm offended for her. What ever she was, she didn't deserve this especially from someone who so spectacularly benefited by her being on his show in '62.

[@robertgalbreath6239]

That is one of the sadess Garland tales I have ever heard.

[@Zsobeau24]

Well they're both long dead and gone.....but....even though this story may have been true there was no reason to tell it. Many of us have battled drugs or alcohol. Some of us fail some of us succeed. This woman had a gift, she was talented but tormented. She was obviously lonely and needed people around her at a low time in her life. Granted he wasn't the type of friend she needed. But did he have to air out her dirty laundry? To what end? Sorry this was a scumbag move....no class.

[@garyordo5131]

Alcohol is one hell of a drug!

[@artmaltman]

Wow. Important piece of history. Thank you.

[@williamgardiner2010]

Jack Parr’s timeline is completely flawed in his anecdote. He maintains that Judy Garland died a few months after she didn’t get a part in Valley of the Dolls. Apart from the fact she did get cast and was subsequently fired during filming, the picture was made in 1967. Judy Garland died in the summer of 1969, over two years later.

[@joanndavidson2769]

Elvis Presley saying hello to Judy Garland. One of Judy's sons.

[@terrystearns9463]

Jack Paar what a little man

[@WolfClaw09]

After watching the way Jack seemed to adore Judy on his show, this recording makes me very sad. I can understand that Judy had her issues, which probably did aggravate her friends at times, but this feels mean spirited. Especially the fact that Judy was no longer around to defend herself. No matter how frustrating she was, I just can’t understand why these stories ever needed to be shared. Just very sad and really changes my love of Jack Parr.

[@jazzmanchgo]

She "hated" Jack Haley? Why? Did something happen on the set of "Wizard of Oz" that she never forgave him for?

[@jamesgordon2255]

James Mason spoke candidly of her at her funeral,so I doubt he was shady towards her !

[@melisagalvalizi6982]

James mason was a jerk

[@jamesgordon2255]

This was wrong of him ! Phony !!in interviews he seemed to love her. Two faced !

[@terrysmith8749]

Im not sure, but, i believe Judys appearance on jacks show was his highest rated show of all time. And she was marvelous. But, later he teed off on her big time. And I didn't believe him for one minute. Jack turned out to be nothing but, a blood sucking back stabbing two faced jerk. I truly hate all these people who love to tee off on judy. Blame the people at MGM who's job it was to take care of her, and ended up doing unrepairable harm to her, and then blamed her. I truly hope those idiots are rotting in Hell.

[@maxreger100]

Paar was a decent monologist, but he was insensitive. People forgave his putting his foot in his mouth, because he was very insecure. Like it or not, Paar's format is the one that we know today. The Tonight Show & Late Night began with Paar.

[@laraeejohnson7880]

that not what the issue is/ he is probably accurate with the account/ with this you may not answer you wrote this five years ago, , the issue for me is that she was very sick /just lost her house and car that day /according to Parr / probably was pissing the hell out of everyone, had no money . i am a person who had made mistakes/ my friends chewed me cussed me out sins seek to me and then called and went looking for me / and my family loved and hated me on different day cussed me out /and then said what can we do to help because we love you . i know she got some of that. but i guess maybe parr should have said that to her at least for one day / stay at my place for one night /she was not well but i hear and read she generally tried to be kind and helpful before she got so addicted and sick /and those agents were still working her/ i guess where were her friends ? I am so glad i had some friends and family.they saved my life I had the same problem but i got through i guess women could not even admit or make mistakes like that back then and or admit it to the public can you imagine what she would have called in the bible belt and or in generally in the press. as sick as she was/ i think she was well aware that her children would have been effected if she had admitted in any way she needed rehab and she may have never worked again/ i dont know but i dont think she wanted that for them at all / the press seemed to be all over her all the damn time/ people what a shame?

[@hellothere9341]

I love Judy and so wish her life could have turned out differently. I do not think Jack is giving this account to bring Judy down. He was telling the truth. His account of a very real and sad situation. When you have experienced this firsthand you can relate to what he says. He wanted the best for her but she clearly was not able to better herself. I don't understand all the hate on Jack. People with addictions are impossible to deal with sometimes. And I bet that not one of you that dislike this account would have lasted ten minutes as a friend of Judy's. Judy will remain my favorite entertainer of all time.

[@tomitstube]

amazing woman.

[@hermajesty52]

never liked this guy and now I know why. Judy had obvious security issues....with friends like this....poor girl.

[@Lisaj4431]

JACK Parr a nobody. Judy Garland a legend. Snuff said

[@MiserableOldFart]

Parr was brilliant and a huge fan of hers. He had her on his show often. Did Paar record this with intent for its release, or did he record it for his own memories? He was not a vicious man by any stretch of the imagination. Nor does this thing sound like it was recorded for publication.

[@soulaesthete8563]

Jack Parr is considered a legend too. There's nothing mean or vindictive in what he was saying here. He and Judy were personal friends, and his sharing his experiences with her, doesn't change that fact.

[@janlovesmany712]

lisa j. I think your diluted much!

[@lenagrasso2701]

@@MiserableOldFart -parr was a fan of hers for his show and ratings, Even if it was for his own memory (more for a future book of his) he comes off as a backstabber.

[@lenagrasso2701]

@@soulaesthete8563 - you call that "personal friend"? maybe she thought that way but this is not a friend!! This was not necessary especially since she had passed, he should've kept this to himself!!

[@maureengodlewski]

wow so much life and death in this story . Judy Garland is and was the best entertaner of all time ty Judy

[@glenconmc]

What the fuck did Jack Parr ever do but live off the talent of other people?

[@lindapate3112]

I cant believe he said that about her

[@unclelouie3828]

Jack Paar, "ME, ME, ME.

[@TheKonga88]

Those eyes..She was from the stars ..🌈🌈⭐🌟⭐🌟🌨🌨⭐🌟🌬🌬🌬⭐🌟⭐🌟🌙🌙🌙🌝🌈🌈

[@acastrohowell]

How sad is this

[@jsmith034086]

She did get the part. She was later let go in production.

[@gmaureen]

Dramatic people tell stories for effect. Judy and Jack were both dramatic people so, bottom line, I agree with you. The thing is, exaggerating (and doing it well) is one of the things that makes an entertainer exceptional.