A Message from Barbara's son, John Lee Payton:
Initially I was very worried about another writer interested in
my mother. Too many times people have used her for sensational and
exaggerated horror stories of the worst Hollywood offers, and the
consequences of mistakes or overindulgence. Even today some use her
to vent an almost pathological hatred motivated by reasons best known
only to themselves. I was persuaded to take a look at John's work,
and to get to know the kind of man he is, by my Aunt Janice, who
is my mother's sister-in-law. I am so glad I did. John O'Dowd is
dedicated, perhaps even driven, to tell the whole story of my mother's
life with unyielding thoroughness, but also a compassion for her
humanity that has convinced me that she must surely be pleased with
him. I have found much in the work so far that breaks my heart, but
equally as much that brings back the many wonderful memories I have
of her and our years together, and the immense pride I have in her
for fighting so hard, so long for her dream. John O'Dowd is a good
man and a fine writer, and I feel fortunate to have become his friend
as well. |