Flashback: Clint and Sondra - The 6th Deauville American Film Festival 5th to 11th September 1980

Flashback: Clint and Sondra - The 6th Deauville American Film Festival 5th to 11th September 1980

The actor Danny Kaye opened the festival officially, arriving on the Casino cinema’s stage on all fours, without a word said but with a loud blast on a whistle! Elia Kazan, to whom the festival was paying tribute, cancelled his attendance following the death of his wife, the director Barbara Loden, whose film Wanda was screened at the festival on the very day she died. The others receiving tributes that year were Danny Kaye, Glenn Ford, Yul Brynner and, for his first tribute, Clint Eastwood. The heads of 35 major Hollywood studios held their governing board meetings in Deauville, during the festival.

Both Clint and Sondra presented their latest film Bronco Billy, marking a significant moment in their professional collaboration and personal relationship, which was highlighted by their presence at this major European film event. 

In some ways, it was this event that signified that Clint and Sondra were an official couple, even though it was already a year or two down the line. It was that famous beach walk they took which found itself presented all over the press. There was just an overall feeling that for the first time everything was out in the open – perhaps it was a conscious effort, to perhaps put an end to the countless rumours and speculation– that’s certainly how it felt anyway.  

I thought I’d pull out a few photos I have on file, and one which captured Clint stopping off at London’s Heathrow Airport on his return to Los Angeles on September 16th 1980. The photo also captures film producer Fritz Manes (1932-2011) following close behind. 

Below: Clint on his return at Heathrow Airport, London, September 16th 1980