Now that Puerto Vallarta stands as one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations and is gradually making a name for itself worldwide, it’s hard to imagine the humble origins of this town (now city).
It is important, as the author of this note mentions, to keep in memory the events that marked and contributed to the development and growth of the city, as well as the characters who, sometimes unintentionally, were architects of Puerto Vallarta’s current importance. Among these characters, John Huston and Richard Burton are crucial, to whom we must inevitably also add Elizabeth (Liz) Taylor.
This note from 1978 recalls a homage for these famous Hollywood cinema personalities, 15 years after the premiere of the film “The Night of the Iguana.”
I also point out that efforts were made to invite Liz Taylor, who accompanied Mr. Burton during the filming of the movie “The Night of the Iguana,” but was not able to participate; at that time. Richard arrive accompanied with Susan Hunt who was his partner at the time.
The Homage
It was precisely in March 1978 when the idea emerged from the Vallarta tourist family to pay an emotional living tribute to these international cinema stars. The event coordinators were Juan José Loredo León and your humble servant, Humberto Famanía Ortega. In truth, it was an excellent collaboration of efforts that achieved the desired outcome: to express the people’s gratitude to these esteemed artists.
The main square of this municipal seat was chosen as the venue, as it was the people themselves who were bestowing this recognition in acknowledgment of the honorees’ role in promoting the area – but above all, for their choice to make this wondrous land their home and to embrace the identity of true Vallartans. I still remember the visible joy on the faces of the honorees; they felt right at home, savoring fresh “aguas frescas” and typical local dishes while seated on a bench like any ordinary citizen, thereby showing their genuine appreciation for the community’s hospitality.
The most important part was the unity between all tourism providers and local authorities in creating a truly special event in an authentic Jalisco style, where music and regional folk dances took center stage. The entire program proceeded in an orderly fashion, reflecting our collective pride in hosting them, as attested by the positive coverage from various national and international media outlets. My friend Don Ismael Macías Garibay served as an outstanding master of ceremonies, always distinguished by his unwavering commitment to promoting tourism.
There is no doubt that a community with a strong historical memory is one that never forgets the pivotal events that shaped its identity. That is why, on this occasion, I wish to commemorate two international figures whose work in the arts brought them fame and fortune. Today, they stand as key catalysts that laid the foundation for our municipality’s emergence as a world-renowned tourist destination. I am referring to Mr. John Huston and Mr. Richard Burton (may he rest in peace), whom I had the honor of knowing personally. I must emphasize their humility, their exceptional interpersonal skills, and their profound humanistic spirit.
The Testimony of the National Press
Considering this event to be of utmost importance, I would like to highlight what was written in one of our nation’s most prestigious newspapers, “El Sol de México,” by columnist Don Mario E. Riaño, a renowned entertainment journalist who covered the homage. Undoubtedly, it made a profound impression that more than three thousand people turned out to witness this unforgettable occasion.
That is why, below, I transcribe the article by this gentleman, with the sole objective of sharing with many Vallartans a piece of our history – a great event that forever shaped the trajectory of our town toward its consolidation as a premier tourist destination.
El Sol de México – Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, March 13, 1978.
John Huston and Richard Burton, two giants of world cinema that have residences in this beautiful port, were declared “Distinguished Friends of Jalisco” – a title that only the late Bing Crosby had held – in a picturesque Mexican fiesta held in the main square of this city. Huston, the most excited by the event, was the one who introduced the world to Puerto Vallarta through his award-winning film “The Night of the Iguana,” which he filmed more than 15 years ago with Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr, Sue Lyon. Burton, less expressive though cordial and satisfied, while giving special attention to his beautiful new wife Susan, commented: “This (the homage) makes the filmmaker’s work one of the greatest activities of humanity.”
The Municipal President, Eugenio Torres, and the subdelegate of tourism in Guadalajara, Eng. Álvaro Preciado, presented the honorees with the respective diplomas, plaques, and appointments as “Distinguished Friends of Jalisco.” It was an eminently popular and enthusiastic act. The people of the town mingled with two of the people (sic) who, through their artistic work, undoubtedly made Puerto Vallarta emerge on the world tourist scene. The hundreds of tourists who were casually strolling by the Vallarta kiosk were surprised by the presence of these two leading figures of the cinematic world of all time, applauded them, greeted them, took photos with them, bombarded them with questions.
In a Mexican and even more Jalisco-style party, the cheerful mariachi, typical folk dances of the area, children throwing lassos and manganas could not be overlooked; the strongly illuminated kiosk, John, Richard, and Susan enjoyed the music bands, early-century carts, charros, and chinas poblanas who opened a brief parade and gave way to the popular party. The confetti and Chinese paper in cut-out frames and the noise of the whistles blown by the children added more color to the act that thrilled us all thanks to its simplicity and the enthusiastic participation of people from all over the world. A federal official wanted to highlight to such an extent the importance of cinema in the development of this population that, obviously in that vein, he mentioned the certainly valuable collaboration of Mrs. Taylor, ex-wife of Burton. Richard (how cordial he was!), only squeezed the hand of his beautiful current consort and exchanged smiles with her, looked at his great friend Huston, and whispered something in his ear.
The Burton spouses had just bought a house in the city center, 9 blocks from the kiosk. At the same distance, but a little bit more to the south, is Liz Taylor’s residence. Huston, for his part, lives at the tip of the Vallarta bay (Las Caletas), for about five years.
During the act, the Port’s Tourism Delegate, Humberto Famanía, highlighted the simplicity of the honorees “who easily blend in with their people, understand their spirit, and adapt to their culture.” Accustomed to awards and displays of popular sympathy, however, the honorees enjoyed the special hospitality of the Vallartans and the excellent weather. They approached the taco and enchilada stands and, like in a good “kermés,” the pots of tamales and jugs of chia water and horchata. And while the tourists who accidentally encountered two idols of the film world stayed to enjoy the Mexican village party, the new “Distinguished Friends of Jalisco” were the object of a very intimate dinner, attended only by representatives of federal and state powers, and the living forces of the population.
Amid the world of the sleepy waves of the Pacific and the warmth offered by a waning quarter moon, Burton, dressed all in blue, remarked: “I don’t know what has happened here, but truly, how different Puerto Vallarta is today from 20 years ago!” Richard was already tired; at times he seemed fatigued, which did not make him lose his humor upon learning that the Vice Consul had forgotten to thank the wines served by a Mexican wine company; he himself stood up to say “the ad.” Huston had already thanked the “undeserved homage,” but had patience to add to this special envoy: “Say that I will know how to be a good friend of Jalisco”; after all, I will always live here…”
The popular party had begun at 8:00 p.m. The private dinner (which could only be enjoyed with a strict invitation) concluded past midnight. Burton and his beautiful Susan let themselves be taken to their new house; Huston and his two secretaries insisted on taking a taxi to go to a hotel and not travel to his very distant residence. Honor to whom honor is due. There are now two new “Friends of this paradisiacal Port.”
Thus ends this report that leaves an excellent memory for the Vallartans. I feel extremely proud knowing that there are men and women who, in their soul and heart, will always promote the prosperity of our Paradise. Just as they left their love for our tourist destination, giving their best and even at the peak of their careers, they always pronounced with pride the name of their beloved Puerto Vallarta, a place where nature merges with its inhabitants who make one feel in the deepest way the desire to live life to the fullest.
“All triumphs are born when we dare to begin.”
(Eugene Ware)
By: Humberto Famanía Ortega
