Podcast Summary: "Montgomery Clift: The Sequel" by Craig Chester

Introduction

In the episode titled "Montgomery Clift: The Sequel," Craig Chester shares a captivating and personal narrative that intertwines Hollywood intrigue with supernatural encounters. Recorded live at The Moth main stage in 2010, during a night themed around "stories of the nearly and dearly departed," Chester's tale delves into his unique experiences connecting with the spirit of the legendary actor Montgomery Clift.

The Psychic Encounter

Craig begins his story by recounting his unexpected foray into the world of psychics. After directing his first film—a "big, gay, goofy, retarded romantic comedy" with elements like line dancing and R-rated humor—Hollywood showed interest in Chester, suggesting a potential career leap. However, uncertain about his next steps, he sought advice from a psychic named Reverend Catherine.

“So for 45 minutes, Catherine uses herself as like a magical human iPhone to receive text from beyond.” ([04:10])

During the session, Reverend Catherine revealed that Chester was being influenced by the spirit of a deceased gay actor and that his next project would revolve around this mysterious figure. When Montgomery Clift's name surfaced, Catherine confirmed his connection, setting the stage for the unfolding supernatural journey.

The Restaurant Encounter

Chester's intrigue deepened upon the premiere of his film in Los Angeles. At a restaurant, he conversed with a woman named Jozanne, whom he later discovered was another psychic. During their interaction, Montgomery Clift's presence became palpable.

“She goes, ‘I'm sorry, I have to interrupt all you guys. Craig, this Montgomery Clift guy is attached at your hip and he's saying, hold on, hold on, hold on.’” ([06:05])

Jozanne mirrored Reverend Catherine's earlier messages, suggesting that Monty was guiding him towards writing a screenplay about his life. This coincidence reinforced Chester's belief in the supernatural connection.

The Subsequent Communications

Following these encounters, Chester began receiving consistent messages and signs endorsing his connection with Monty. His landline died during a pivotal conversation, prompting him to move outdoors to his cell phone, where Jozanne provided a precise description of his surroundings—a bamboo fence and a red barn house.

“She says, he's going to talk about his life. Do you have a pen? He's going to start talking. You need to write this down.” ([07:20])

Chester complied, documenting Monty's messages. Nights were disturbed by Monty's lectures on integrity in Hollywood, and seemingly coincidental events, such as discovering that his friend Jack Larson (known for playing Jimmy Olsen) was in town, further solidified the mystic bond.

The Invitation to Monty's House

Chester's journey reached a critical point when he received an invitation from Paul, the longtime resident of Monty's former brownstone at 217 E. 61st St., to spend a night in Montgomery Clift's bedroom. Upon visiting, Chester found the house preserved as it was in 1966, the year of Monty's untimely death.

“And it's exactly like it was when he left it. It's Monty's wallpaper and Monty's tile.” ([09:15])

Engaging with Paul, Chester learned that the true circumstances of Monty's death were shrouded in mystery, with discrepancies regarding whether he died in his bedroom or bathtub.

Night in Monty's Bedroom

The climax of Chester's story unfolds during a midnight visit to Monty's bedroom. Immersed in the space, Chester lay in the bathtub, meditating on Monty's last moments. A profound realization struck him, linking Monty's infamous car accident and subsequent facial reconstructive surgery to his own experience with facial disfigurement.

“When you have an experience like that, you really sort of see how shitty people are because you have two different faces, but you see the world through the same set of eyes.” ([12:10])

This introspection fostered a deep empathy between Chester and Monty, leading him to understand why Monty had chosen him as the vessel for his story. As Chester left the bathtub, the supernatural interactions ceased, and Monty's presence receded, allowing Chester to return to his life with newfound clarity.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of these extraordinary events, Chester reflects on his continued career in television and the lingering connections with Monty's spirit. A final encounter with Jozanne revealed that Monty still sought to communicate, urging Chester to deliver a crucial message to Elizabeth Taylor.

“Elizabeth Taylor, if you're there, it's me, Montgomery Clift.” ([13:00])

Chester concludes his story with a blend of skepticism and awe, maintaining a balanced perspective on the paranormal while acknowledging the profound impact these experiences had on his life and work.

Closing Remarks

Craig Chester's "Montgomery Clift: The Sequel" is a mesmerizing blend of Hollywood lore, personal struggle, and supernatural mystery. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflections, Chester invites listeners into a world where the lines between the living and the departed blur, creating an unforgettable narrative that resonates with themes of identity, destiny, and the enduring influence of past legends.

Notable Quotes:

• Reverend Catherine on Monty's Message:

  “None of what you're talking about is important. There's a spirit of a dead gay actor around you, and your next movie is going to be about this man.” ([04:30])

• Jozanne Revealing Monty's Influence:

  “Montgomery Clift guy is attached at your hip and he's saying, hold on, hold on, hold on.” ([06:10])

• Craig on Understanding Monty's Struggle:

  “When you have an experience like that, you really sort of see how shitty people are because you have two different faces, but you see the world through the same set of eyes.” ([12:15])

• Monty’s Final Message to Elizabeth Taylor:

  “Elizabeth Taylor, if you're there, it's me, Montgomery Clift.” ([13:00])

Conclusion

Craig Chester's enthralling narrative on The Moth podcast weaves a tale of fate, friendship beyond the grave, and the quest for authenticity in Hollywood. His story stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the mysterious ways in which our lives can intersect with the legacies of those who came before us.