The romantic stone tavern perched on a quiet canal in New Hope, Pennsylvania, seemed like the perfect getaway. Located just under two hours from Manhattan, Chez Odette, a Parisian-style cabaret where Nina Simone once performed, still lured those looking to replace New York’s hard edges with dulcet tones, three-finger pours, and competent escargots de Bourgogne. On a rainy Sunday, October 23, 1983, 36-year-old Jessica Savitch, perhaps the most recognizable woman on prime-time TV, and her new love, shaggy-haired New York Post executive Martin Fischbein, 34, arrived for dinner around 5:30 p.m. The smartly dressed pair—she wore a jacket and slacks; he was in a suit and topcoat—requested a seat by the fire and ordered a bottle of white wine to share over dinner. They had spent the day antiquing and gallery hopping. They’d even brought along with them a copy of The Great Weekend Escape Book.
The typically commanding anchorwoman was low. It had been less than three weeks since she’d garbled a prime-time NBC news digest—her speech halting, her jaw awkwardly slung open—in the middle of a Johnny Carson special. The event, beamed into millions of homes, got media tongues wagging. “[Savitch] slurred her way through the mini newscast—and sounded like a 45 r.p.m being played at 33 ⅓,” Gary Deeb swiped in his nationally syndicated TV column.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
“THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF BECOMING A MEDIOCRE CRAFTER"
In her new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking, author Amanda Montell explores the state of the modern mind. This exclusive excerpt examines why we're obsessed with things that are handmade.
Field of Dreams
While agriculture has historically been a male-dominated industry, a new crop of farmers is working to make the community more diverse, inclusive, and cool.
On Pointe
As a dancer with the New York City Ballet, India Bradley knows a good performance-and that the outfit plays a role.
MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT
In today's murky fashion landscape of discourse and 'cores, to be a revolutionary is to tune out the chatter and focus on your skill. Here, a vanguard group of designers who prioritize their artistry above all else.
CAMERA, KIRSTEN
After a two-year hiatus, the actress is back where she wants to be: the big screen.
Whiskey Business
Fawn Weaver, the founder of Uncle Nearest spirits, is doing more than just raising a glass—she’s raising awareness.
The 700-Mile Journey to Get an Abortion
As states continue to enact harmful legislation that restricts access to reproductive healthcare, a network of pilots is flying people across the country to get services they need. Marie Claire reports from the air.
INSIDE THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF THE WIZ
The famed show is back on Broadway, and with it, a dazzling new group of creatives. Before the curtains go up, writer Amber Ruffin gathers the cast to discuss the magic of making the musical.
RAISING THE BAR
Despite endless body wash options, the art of luxury soap making hasn't slipped away. Many beauty brands are leaning into the centuries-old product, while elevating it with unique scents and ingredients.
What Really Happened to Jessica Savitch?
In the 40 years since her death, the pioneering newscaster has become an Icarus-like parable, a woman who was punished for her outsize ambition. She was one of the most powerful names in news, until one disastrous broadcast tarnished her golden image. In an exclusive report, her friends and family speak out about what everyone got wrong about her life.
