This has to be told although it has very little to do with skiing.

Kate and her friend Kipper were now broke in Kitzbuhel (see Downhill Racer). Rescue came when Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida arrived in town to make a film and extras were needed. The scene was a nightclub and Kate and Kipper were placed at a table behind Rock and la Lollo. They were there for three days eating chocolate cake, which was something they badly needed, sipping fake champagne and talking a lot to Rock. La Lollo apparently didn't do talking but Kate and Rock became firm friends.

Rock Hudson circa 1965

A week after filming, and having spent her wages on more champagne and skiing, Kate headed for Rome. She got a job as a nanny working for an American family headed by Professor Brilliant of the Academy in Rome (he liked to be known as such). He had a wife and three small repulsive children to look after. Kate was treated like the gentile she was, but stuck the job out as she needed the money. After six weeks it was time to leave and in a fit of uncharacteristic generosity, Professor Brilliant of the Academy in Rome, asked her if she would like to accompany Mrs Brilliant, himself and the repulsive children to a well known Yiddish restaurants as a goodbye present.

Anyway, there they were, supping their Riso con Brodo di Piselli, with Professor Brilliant of the Academy in Rome smugly enjoying the attention of all (at least that's what he thought), Mrs Brilliant whining at the repulsive children to finish their soup, and Kate sitting there meekly putting up with the Professor's condescension. All of a sudden the room hushed as waiters rushed to welcome some people at the door, and in came, yes you've got it - Rock Hudson with a couple of friends. He saw Kate, walked over to the table, said 'Hello Kate, how are you doing?' and gave her a kiss.

Kate circa 1968

Ski Jungle Blog - Rock Hudson and Kate Dewhurst, Champagne Skiing