Abuela the Stalker
Every generation has its idols, and my grandmother’s was no different. In 1930s Latin America an Argentinian tango singer and movie star named Carlos Gardel reigned supreme. And for a few brief weeks in April 1935, my grandmother lived inside this handsome and charming man’s bright aura. The way she told the story, it was clear these days were the highlight of her youth, maybe her entire life.
Abuela’s dad, who I called Cheo, was a wealthy businessman in San Juan. He owned a 12-cylinder Cadillac convertible acquired from an American on the mainland who’d lost all his money in the Depression. When Carlos Gardel embarked on an unprecedented multi-country tour that was to include Puerto Rico, Cheo’s car was the only one deemed impressive enough to parade the singer around town. Imagine my grandmother’s glee!
As popular debutante, and daughter of the car’s owner, Abuela was included in the group of young socialites who formed Gardel’s entourage. They met his ship at the dock and attended luncheons, concerts, and many other events in his honor, all held at the poshest venues in San Juan. I loved to visit the large vintage photo of Abuela beaming at Gardel in close-up, which hung outside the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel’s ballroom during the mid-1970s.
As I set out to learn more about Gardel, I found several newspaper accounts of his visit. Much to my delight, Abuela appeared in almost every photo, not just in Gardel’s vicinity, but usually next to the man. Go Abuela! What guile and perseverance this must have taken. I was tickled! Then I read about Gardel the man, and began to understand her fascination. He was a hunky, always elegantly dressed, exceedingly charming crooner and movie star. He wore his dark hair slicked back off his forehead, all the better to showcase his bedroom eyes. His soulful voice will make you feel like crying, even if you don’t understand the Spanish lyrics. An Argentinian accent rendered him extra sexy, like how Americans love a British accent. It was rumored he conquered many a lady, but he was renowned for his discretion and was never involved in a scandal. A gentleman, too. Sigh.
Puerto Rico went crazy for Gardel, so much so that he extended his visit by two weeks and performed throughout the island. But a couple of months later, while still on tour, Gardel was killed when his airplane crashed in Columbia. Once again, Puerto Rico went crazy, this time with grief. Several young women attempted suicide, one successfully. Gardel was a man of the people, and he’d connected hard with my people. He’d connected with Abuela, a flirt and possible stalker. That’s okay, Abuela. After delving into all things Gardel, I completely understand your obsession.
