During the research for my new book Jennifer Jones : The Life and Films to be published by McFarland & Co. Spring 2011 I came across a sad connection between Jennifer Jones and Charles Bickford who was working on The Virginian at the time. Jones viewed Bickford as a close friend having worked with him on The Song of Bernadette and Duel in the Sun. When news of his death reached Jones on November 9, 1967 she took an overdose shortly afterwards and came with seconds of death. I tell the full story in my book.
Book details (from my publisher’s website) :
The distinguished film career of Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Jones (1919-2009) is thoroughly chronicled from her faltering start as Phylis Isley (her real name) at Republic Studios in 1939, to her re-invention as a major star by producer David O. Selznick, the actress’ second husband. Each of her 24 films–among them The Song of Bernadette, Since You Went Away, Duel in the Sun, Portrait of Jennie, Madame Bovary and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing–is discussed in depth.
Robert Osborne, host of the Turner Classic Movies cable channel, affectionately recalls his interview with Jennifer Jones in the Foreword. The actress’ biography, radio appearances and unrealized projects are also covered, along with previously undocumented details of her limited stage career, including a 1966 revival of Clifford Odets’ The Country Girl.
Pre-Order from McFarland & Co. Inc. Publishers
I am also accepting pre-orders for autographed copies at pgreen21@verizon
You can follow the latest information regarding the release of my latest book at my Jennifer Jones blog.
The Virginian Weblog 
I look forward to the book Paul. I know very little about Jennifer Jones so it will be an interesting read for me.
Thanks Mila. I’m sure you’ll find it very interesting.
He was her long-term lover. I was raised in Hollywood and lived there during those years and it was common knowledge. She didn’t take an overdose of pills either. She jumped
off a cliff ovelooking the beach at Malibu.
Hello Mr. Selznick : I tried to e-mail you but it bounced back as an unknown sender. So I’ll address your points here. Regarding Jennifer Jones jumping off a cliff – that would be Point Dume I assume – all records show she was recovered from the surf in a near death state. No broken bones were reported. Accounts exist of her phoning her doctor to tell him she had taken an overdose of pills with champagne. Then she must have jumped nearer the beach.