sedona legend helen frye

Marlene Dietrich
and Helen Vanderbilt Frye

Sedona Legend Celebrity Series

The Mystery of Helen and Marlene

When I first started my lengthy research into the story of Jack and Helen Frye, I came across an eye witness who had met Marlene Dietrich when she visited Jack and Helen at their Smoke Trail Ranch in Sedona Arizona. This didn't surprise me in itself, as the list of famous people Jack and Helen knew is a mile long. A majority of them are not to be found on this Website, as it would read as just so much "name-dropping." I did find it a bit unusual though that Marlene visited the ranch. I have always seen her as a very stylish lady who wouldn't be interested in visiting a remote and rustic location like the Sedona Smoke Trail Ranch. But, there were those Hollywood "Westerns" Marlene starred in, so she wasn't afraid of a little dust. And let's not forget when Jack and Helen were not at the ranch they were both considered the height of fashion and style. So isn't it likely that many of their high profile friends enjoyed traveling out to Arizona, to "let their hair down, too?" And let's not forget Jack Frye's TWA was an airline frequented by Hollywood movie stars.

A Movie Star Sings at the Frye Ranch

According to former ranch hand, Carmen Ryes, Marlene Dietrich did visit the Frye Smoke Trail Ranch in Sedona and sing for the Fryes and their guests in the early 1940’s. Mr. Ryes states, that during this time Marlene was touring the United States. Research shows, that Marlene did a one-woman show of sorts, mostly singing for audiences across the country. Most people are not aware she did this in the 1940’s. She did so between her filming schedule, either encouraged by her studio or in regard to her own desires. I think it likely this was a way for this multi-talented German star, recently arriving in America, to endear and publicize her talents for the American audience. According to Mr. Ryes, she stayed with the Fryes when she visited Sedona. He witnessed her wonderful performances himself, and said that there were many outdoor Frye parties during this time, with “fiddles and guitars- sort of outdoor hoe-downs by the creek in the evenings.” Later he would see more of Marlene at the local picture houses. Please read more about Carmen here. Hazel York mentions Marlene on this page.

A Puzzle Solved

Little by little as always with Jack and Helen, the pieces start to fall into place. Helen operated a hat design shoppe in Beverly Hills, this right after marrying Jack Frye. A glamorous dream from her Vanderbilt years. Hat design, hmmm....unusual! Helen, of course never ceases to amaze me, she was very artistic and quite talented. In the Wings of the Wind house, Helen is said to have owned a large mirror that once graced her glamorous hat shoppe in Beverly Hills. The mirror was slated to be used in the House of Apache Fires for the backdrop of Helen and Jack's bar. But this was not to be, as the house was never finished, so instead it ended up stored. Now the story comes full circle. In an interview with Helen and Jack Frye's godson, also one of Helen's closest friends, I have learned that indeed Helen did know Marlene Dietrich! But how did they meet? The story goes like this: Helen was at a party and as always she was wearing one of her famous hats. Marlene Dietrich was also in attendance and joined Helen. After introductions, Marlene exclaimed, "Where did you buy that lovely hat," to which Helen replied, "I designed it myself!" Marlene then said, "please Helen dear, won't you design hats for me?"

Hollywood Calls

Helen graciously agreed to supply Marlene with smart stylish hats, and a wonderful friendship was cemented in the process. Later, Helen also designed clothing for Marlene, specifically pants. Wow, this is a scoop! You may remember Marlene Dietrich was a trend setter in regard to slacks! Could it be that Helen herself helped contribute to this "Marlene signature look?" Most assuredly she did! I have contacted the Marlene Dietrich museum in an effort to track down hats made by Helen in their collection. As a matter of fact, Helen one time actually delivered an entire outfit design, personally, to Marlene in Beverly Hills. Marlene had the outfit produced by her favorite seamstress. So yes, it is probably true that Marlene did likely visit Jack and Helen's Smoke Trail Ranch for more than one western get-a-way vacations, bringing her exquisite beauty and presence with her. As more information is uncovered you will read it here and no where else!

Meanwhile.... the visual of Marlene Dietrich riding a stallion down Smoke Trail along Oak creek in full western attire, throwing her head back and laughing richly as only Marlene Dietrich could, enjoying her Sedona adventure with poise and glamour.... becoming just one more of the ghosts of Jack and Helen Frye's Smoke Trail Ranch, now Red Rock State Park, in Sedona Arizona!

Mrs. Jack Frye visiting her nieces on a flight to Clarksburg West Virginia, 1943. Shown wearing one of her elegant hats and holding a mink stole.

In late 1940, Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. talks to the press about her plans to open a Millinery Shop in Beverly Hills California in 1941. Please click on article to the right.

Often times, the keys to a person's past are misplaced and lost forever. Not in the case of Helen's fashion connections! For years I have heard that Helen designed clothes and hats for Marlene Dietrich, helped design new uniforms for Transcontinental and Western Air Hostesses and had a fashionable Hat Shoppe in Beverly Hills, California. Some doubted the rumors, saying it must be made up. However, persistence does indeed pay off, finally I have found the evidence of this endeavor and hope to someday find more information. As far as the Hat Shop, I always assumed it was during her Vanderbilt days, but a surprise, she opened the shop soon after her marriage to Jack Frye, who fevrently supported her fashion insights! Please click on photo to the left.

Falling in love again,
Never wanted to
What am I to do?
Can't help it,

Men flock around me,
Like moths around a flame,
And if their wings burn,
I know I'm not to blame,

Falling in love again,
Never wanted to,
What am I to do?
Can't help it,

Love's always been my game,
Play it as I may,
I was born that way,
Can't help it,

Men flock around me,
Like moths around a flame,
And if their wings burn,
I know I'm not to blame

Sung by Marlene Dietrich in
"The Blue Angel," 1930

For additional witness testimony of Marlene visiting the ranch please see: "Their Story."

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Sedona Legend Helen Frye