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Bennett CerfBennett Cerf
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Cerf:

We published one or two. We reprinted one of her early novels.

A very peculiar thing happened early in our relationship. The first time that Phyllis met her, she was a little worried about meeting Ayn Rand. Ayn Rand came into our house, however, and said to Phyllis for openers, “We have met before.” Phyllis said, “Oh, Miss Rand, you are mistaken.” Ayn Rand said, “We have met before.” Phyllis said, “It's impossible. I certainly would remember if I had met you.” Ayn said, “No. You wouldn't. Do you remember when you were a baby starlet at RKO in the movies?" Phyllis said, “Yes.” Ayn Rand said, “I was working in the costume department there at $25 a week, and I gave you several of your costumes to wear!" Isn't that incredible? It's true, too.

She's a very simple and modest woman. We were going to lunch in Radio City once, and we passed one of those little junk shops with all kinds of statues and knick-nacks in the window. There was a little blue bracelet in the display, and Ayn, like a little twelve year old girl, said, “Isn't that a beautiful bracelet.” So I went in and bought it for her. It cost exactly one dollar, but she was as happy with it as a child of ten. That's the kind of woman she is, as simple as she can be--until you get on her theories--thereupon she becomes absolutely impossible.

She's so brilliant at expounding them! When she went on the “Tonight” show with Johnny Carson, he planned only to have her on for a few moments, but he ended by throwing out





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