If you remember Kim Novak at all, it is likely to be as an actress of some distinction in a career that lasted from age 21 to age 58. Since she has now been retired for 23 years, that makes her 81 today and quite likely an unknown to many movie goers of this era.
Yet hers is a compelling story, one that will be told in whole or in part to Cunard cruisers who happen to be crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 next month, from New York to Southampton. The last time we checked, there was still space available, starting at $899 per person.
How much of her life she'll share is unknown, of course, because over the years Kim Novak was known for turning down most invitations to do so. The fact that Cunard 
convinced her to appear on the Queen Mary 2 is something of a coup.
"I have sailed to Europe in the past and fondly remember the Transatlantic crossing as a glamorous way to travel," she said in a press release. "I am excited to have this chance to relive history aboard such a magnificent ship, and I look forward to meeting my fans along the way."
Almost 60 years ago, she was a big star…the No. 1 box-office attraction in the world, for three years. Perhaps her signature film was an Alfred Hitchcock thriller, Vertigo, in which she played a complex role as Madaline and Judy Barton. Years later, the movie became recognized as a classic (one British poll called it the best film of all time) and years later she was quoted as being somewhat unimpressed with her critically acclaimed performance.
Cunard passengers are likely to hear much of her professional life — she also starred in TV in Falcon Crest and her character's name, Kit Marlowe, was the name a movie exec wanted to change Kim Novak to at the beginning of her career — and perhaps get a glimpse of her personal life. Married twice, she and her husband of 38 years (Dr. Robert Malloy) live in Oregon, where 14 years ago their home burned to the ground.
She had become an accomplished artist and in the house was all of her art, along with the only copy of the biography she had been writing…for 10 years.
For Cunard passengers who remember her, and maybe even those who don't, Kim Novak is likely to be fascinating.
Photo: Greg Hernandez (Wikimedia Commons)
Today at Phil Reimer's portsandbows.com: The latest in cruise news
Crown Princess
7 nights
August 9, 2014
Anchorage, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver
Inside: $499
Cost per day: $71
www.princess.com