Streisand and Trudeau at UJA 1983 event

PM Courts Peace, Escorts Streisand

October 31, 1983

by Al Colletti

Prime Minister Trudeau and Barbra Streisand spent an evening of fun and frolic together in New York at a $250-a-plate bash in her honor Saturday night.

Trudeau flew to New York for a hush-hush private weekend that included a working luncheon with members of an influential nuclear think tank.

[ ...] There were no organized press activities on the part of the prime minister's office since his visit was being billed as strictly private. In fact, Canadian government missions in New York wouldn't even admit he was in town.

Streisand with 2,500 year old pottery

The security blanket was most evident when public relations officials promoting the Streisand affair started selecting media representatives to “cover” Trudeau and Streisand for photographs only.

Two Canadian television crews were allowed into a press-and-photo opportunity session but CBC radio, Canadian correspondents from the UN and The Canadian Press bureau in New York were not allowed to take even a peek at Streisand and Trudeau together.

[...] CBS Records, with a guest list of more than 100 names, ran the show.

About 1,000 people from the entertainment industry filled the grand ballroom in the Sheraton Centre Hotel for the dinner and dance. As a gift, Streisand was given a 2,500-year-old piece of Israel pottery.

Trudeau was Streisand's invited guest. They are old friends.

Since it was Streisand's night, the prime minister seemingly tried to keep a low profile. He nodded his head now and then to questions from TV crews.

Bob Mackie gown which was auctioned in 2005

[Photo note: Streisand's Bob Mackie gown was auctioned for her foundation. It was described as “having four thick under-layers of tulle and organdy trimmed with lace, shell of the skirt, bodice and cape are gold taffeta, inset overlays down the front of the skirt, on the back and at middle of bodice front which are decorated in a vine like design made up of gold sequins, bugle beads, rhinestones and ending in bugle bead fringe, short sleeves with fringe at cuffs, shoulders of the asymmetrical cape are also beaded in the same style, back zipper and hook and eye closures.”]

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