The Marvin V. Marvin "Palimony" Suit: 1979 - Trial Enthralls Spectators

Lee Marvin's celebrity and the legal implications for thousands of unmarried couples ensured that the courtroom was packed. Sensation-seeking spectators were not disappointed. Michelle Marvin claimed that Lee Marvin told her early in their relationship, "What I have is yours and what you have is mine." She felt that this and her six years with the actor added up to an implicit marriage contract. The pair had maintained joint bank accounts and were accepted as husband and wife in Hollywood social circles. She offered a packet of love letters from Lee Marvin as evidence and tearfully recalled having several abortions at the actor's insistence because he did not want to become a parent.

Lee Marvin testified that his declarations of love were sexual endearments and denied ever promising to share his assets with his former lover. He dismissed her name change as an act that was entirely her decision, taken in the last days of their relationship. He claimed that he had tried to talk her out of it, joking that she should take the name of a more successful Hollywood star and call herself Gary Cooper. The joint bank accounts were opened as a convenience on movie locations. He had not relinquished sole ownership of his house nor did he and Michelle Marvin co-own any property.

Lee Marvin's lawyers argued that if he had ever intended to marry Michelle Triola during their six years together, he obviously would have done so.

With dramatic flair, attorney Mitchelson unsuccessfully motioned that Lee Marvin should be forced to pay $1 million punitive damages for the fraud of telling the plaintiff he loved her without meaning it.