Entering Chris Owens’ luxurious French Quarter home, visitors first encounter her highly territorial Maltese terrier Bousi (Arabic for “Kissy”), diligently guarding the Celebrity Wall of framed photographs. The hostess, in an accent derived from her native Texas, points out friends and dignitaries, all of whom have been treated to her legendary hospitality: “Larry Hagman was here for a party. Tom Benson sold cars with my husband Sol—they knew each other very well. Gary Collins. Major Ferguson...