“They’re gonna make a big star out of me . . . and all I have to do is act naturally.” — written by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison
Hi Friends . . . It’s been a long time now. I saw my therapist the other day. It’s always good for my ego. She said she notices I’m crying less, which is true. She said I must have a good therapist — I said “The Best.” Sometimes I forget how much she has helped me. Just how long have I been seeing her? Dunno — just years and years.
I’m struggling just a little these days. Arlene says this is understandable. She said one thing that may help is to start writing my blog again. She said the blog is a part of me and that it would be good for me to get back in touch with myself. So here we go!!
This is not a post about acting naturally or being in the movies although I bet some of you may have been. After all, Atlanta is a place to make movies these days. This is just a post about entertainment.
Introduction to Movies
You remember my small town Eminence where I grew up? As a real young child my parents managed The Eminence Theater. I don’t really remember much about the theater. I do remember watching cartoons on the big screen.
I also remember going on Saturday afternoons and seeing monster and dinosaur movies. Oddly enough, I do remember the strange sheets of toilet paper in the restroom. It dispensed like the Post-it’s that are folded in on each other and as thin as tracing paper. Why would I have need to remember that little piece of worthless trivia? Ah, those were the days.
If I were in the movies
I’m not much of a moviegoer anymore. I never was. The last movie I saw at a theater was “Frozen.” I barely made it through. It was so loud. I just couldn’t wait until it was over.
Although it really doesn’t apply to “Frozen” because it is animated, I often think about the stars and the production of a movie. I wonder what the characters bring to mind when the script calls for them to cry “on demand” (and on cue) and not putting the artificial teardrops in their eyes.
I asked Paul what he would think about and he said “Brian’s Song.” That was a tearjerker. I mean what was Ali MacGraw thinking when she says, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” with tears rolling down her face?
So through the years of going to the movies and seeing some really tender and soft scenes, here are a few things that would definitely make me cry on demand:
- Holding Bruno in my arms moments before they put him down.
- Leaving Eminence and moving to Tampa.
- As a child, when our poodle was poisoned, we drove to a vet in Frankfort. Eminence did not have a vet. I was sitting in the back seat with Sam. His front paws were stretched on the front seat backing, and blood was pouring from his bottom. Feels like yesterday. My mother told me the man across the street had poisoned Sam. As I got older and started thinking about things, I believe now that it was my mother who poisoned Sam. She lied and schemed so often I wouldn’t put it past her. Boy did that ever break me into pieces. I’ve never recovered. I was about 8-10 years old.
So what kind of movie would I like to be in?
I think I want to be in an historical fiction movie about a famous artist. I would be the muse (j.k.). There would have to be enough drama to keep things interesting. No violence and no raunchy graphics. PG for sure.
I have outgrown movies. To be honest, I can’t sit still that long. I have a friend who is a few years older, and she goes to all kinds of movies. I am surprised by how many genres there are.
Okay, let’s get to the real nitty gritty. Who would I want to play me in movies: Emma Stone or Emma Thompson. What about you?
I would like Bradley Cooper to be the leading man. I can’t think of a runner-up. Can you see him playing Leonardo da Vinci or even Michelangelo?
From what I gather, it’s not as glamorous making movies and being a star as we are led to believe.
I saw recently an interview with Bradley Cooper. He said when he directs, he doesn’t allow people to sit down between scenes. I guess everyone must be at attention at all times.
Just the other day I read an article about Sharon Stone. She said it is expensive being a star. Pluh-leeze. Pity. Pity. Clothes, hairdressers, dinners out with friends (usually around $3,000, that’s a lot of friends). Stylists, house maintenance, professional services. I saw her interviewed on “CBS Sunday Morning” a few Sundays ago. Now she’s painting. Her work didn’t look half bad.
Retro
Since I have invoked Love Story, let’s take a look back. It’s been 50 years since it came out. Ali MacGraw is now 83-years-old. Surprising to me, it still endures as an enjoyable “love story” for many.
Rotten tomatoes’ Tomatometer gives it a 63% and 75% on the Audience Score.
Critics Consensus: Earnest and determined to make audiences swoon, Love Story is an unabashed tearjeker, that will capture hearts when it isn’t inducing eye rolling.
rottentomatoes.com
It became the highest grossing movie of 1970. At the time it stunned the entertainment industry. This was during the midst of the Vietnam War and the battle for Civil Rights. The movie was about the power of love. http://www.npr.org.
Erich Segal wrote the 131-page book and the screenplay. At the time he was 30-years-old and a professor at Yale. It’s still in dispute about who he modeled “Oliver” after. Segal says he was partly modeled after Al Gore, but mostly Tommy Lee Jones (who was in the movie).
My Take on Love Story
Well, when I started this post, I didn’t intend to write about this movie. It came to mind when my sister-in-law and I were out for a walk and I was telling here what I was writing about. One mention of the title of the movie and she could have gotten ill. I saw that movie four times. However, my niece comes in at a higher count than I because she saw Titantic eight times. I’ve never seen Titantic. I remember at the time how much I loved that Love Story, although now I think “ick”about it without any real reason. The only thing that has happened is that 50 years of my life have passed by — have my thoughts about love changed that much?
Looking back, the movie was about love and compassion and empathy, which I think a lot of us are trying now to add to our repertoire. A deep love that can never be taken away, even though Jenny dies in the movie. My deep love for Bruno can never be taken away.
In Closing
Well, I hope you have enjoyed traveling back in time and reminding yourself of a few contemporary things along the way.
As always, Plains, Trains and Automobiles will remain my all-time favorite. I still watch it now and then just to keep things in perspective. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to do so. It stars Steve Martin and John Candy.
I could probably devote a whole blog to just that movie. I’ve probably seen it 10-15 times, not the mere four times for Love Story, but they’re both love stories. How can I go wrong??
It has been a pleasure writing again. I hope you enjoyed this. I know I am a little rusty. Thank you for reading. As always, I enjoy receiving Comments on whatever topic you feel like commenting on.
🙏Namaste🙏
🇺🇦❤️🇺🇦
HEY !
So good to have you back ! I love what you share with us.
What state is Eminence in ? What happened to the theatre ?
So sorry about your do and how awful to think your mom might have done that to the dog and you . Wow.
Keep going !
Hi Cheryl, great hearing from you. ❤️ Eminence is in Kentucky, about 30 miles south of Louisville. Good basketball country. I don’t know whatever happened to the theater. I imagine they moved on to greener pastures. Yes, my mother was a stinker. Sometimes I love her, sometimes not. Glad you enjoyed the post and thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate it. Best to you.
I’ve been meaning to call you. My schedule is wacky. I have had emergency heart surgery and need to have it again. They put stents in half my heart. I need more stents put in the other half. I’m weak and tired. And tired of being tired
I hope you are doing well . I hate that memory about your dog. It’s so tragic. I’m sorry that ever happened to you. I love you. Leah
Dear Leah. so sorry you are suffering through heart disease. I know you are tired of being tired of dealing with your health issues. I hope things are becoming more tolerable. Yes, that is a terrible memory about the dog. How can people do that? Thank you for your comment. I love you 💕
So very glad to get the email link to your blog today. Bravo, great job! Really enjoyed reading it. Please keep it up. 😊😘
Marijke, thank you for your comment, support, and encouragement. I couldn’t do this if it weren’t for comments like yours. Thank you. Best to you.
I loved hearing from you. I enjoyed the post.
With love,
Lona 😊
Hi Lona, so nice hearing from you. Thank you for leaving a comment. They are always appreciated. Take it easy. Love you, Yvonne
I thought of you the other day when I was at the Wolfe center and remembered when we first met over cats. I’m glad you’re blogging again. My best to you! Maureen
Thank you, Maureen. We really do need to make a lunch date. I’m always willing to talk to people about cats. Thank you for leaving a comment. I live to receive those. Hope your kitties are doing well and you as well. Take it easy. Best to you.
I remember so well the downtown theater and loved going as a child. I liked sitting in the balcony, but sisters preferred main floor. Did your Dad operate the film reels and Mom concessions? Great memories Yvonne! Sam was such a cute poodle dog and I remember how you loved Sam. Sad to think someone would poison a dog. On the farm, our tenant’s wife poisoned three of Elmer’s dogs because she had three cats. She was a crazy lady Elmer put up with because he was devoted to her husband. When you left for Florida, that was such a sad day for me, having to say goodbye to you, my sweet childhood friend. Love Story was a low budget film that wasn’t expected to be such a big hit. This movie was the start of big careers for Ryan and Ali. They made their love story so real! I think the independent low budget movies are sometimes the best ones to watch. So happy to see you’re back blogging, hope it helps in expressing your feelings. Thinking of you and Paul often, and hope you both are doing ok. Love you always my dear friend😘
Dear Judy, as always, wonderful to hear from you. It’s absolutely tragic that the same person had no conscience in poisoning three dogs. I could barely read what you had written. Don’t know what ever happened to the theater. You’re right. My dad was the projectionist and sold the tickets. My mother ran concessions. It’s a good memory. Sounds like you enjoy movies. There are just a blue million out there. So good to hear from you. Thank you for leaving a comment. Your support is always appreciated. With much love, your friend, Yvonne
Always love finding Bruno’s Papers in my inbox. As a young teen, our mothers would drop us off at the highland or plaza theaters. I had to carry ID because I was tall and they didn’t believe I was under 12!! Recently I’ve seen Oppenheimer and Maestro, powerful pieces but neither ranks as a favorite. Funny piece = Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. dramatic piece = Twelve angry men. Hope to hear from you/Bruno again when you’re inspired.
Hi Harriet, thank you so much for leaving a Comment. They are always welcome, and I appreciate your support. I’m hoping to be more consistent in my blogging. It’s usually challenging coming up with a topic. Usually I don’t know what I’m going to write until I’ve started writing. Great to hear from you. Take care.
Welcome Back, Indeed!! Just when I had adjusted to the resignation that maybe my favorite recreational reading had disappeared for good, low-and-behold your latest edition hit my screen like an old friend. I am delighted.
As to the current subject at hand, I am such a laggard where movies are concerned that I can recite most of the lines from “Casablanca” or later “The Caine Mutiny” but beyond that I am lost in the weeds … however … what I relate to (and share your strange fascination for) is the miracle of the old toilet paper found in movie houses, court houses and other public accommodations in years past. As you describe, I vividly remember how the sheets were folded so that it was impossible not to take one without spilling one or more to the floor, each one so thin and slick on one side that traction was impossible while the other side was virtually guaranteed to split. At the time I wondered if there was not a hidden protest that such public facilities were required at all.
As you can see, I enjoy getting your free-style philosophy and have missed it immensely. Keep it coming!
Dear Jim, I just love your Comment and thank you for leaving it. I can always use the support. I have never seen “Casablanca” or “The Caine Mutiny.” You brought to my mind more characteristics of the old-fashioned t.p. I had forgotten how slick the paper was. Happy we have moved on from that, but it does make for an interesting memory. How neat we remember the same thing. I love your input! I hope to be more consistent in my blogging. I think it does help. Thank you for being a loyal reader. With much love, Your Friend, Yvonne
BRUNO’S BACK! Loyal reader 1,000 here! Checking in from Maryland and so excited to read the latest. Reading about your parents’ running the movie theater made my day. I remember when the projector would quit and we’d “boo! hiss!” It was 15 cents back when I went and for that pittance we saw cartoons, a movie and News of the World! Such a deal…
Your blog is so special because your words trigger fond memories and tug at our hearts. I know you are crushing each day in your quiet, determined way, taking care of Paul and your busy menagerie. Think about you always and will see you whenever I’m next in town. WELCOME BACK!
I found you Bruno Papers “xoxo” in my endless emails. Welcome back, my friend! Loved the blog and the COMMENTS. I hope the theatre is still there, old school stuff is awesome. We had the Skyway drive-in so close to the house, but I don’t remember going there much, funny.. I love that your blogs take us back down a country road for memories. When I relax and think back, Lois with the Forest Hills Superette is always my favorite memory, and we had the Smiths for neighbors. They were great. Doris’ house that was on Pine Lake and swimming, Grandma and Louie’s house in Dover (barely any electric, no running water), Dunnellon, and on and on. My favorite movie, Tombstone (has to be for the cast of men – Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, and Sam Elliott. Now I need to watch Love Story again as I don’t remember Tommy Lee Jones in there. The Help is a favorite too. When you talk about toilet paper, it makes me smile, mom said we always had to check every restroom everywhere…. wonder why that was. I love you and Paul. Take care my friend and thank you for picking up the pen again. It’s always so enjoyable, and relaxing.
Hi Yvonne,
Yeah, good to see you are back!
One of my favorite movies: Searching for Sugar Man (Sixto Rodriguez).
Love yah,
Ernst