My first truly recognizable independent moment came during the summer of 1976. I was 14 and a half, and I wanted to go to the movies. Nobody available to go with me.
With the exception of school I never went anywhere alone. Movies or any other event required a family member or a family approved friend along with me.
That Saturday I decided that I was going to a movie on my own.
Knowing there would be questions my case was prepared well in advance.
Daddy’s green eyes peering at me over his horn rims are still clear in my mind.
Where is this movie? East 86th Street.
How will you get there? There’s a crosstown bus at Columbus Avenue & 86th. I’ll walk there from here.
What’s the movie? Gable & Lombard. It’s about old movie stars.
Gable made some great pictures. You know they don’t make any really good movies anymore. Especially cowboy pictures – can anyone tell me why they don’t make any cowboy pictures anymore? Randolph Scott now that was an actor. He was a great cowboy too. Him and Esther Williams were my favorites. Ever see an Esther Williams picture Franny? Now that was a bee-yoo-tee-full girl!
Score! He was going to give. Talking about the old days always put him in a good mood.
What time does this movie begin? Here’s the ad. It has the theatre address and the next show time.
Let me see that.
Okay, we’re going to try this out. The next show is at 2:30pm and the next one begins 4:30pm, so with travel time and everything I expect you back here by 5:30pm. Okay?
He gave me some money, and I walked off toward the magic of a movie alone.
After seeing that movie kearning about all the old-time movie stars became a passion. I devoured every book I could find about old Hollywood. Two of my favorites were The Moon is a Balloon & Bring On The Empty Horses by David Niven.
Soon after I discovered the old retro movie houses like my favorite Thalia. So many of my evenings were spent watching classic black & white films. Oh and let’s not forget the technicolor wonders of the fifties.
My father used to chuckle over me paying to see old movies.
You could watch it on late show for free Franny.
“But Daddy when it’s on the big screen, and there are no cat food commercials it’s just so much better.”
I still enjoy going to the movies on my own to this day.
I am really enjoying your tales and memoirs this month. THis was another great story!
I’ve never been able to go the movies alone, but I can see how it would be enjoyable, and as much as I love going to movies, I really should start doing it.
I do pretty much everything else alone, so I’m not sure why I’m so resistant to the movie thing. Hmm…
I am really enjoying your tales and memoirs this month. THis was another great story!
I’ve never been able to go the movies alone, but I can see how it would be enjoyable, and as much as I love going to movies, I really should start doing it.
I do pretty much everything else alone, so I’m not sure why I’m so resistant to the movie thing. Hmm…
Great story Frances! And were you home by 5.30, actually?
Great story Frances! And were you home by 5.30, actually?
I don’t know that I have ever been to a movie alone….and I don’t know why. I guess I am not a huge fan of movie theaters. I can’t remember the last time I went to a movie. I should make that my goal – go to a movie by myself.
I know I have said this before, but I really enjoy your stories.
I don’t know that I have ever been to a movie alone….and I don’t know why. I guess I am not a huge fan of movie theaters. I can’t remember the last time I went to a movie. I should make that my goal – go to a movie by myself.
I know I have said this before, but I really enjoy your stories.
I love when a memory sticks out so clearly and it’s so obviously related to the birth of a life passion. Truly special.
I love when a memory sticks out so clearly and it’s so obviously related to the birth of a life passion. Truly special.
Love your blog! What a great approach to NaBloPoMO.
Love your blog! What a great approach to NaBloPoMO.