I’m a movie buff.  I could probably sit all day and watch movies, but fortunately this viewing only happens in streaks.  Even with the time that I have available in retirement, movie-watching involves absolutely no activity.  When the time comes for me to stop moving, movies will become my retirement staple.  In the meantime, I want some fresh air and to feel my heart beat.  However, in recovering from a cough and cold, I’ve watched at least one movie every day for the past week.

I had a night out with the boys last evening.  It was pretty wild, involving a book-signing with author Dennis Lehane, a burger & beer, some reminiscing while reviewing an Eighth Grade Yearbook, and a ticket purchase plan for the Phil Knight basketball tournament over Thanksgiving weekend.  It was also a “late” night, staying out until almost 9:30 p.m.  We got the tickets this morning.  It was an easy logistical decision, considering our last big basketball tournament get together was in Maui.  In this case, we only have to travel across the river.  It may interfere some with our wine-tasting activities that weekend, a tradition for most Portlandians.

Dennis Lehane, author of “Gone Baby, Gone,” “Shutter Island” and “Mystic River,” was very accommodating to our small group of fans.  He autographed my copy of “Shutter Island” and shared a few laughs with me.  He comes to Portland often from his new home in L.A., strictly in support of Powell’s Bookstores.  All three of these best-selling books have been made into movies that were part of this recent movie “mini-marathon.”  I wanted to refresh my memory on these thrillers before attending his signing.  It’s a good thing I did, since I couldn’t recall even a single frame of any of the three!  It was kind of sad, not from an “old-age” standpoint, but rather that my memory banks have never been able to store movie or book trivia.  The great thing is that can watch or read any story as if I’ve never engaged with it before, so I’ll never run out of either form of entertainment. (See post #94 Mystic Memory).

We also went to see “Wonder Woman” in the theater this past weekend, and watched two other “on demand” movies, but, in true form,  I can’t remember what they were?  I do have them written down so you’ll know eventually.   I can barely remember that today I watched, “Shadow of a Doubt,” a Hitchcock movie from 1943 starring Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright, although details are slipping away quickly.   Honestly,  I still had to look this information up again to write this, emphasizing further my memory deficiencies.   I seem to only remember numbers and statistics, dating back to childhood and the serial number on the “lift for shower” lever in the bath tub – 18095672022875.  Frightfully, I can still see it in my mind.  Dennis Lehane mentioned that “Shadow of a Doubt” was his favorite Hitchcock, so I wrote that down last night and rented it today.

There was a time when I couldn’t focus on a black & white movie, so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do in this category.  Only in the past couple of years have I learned to enjoy these classics, and regret that I waited so long.  My wife and I watched the “Feud” series on FX, involving Joan Crawford and Bette Davis.  I sadly had to Google that too, but if you want to refresh your memory see Post #42.  Both “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane” and “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte” spurred my current interest in B&W productions.   I would also like to see “Mommy Dearest” if this current “movie-mode” continues.

Lehane’s latest novel, “Since We Fell,” is also destined to become a movie.  His talk last night inspired me to read his first three books, leading into “Gone, Baby Gone.”  Main characters, Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennero, first appear in “A Drink Before the War,” followed by “Darkness, Take My Hand,” and “Sacred.”  He’s becoming one of my favorites, but will never surpass Sue Grafton and her alphabet series:  “Y is for Yesterday”  will be released soon and “Z,”  once it’s published will be Z End.  I will always treasure my “M is for Mike” autograph.  It came from a friend and supplier while I was still working in the television business.  She was at a private dinner at Sue Grafton’s home that was the high bid in a Chicago fundraiser, and had Sue personalize “M is for Murder” with my name.  It is a much appreciated gift.

As a writer-in-training, it’s great to share a connection with successful writers.   I hope it will rub-off some day.  My office is full of autographed sports memorabilia and signed first-edition books.  I will say that I have a lot better chance of becoming a notable writer than I do of becoming a noteworthy athlete.   In the meantime, I will enjoy a successful retirement of traveling, watching movies, reading books, staying healthy, and sharing my good fortune.

I enjoy watching movies with my wife, and I dug up this silly poem from years ago.  Not one of my best, but crafted over 15 years ago.  It probably should be updated with current movie titles, and, to no ones surprise,  I don’t really remember some of the connections.   Pass the popcorn please!

Movies

Our romance growing daily,

like the magic of a movie.

Others envy what we have,

It’s  Austin Powers groovy.

.

So… in love for Life,

Signs of Proof are there.

On A Walk To Remember,

Oceans of memories to share.

.

Getting better every sunrise,

a scenic Road that never ends.

Won’t ever be Unfaithful,

Breaking never -only bends.

.

What we have together,

I’ll never Cast Away,

Let jealousy destroy us,

Or silly Spy Games play.

.

Lips as sweet as American Pie,

And such A Beautiful Mind.

Eyes so Wide and Bright,

Hearts like yours a precious find.

.

I’ll never be a Grinch,

and more a Family Man.

As far as Ya-Ya Sisterhood,

I’ll do the best I can.

.

Let’s strive for Serendipity,

and stay away from Wars.

You’re my wish upon a Star,

even when I’m stuck in stores.

.

Protecting you from Monsters,

like the hero Spiderman.

But when Down or doubtful,

Your words to me: “you can.”

.

Not Mr. Deeds or Ripley,

instead your Mr. Right.

Not K-Pax or K-19,

K-iss and K-eep me warm tonight.

.

From Mothman and Cocoon,

to Kate and Leopold.

A lifetime full of movies,

to watch as we grow old.

.

As it’s too hot to be outside,

we’ll rent a tape or DVD.

And cuddle on the sofa,

Just you and Shrek and me.

.

Pretending to be Soldiers,

Or 15 Minutes of fame.

Learning just What Women Want,

And what’s that actors name?

.

To watch The Rookie pitch,

Or Wonder Boy at bat.

Join Hannibal for dinner,

See Greeks get Big and Fat.

.

Wanting more of Harry Potter,

And a better Royal laugh.

Men in Black was worth the Money,

Cut X-Men’s length in half.

.

Your Beauty indescribable,

The Sum of all desires.

And when sparks begin to fly,

They’re more like Forrest fires.

.

Your favorite stars in Hollywood,

like Gibson, Ford, and Gere.

Though sexy on the big screen,

I’m your leading man, my dear.

.

Copyright 2002 johnstonwrites.com