Who’s watched “Cinema Paradiso” yet? Anyone? If so (& when so) you must comment on what you think about it!! Please.
I’ve seen it probably 10 times and still cannot keep from bawling my eyes out at the end when . . .. Nope. You’ve got to see the movie.
I especially think of Tom when I watch the movie because of the magic of his movies filled boyhood and teen years. I’ve shared with you before long ago (if you’d like to read or re-read those posts, I’ll give you the links – just comment) about how Tom and his older brother Jim ended up living with their dad in Biloxi actually IN drive-ins and movie theaters! If you’ve not read them, you might want to do so. It was more in the times of John Goodman’s movie “Matinee.” (Seen it yet? It’s terrifically funny – as were some aspects of Tommy’s and Jimmy’s lives then.)
I left you with a question last time (surprise, surprise), and y’all have some great answers about what two distinct businesses founded in 1905 were housed in the same building we passed around the corner from the Paradise Theater. But, none of you were correct.
Remember the photo (check the last one in my last post? There were two plaques in front – one on each side of the double door. As we looked at the store (now an antiques/gift shop), we saw this one to the left of the door:
Well, guess what? I’m not yet going to tell you what the sign to the right side said. You’re going to have to guess, again, for next time, when I promise to reveal the other sign after you’ve guessed some more, now with a big hint(?) – or not.
Remember, I said the two businesses were disparate in nature by a long shot. Although (another little hint), in some sort of twisted way of thinking, the one – furniture store – could be of use in the other, but not with typical furnishings as we think of furnishings for a business. Totally perplexed now? Think out of the box, so to speak. Or, perhaps I should say “in” the box, for yet another huge clue.
Moving on.
Last time I promised you photos of Tom’s mom and dad and here they are. His mother, Glenda, was very beautiful. She was slender and tall – about 5’7″ or 5’8″ – and had reddish blonde hair. This photo was taken of her not long before she married Tom’s dad:
Tom’s dad, Lewis, was good looking, as well, and according to everyone who ever knew him, a real charmer of the ladies, despite being short (about 5’5″ or so, Tom says, whereas Tom is 6’2/12″) and more “robust”:
Tom calls him more of a vivid character, than anything, with his twinkling blue eyes that sparkle with mischief. When I was working on his photo yesterday, Tom was here and I couldn’t help but see a strong similarity between them when it comes to the mischievous looks and charming personality. Tom actually much more strongly resembles and takes after his mom’s family, but still . . . there’s a definite way about him that is very much like Lewis was.
One last photo before we head down the street next time to the White River and famous Rainbow Bridge. There, we’ll find lots of stories from Cotter “yesterday,” as well as lots more stories about Cotter today.
But first, here we are hanging out on the street corner in Cotter, just down the block from McClain’s Furniture store and ???? It was a gorgeous day and we were having a blast, as you can see.
Cousin Oliver stands at the left, with Dickie’s wife Joyce on the bench behind him. Jimmy’s wife, Arlinda is next to her. The three of us standing in the middle of the picture (l to r) are me, Tom’s tall sister, Debbie, and Tom. Behind him are Jimmy and Dickie on their scooters. We roamed the empty Sunday afternoon streets soaking in the atmosphere and nostalgia.
Then we drove over to the river, where we’ll begin next time. (Okay, right after the revelation of the “other” business in that building near by.)
Cheers and many blessings to each of you today! Dee
Well, hey … it’s gotta be McClain’s Funeral Home. Or at least somebody’s funeral home. Where’s my prize??
My next movie from Netflix is Cinema Paradiso. I read the reviews on Netflix and there is quite the debate as to whether the original release or the Director’s Cut is the better DVD. The DC has almost an hour of scenes left out of the original release. Which did you see, and any opinion (every lawyer has an opinion) on which you would rather see?
Love those old family photos.
Greg – And for those of the rest of you who are planning on watching “Cinema Paradiso” – listen carefully.
See the original theatrical release in U.S., etc, of the movie. Do NOT waste your time and/or energy on the hour longer director’s cut. I repeat – DO NOT watch the longer one.
Tom & I have seen both and not only will it RUIN the story for you, and make you wish you’d never listened to my advice that you MUST see it(!), but it will leave you feeling rather empty and wondering what the big deal was about the movie to begin with.
The cuts were made after the very poorly received first showings of the movie to the public in Italy. After edited, the movie was released in its shorter form with rave reviews (and lots of awards).
There was/is good reason for that. The extra footage not only added a lot of time to the film, it greatly diminished and negatively affected the story line and quality of the film.
If you do not trust me on this (and believe me, you should), then at least see the shorter theatrically released version FIRST, before the second, and make up your own mind. (When you will say, guarantee, “yep, you were right, Dee – the longer one sucks”)
Just sayin . . .
On advice of your attorney and erstwhile film critic (TWO thumbs up for the shorter, theatrically released version, TWO thumbs WAY down for the DC),
Dee
P. S. Glad to be of service, the bill is in the mail.
P.P.S. Greg – as to your guess. It’s close, but you have to be more specific to get the prize. (And, I actually have one this time. But. . . there are conditions, which I shall state later.)
Cheers!
Dee
One more thing . . .
Tom & I loved “Cinema Paradiso” SO much, we could not wait to buy the film on DVD, which included the DC. I cannot begin to describe to you how disappointed we were after. I wish I had never need it. Highly disappointing.
I think it was a casket company.
Looks like Aggiema beat me to my “closer” answer. Oh well … I really didn’t need another prize. (Sour grapes at it’s best!)
Dee, as usual I’m behind on reading, so I am reading several days in one.
The first “catch up” post was about remembering places where we grew up. I remember one place we lived when I was only three. (Yep, I really do). It was a large two-story house. My brothers and I loved it because of the stairs. We didn’t live there too long. It seems my mom begin having nightmares shortly after moving there about a green lady in the attic. She had them over and over and was terrified. We finally moved, I think she must have believed the house was haunted. She is almost 87 now and she still remembers those dreams vividly.
On the January 25th post, I’m guessed a fire station and a mortuary. I see now I am wrong at least on one count.
These stories are so very interesting; you really should write a book. I have always loved small towns and there is not short supply of them in Oklahoma. I love visiting them and prowling through the stores and walking the street.
Guess what, y’all . . .
Michelle is not quite right, either, although, as you would assume, is getting warmer. (You remember the old game where you’re searching for something and everyone says either “cold, colder” or “warm, warmer,” etc. don’t you?!)
So, Greg . . . you’re still in the running. That should really cheer your morning up a lot. ha!
Y’all are on the right track – just not yet quite there. Keep guessing – or do you want me to go ahead and post the plaque? Yes or no?
Cheers!
Dee
Being 56, I’m closer to brain dead than ever before in my life! So I’ll wait for you to post the other plaque. And then I’ll pretend that I knew the correct answer all along. It’s a coping mechanism that works well for me!
I am going to take one more stab at it, is it a headstone business. I think they might be called Monument Companies? If that is not it, I give up!
So why………..? Never mind.