The Foray

Huh?! Not One Word?

I'm SHOCKED that not one of my amazing Foray readers has had ANYTHING to say about The Princess Bride, a true classic if there ever was one. To see TPB is to love TPB!

 

Wazzup y'all?! You must be really, really busy. Or on vacation. Or depressed. Or something.

Greg

A Wonderful Movie

Denise and I watched a wonderful movie on TCM (http://www.tcm.com/index.jsp) last night called, "Stars in My Crown" (1950). 

 

Did anybody else happen to catch it? Or have you seen it before?

Two actors unfamiliar to me, Joel McCrea and Ellen Drew, starred in the film. Other actors included Alan Hale (the father of Alan Hale, Jr., who played "The Skipper" on "Gilligan's Island"; father and son bore a striking resemblance!) and Amanda Blake and James Arness (later "Miss Kitty" and "Marshall Matt Dillon" of "Gunsmoke" fame¹).

If you're interested in the film, you can find out more here, including reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Stars-My-Crown-Joel-McCrea/dp/6303072593

I suppose I enjoyed the movie for a somewhat selfish reason: It's positive portrayal of a local Christian pastor who, upon his arrival in town, elects to deliver his very first sermon in -- of all places! -- the town saloon. 

(Alas, the "sobering method" he employs to get the drinking men in the saloon to listen to him is something of which I can only dream!) 

Anyhow, if you'd like a relaxing evening of good entertainment over a bowl of popcorn, you'll be hard-pressed to make a better choice than "Stars in My Crown."

Greg

PS The movie gets its title from one of my very favorite childhood hymns, "Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown?" 

¹ Originally, another actor named John Wayne (heard of him?) was offered the role of "Marshall Dillon," but he declined -- not regarding TV as his cup of tea. Wayne instead recommended James Arness.

A Public Apology to Horton

Dear Horton,

I write to offer my sincere apology. Upon learning that it was my "responsibility" to go see you, I confess that I really didn't want to go. Frankly, I didn't think you'd be very interesting. I figured you for a boring, bland guy.

I was wrong. And I sincerely apologize.

Seeing you turned out to be an unexpected joy. I found myself laughing out loud at the funny things you said and did. I was surprised at your gut-level honesty and your genuine heart for others. I was touched by your willingness to be regarded as a fool for the sake of others. You were a refreshing change of pace! And you made me think ... especially when you said, "A person is a person no matter how small."

So please accept my humble apology.

Your friend and admirer,

Greg

PS In my opinion, "Horton Hears a Who" (Thanks, Dr. Seuss!) is a family movie not to be missed. It has some hilarious parts in it (and some profound ones too, such as Horton's stand for the littlest of lives!). I say this, mind you, as one who went to the theater with pretty low expectations. When Horton crosses a rickety bridge with his life and the lives of the Whos literally hanging by a thread, I'm telling you: It's laugh-out-loud funny! So to my fellow dads I say this: Bite the bullet. Do your duty. Load up the kids and head to Northgate. It won't be painful at all.