On occasion, I’ve been in the presence of the rich and/or famous. Usually, though, I am lost among hundreds–maybe thousands–turning out for political rallies or tent shows. At one, I blathered excitedly upon winning a box of Cracker Jacks! (Better to remain silent and let others think you an idiot than to speak and remove all doubt.)
At least twice, though, I’ve associated with a few well-known figures away from crowds. One was a world- renowned actor, the late “Hoss” Cartwright, star of Bonanza on TV. Another is Gary Moore, a native of tiny Forsan, TX. In 40+ years, he’s become well known in movie theater circles, head man for Premiere Cinemas. (Big Spring–where he owned his first theater–is where he began his career as a 12-year-old, repairing theater seats and selling concessions.) Now, he is “head man” for Premiere–one of the nation’s largest independent movie chains.
He is a leader in his profession–humble to the core–without ever mounting a stage, except perhaps to change a light bulb. The chain has 245 screens, mostly in Texas….
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As admitted earlier, I have usually clamored at crowded venues, trying to get a better view or seeking a less perilous place to stand.
In the cases of Cartwright and Moore, however, it was “them and me.” Only recently have I admitted that our meeting was as random as it gets, attributed to either “blind hog luck” and/or a minor “perk” for public service.
There was nominal interest in the Alpine, TX, Chamber of Commerce in 1965. As a youthful educator and new in town, the presidential title was “thrust” upon me, there being no other candidates. (Veteran university teachers knew better.)….
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Ha! Double ha! Little did we know that soon, Cartwright–a graduate of Sul Ross State University–would return to Alpine to lead the homecoming parade. He’d ride on the back of a convertible, me “Ubering” him as Chamber president. I remember tilting upward as he plopped downward.
Knowing I should say something, I didn’t want the question to be so innocuous that his response would be accentuated by a yawn.
“What would you do if you had life to do over?” I asked. Tears flowing, he answered, “I’d still be teaching school in West Texas.”…
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Some 18 years ago, Premiere Cinemas “came to Burleson,” opening a 14-screen house with all the bells/whistles and state-of-the-art seats.
A few hundred people were present for the grand opening. Having worked at a drive-in theater during high school, I was fascinated by the “fancy-schmancy” concession area. For a moment, I was face-to-face with a guy who seemed to be as “at home” selling popcorn as he would be repairing an oil field pump jack or grabbing a quilt to smother a rig fire. I asked him where he grew up. He said I wouldn’t know. I said I might.
He was shocked when I said, “Forsan, TX,” forewarned that it is a small community in Webb County, where I’ve spoken several times….
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I raced to my car to get one of my books, autographing it to the OWNER of the new theater. (I printed too many, so it was a small gesture.)
Then, recently–almost two decades later–as I was leaving a matinee movie, Chris Chamblee, a manager, stopped me in the lobby to introduce a man who looked vaguely familiar. Sure enough, it was the popcorn-serving–and maybe light bulb-changing–theater magnate.
Immediately I remembered our meeting at the theater’s grand opening; he recalled the book gift. Again, he was attired in jeans….
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Actually, I learned years ago never to ask this question–even next of kin–if they’ve read my books, and surely I was possessed by a major memory lapse. I asked the fatal question. (Aside: If you put my books down, you can’t pick ’em up.)
His eyes darted and face reddened. “I haven’t read it yet.”
“Which one did I give you?” I asked. “Remember the title? Cover color? Hardback?” He couldn’t recall, but claimed it to be on the nightstand of their guest bedroom….
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Dr. Newbury, longtime president of Howard Payne University, lives in the Metroplex with Brenda, his wife of 60 years. Website: www.speakerdoc.com. Email: newbury@speakerdoc.com