Hee-Haw and Merry Christmas

I guess I should be doing more of those year-end list dealies, and maybe I will, but I had to make a quick mention of something else first.

My friend Dave and I went to a showing of It's a Wonderful Life last night at the IFC Center in the West Village. It was an actual film. Like, on a projector. Being able to look back and see that projector running in the little window was pretty damn cool. I can't remember the last time I'd seen a movie shown "the old -fashioned way."

Of course, just getting to see IAWL on the big-screen was quite a thrill. It's one of my favorites, and it always amazes me to think that it was actually a flop when it premiered back in 1946. But I guess it's kind of hard to follow World War II with a heartwarming tale of faith, love, and friendship.

I've never been able to get through this movie with dry eyes, and last night was no exception. I hate crying, especially in public, so as the final scenes started to play out, I tried my best to fill my head with thoughts like, "George is probably cheating on Mary with Violet," but I knew it wasn't true. I felt my throat start swelling when Harry Bailey toasted to his brother, "the richest man in town," and my eyes got cloudy when George read Clarence's message written inside his copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: "Remember, George - No man is a failure who has friends." And then as soon as that bell rang...well, nothing could stop those tears from falling. That damn Clarence and his damn wings get me every time.

I do have to mention one thing, which might be appropriate following a post featuring Gary Glitter. Every time I see this movie, I am always struck by how cute the actor who plays young George is. Goodness me, he is adorable. Oh, to have been a cougar prowling the streets of Bedford Falls. Am I sick? Look, in my defense, I think the kid looked much younger than he was. I looked it up. He was 13 when that movie came out. People got married when they were 13 back in those days, right? RIGHT? And hell, 13-year-olds get a ton of action these days. Didn't you all see Thirteen?? I've seen it a few times, but only because Jeremy Sisto is in it. See? I like ADULT men. Mostly. I guess I still kind of lusted after Jeremy back when he did that Twisted Sister video. And, boy, that little George Bailey was a hottie. Er, I mean, a cutie.

Anyway, I've often wondered if the actor - Robert J. Anderson - ever blossomed into a gorgeous man, but I've never been able to find any pics of him as a grown up, except for ones of him when he's quite elderly. After leaving the theater last night, I mentioned my improper big-screen crush to Dave, and he informed me that Robert Anderson just died over the summer. Bummer.

Well, I hope he had a wonderful life.