Normally on Sundays we take a look at the beginning of a Peter Abrahams novel including those written under the Spencer Quinn moniker, but since the subject of movie actors came up this week – in the context of who might play Bernie in a Chet and Bernie movie – how about this little snippet from A FISTFUL OF COLLARS, the C&B mystery where a movie star plays a big real-life role? Bernie is talking to Nixon Panero, owner of Nixon’s Presidential Autobody, but also movie buff – and wannabe screenwriter (who may not be wannabe forever!).
“That’s a whole scene?” Bernie said. “A guy tosses in his sleep?”
“All depends on how it’s handled,” Nixon said. “Film’s a director’s medium – gotta keep that in mind. Take the cigarette lighting scene in Now Voyager – what would that look like on the page? Zip. But on the screen … well, there are some things you never forget.”
3 Comments on “Beginnings (Not)”
Love the title ideas, guys! Y’all are very creative.
Now for some sad news. We lost the Godfather (Putter) last Thursday. Mom tried the chemo and he got 5 treatments but was already too sick for it to help. After a tearful session with the vet ( who was also very emotional) Mom decided to help him cross the bridge peacefully. There is a large hole in the heart of the House of Many Cats. One of the younger boys that Putter raised as his mini me has been searching the house for him for days. Biscuit was always plastered to Putter’s side. It will be an adjustment for all of us.
I am so sad for all, especially Biscuit.
Sometimes the biggest love we can provide is to ease them across the bridge.
BigTiny. — please extend our condolences to your mom and the rest of the crew. So sorry to hear the news, but at least Putter will be restored to full health on the other side of the bridge. I am sure he was warmly received by Gus and BooBear and all of the other members from the blog that have crossed before him. He was certainly a brave fellow and just sorry the chemo was not able to save him.