Saturday, April 16, 2016

One Hundred Years Ago Today...

April 16, 1916.- The US Army was chasing Pancho Villa in Mexico while, in Europe, the opposing armies were preparing to fight the second battle of Ypres. But the only news of importance to Jacob and Esther Lutsky (née Tanksy) on this day in history was the birth of their first child, Louis (Eliezer) Lutsky.




The earliest picture that I have of my Dad is a group photo, taken when he was nine years old. He is in the back row, standing between his cousins, Saul Rabinovitch and Sophie Tansky. In the front row are (left to right) his cousins Arthur Tansky and Debbie Rabinovitch, and Dad's younger brother (and my uncle) Moe Lutsky. My Uncle Marvin, arrived a few years later.




Dad was considerably older in this next picture, and quite handsome. It's easy to understand what Mom saw in him, the first time they danced together.




Dad went off to war in 1941 or 1942. He was in the quartermaster corps, and drove supply trucks in Italy and the Netherlands. He spoke very little about his war experiences, but liked to tell the story of his demobilization. According to Dad, the officer handling his discharge discovered that his records were incomplete; Dad had never been given a driving test. Never mind that he had driven supply trucks in Italy; never mind that he had driven trucks through the Netherlands. He could not be discharged until he had passed his driving test! Dad's final assignment was to undergo and pass his driving test. His discharge followed promptly thereafter.



Dad and Mom married on March 10, 1946




They were a twosome for three years.



Until I came along in 1949.




And the twosome became a trio.



Barbara came on the scene four years later.



Hmmm. What am I supposed to do with this little baby?




And our family was now complete.



Seven years later, celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of my grandparents, Mary and Jack Quint.



Dad was a reader and loved fiction, whether in the form of a novel or a newspaper. Wonder what he would have made of the headlines on the day of his birth?



Friday, April 1, 2016

Damien Dickens Tipped for Big Screen

Hollywood, Florida, April 1, 2016.- Movie rights to the Damien Dickens Mysteries have been sold to George Clowney, popular actor/producer and nephew of the late, great songstress, Rosemary Clowney. Joan and Ethel Cone, who have worked with Clowney on other projects, will adapt the mystery novels for the screen and also direct the series.

When asked who will play the part of Damien Dickens, Clowney revealed that action star Harrison Fond has already agreed to take on the role. Melanie Griffon will play Millie Hewitt, Damien’s sidekick and love interest. Sigournysht Helfen will play Sylvia Sutherland. The part of Bruno Caravaggio has been offered to Charlie Shine. Clowney is rumored to have reserved the role of Gordon Sethwick - Sylvia’s husband - for himself. 

Author Phyllis Entis pronounced herself ‘delighted and thrilled’ at the news, and at the casting. “I’ve always envisioned Fond and Griffon in the lead roles of Damien and Millie,” she said. “I realize that they and the other actors who have been cast so far are older than would be ideal, but with today’s digital technology, the raw images can be age-adjusted. Mr. Clowney assures me that he can make Fond, Griffon and Helfen look as young as they did in their 1988 film, Workin' Gal. I’m confident that he and the Cone sisters know exactly what they’re doing.”

Filming will begin as soon as the screenplay is ready, according to Ethel Cone. “We’ll be filming The Green Pearl Caper on location in Atlantic City and in Stowe, Vermont this summer,” Cone said. “Once the film is in the hands of the digital editors, Joan and I will get to work on the screenplay for The White Russian Caper. We already have someone in mind for the role of Derek Turpin in the sequel,” she added, with a twinkle in her eye. “We’ve been approached by Donald Tramp, who insists on playing the part of the businessman.”

This reporter contacted Mr. Tramp for confirmation and a comment. “I’m perfect for the part,” he proclaimed. “Turpin is a successful businessman. So am I. Turpin has a protruding lower lip. So do I. Turpin is the only person in the entire book who isn’t a loser. He’s a winner. A Winner! So am I. None of these other actors know how to play a winner. I know. I know how. I’m perfect. Perfect. I'm perfect!”

Clowney declined to comment on the choice of Tramp. “It’s too soon to talk about casting supporting characters for the second film,” he said. “We're still casting the first one. Nevertheless, I have complete confidence in Joan and Ethel Cone. I’m sure that they will make the best decisions for the success of the series.”


- reported by April Foole