Wow, this theater's not too crowded. I thought it would be, considering that Casablanca is playing. But then again, most people just don't appreciate classic cinema when they see it. And by the looks of this guy's hat in front of me I certainly won't be seeing much of anything. "Umm, excuse me sir, would you mind removing your hat?" The man looks like he doesn't understand English. "Yes, you, you there with the huge hat. Could you please remove your hat? This is one of my favorite movies, and I can't see any of it if you don't take that hat off."
"I'm sorry ma'am, but I can't remove it. Religious reasons, you understand."
Excuse me??? Did he just say religious reasons? What, is he a member of the High Order of the Congregation of the Dr. Seuss Big Hats? Give me a break. Some people. Uh oh, he's turning around again.
"If you like, I can switch places with you. That way, I can leave my hat on and you can see the screen."
"Well, that seems fair. All right. Thank you very much." Well. Guess I misjudged him. It's nice to know there are still some nice people left in the world. Oh, the movie's starting.
"Excuse me, dear, is anyone sitting next to you?"
"W-why no." Who is this woman? There are plenty of seats around without having to sit next to me. Oh well. She's very lovely, and she looks so kind. I wonder what she was like when she was younger. I wonder if she is all alone. I wonder if she'll mind that I'm staring at her instead of watching the movie? What has gotten into me? I can't pay attention to save my life. Now I'm here to watch this movie, and that's what I'm going to do. (Several minutes later the screen goes dark, and the lights go up.) Oh, what now? First, I have an atrocious day, and now this? I can't get a break today it seems.
"I see you like Dorothy Parker."
"W-what?" Was she talking to me?
"I said, I see you like Dorothy Parker. The book in your lap?"
"Oh, oh yes. She's my favorite author."
"She was a lot of fun, but oh, was she troubled."
"You knew her?"
"Yes, many years ago. We were great friends. I met her at a party back in the '30s. Oh, she could weave insults faster than anyone. What a riot she was! On the outside, anyway. She meant a lot of what she said about lost love."
"She knew heartache?"
"Knew it? Honey, she was intimate with it."
"She's not the only one."
"Ahh, lonely, are we?"
(Sigh) "How could you tell?"
"Well, when you've lived as long as I have, you become keenly aware of things. And in matters of the heart, everyone's the same. I suppose you're wondering why I sat here with all of these empty seats, huh?"
"Well, yes, I-I was." Boy, she's sharp.
"You looked like you could use a friend. I'm Margaret."
"Nice to meet you, Margaret. I'm Lucy, Lucy Cavanaugh. And I guess I do look pretty down."
"Well, I wouldn't let it worry you. A pretty girl like you shouldn't have trouble finding a fellow."
"Well--" Who is this woman?
(Announcement over the loudspeaker) "We're having technical difficulties with the film and will be unable to show it tonight. Please stop by the ticket booth for a raincheck. We apologize for any inconvenience."
"Well, it had a sad ending anyway. Say, Margaret, would you like to go for a cup of coffee?"
"I'd love to. I know just the place--the Cafe Vivace."
"Sounds good."
(A few hours later)"...Well, Margaret, it was really nice to meet you. I hope we can do it again sometime soon."
"Yes, me too. And please do think about what I've told you."
What a curious look on her face! "Yes, I will, goodbye." I've got to get to the karaoke bar. Mary Lou will kill me if I miss her singing.
To Vick's Karaoke and Lounge
To the Muse's Introduction