Page 57 - REALLY What A time Book IX

REALLY SO WHAT
What A Time

IMAGINATION and FANTASIES

Nothing was so regular or so important as the movies. There
were three theaters around us. Washington had the Translux,
and Capital theaters with live shows and movies. Across
South Fairlington was the Center shopping area and theater.
And the most important. The one I could go to on my own
from 6 was the Shirlington Theater 2 or 3 miles through the
woods.

I wasn’t old enough to take the bus, alone, into Washington.
They had the best movies, with stage shows. As a teen I did,
however, and saw Patty Page and others on stage at the
Capital.
The only time I went to the Center Theater was with my
mother and brother. I can remember crying through the great
forest fire in Bambi. Otherwise I didn’t go often.

Shirlington, however, was through the woods, only a couple of
miles. A gallop away for me. They had the new movies every
weekend. Full length, double features, News, Serials and
Shorts.
This was my life blood. My existence. The adrenalin shot
that carried me through the week, that energized me to greater
heights. If I could imagine the games or sports I played with
the same enthusiasm as these movie characters. If I could be
as clever, ingenious, scheming, or successful as they, my week
would be just fine.

The Cowboys were the best. Riding their horses, Palomino,
Buck, Chestnut or Appaloosa, across the valleys, under the

57