Jeanette Goldstein and Mark Rolston #TFW 2014

In 1986, the summer that Aliens came out, I was working at a 7-11 in Tucson.  It was hot. I was bored. There was a movie theater a few blocks from the store I worked at. Now and then I would catch a movie before my shift started; partly to escape the boredom of a summer in Tucson and partially to escape the heat.

I saw Aliens several times that summer. While I’ll admit, at times the acting and directing is uneven, it is still one of my favorite movies. For me it was a rollercoaster ride and I’ll often quote or misquote a line or two from it even 28 years later.

I got in Jeanette Goldstein’s line first. She was holding court and talking to the people in line as she signed. Teasingly she mentioned was only good enough to be in Cameron’s (director) second movie of a franchise (meaning Aliens and T2), I tilted my head and asked about Titanic and did that mean she would be in the sequel.  She didn’t answer but smiled. I’m assuming because I knew she was in that.

Mark Rolston was more subdued. He was quieter. After he asked if I wanted it personalized, he asked if could add his character name to the signature.

I choose a photo from Shawshank Redemption only because his selection of Aliens photos were dark or had several people in them.  It’s a good photo and Shawshank is an awesome movie too.

AH

Dee Snider #TFW 2014

I know Dee Snider from Twisted Sister, the wife knows Dee from The Apprentice. Wow, do we live in different worlds, huh? 

Early that Friday night, the line for Dee was long and wrapped around the corner.  Later that night, it was just me. Patience does pay off at times.

Dee signed and there was no missing his biceps.  He worked out and was still physically fit.  I commented the years had been better to him than me. He gave a noncommittal ‘uh’ as he handed back the photo.  I was about to walk away when he clamped his hand on my shoulder.

He looked me in the eyes and started to speak to me. It was a pep talk. He told me I wasn’t too old to get in back shape. I wasn’t too old to take care of myself. He was serious.  He was encouraging me to take back my life. We talked for 2 or 3 minutes.

It was odd but very cool at the same time. He could have just let me walk away. Something made him take a second and grab my shoulder.  I’m not sure if he does this with everyone but I was encouraged and motivated.

That motivation lasted until I went to Denny’s later that night and had pancakes for dinner but I was inspired. And I will get back in shape.

AH

Julie Adams #TFW 2014

The week before Texas Frightmare, Julie Adams was in town for the USA Film Festival. I could have gotten her there but I was working late and it didn’t pan out. I wasn’t worried as I knew I had another chance.

As I walked around and got other autographs, a few people saw the photo I printed to have Julie sign.  The comments were all how beautiful she looked. Seeing the Creature from the Black Lagoon movies on an old black and white TV on a fuzzy UHF channel, I never noticed how beautiful she was.  As I searched Google for images, I saw what I was missing.

They also commented that she had the ‘old school’ poise that modern Hollywood lost and everyone loved seeing it in her. Everyone reminisced about the good old days.

When I finally walked over to her table, the line was short. I think her handler was her granddaughter. Julie took great care in where she signed and what inscription was needed. She seemed nonplussed with some of the memorabilia she was asked to sign but she signed as they wanted.

When she signed for me (my photo and her book), I asked if she stayed the whole week in Dallas. She said no.  Her handler added that would have worn them out. Even with the stress of extra flights involved, it’s always good to get back home to rest even for a few days.

AH

Scott Wilson #TFW 2014

Being a big Walking Dead fan, Scott Wilson was a big draw to Texas Frightmare Weekend for me.   When I finally got to the show I was told his line was long so I figured I’d walk around and reconnoiter the land.

After getting a few autographs, I worked my way back to Scott’s line and waited.  The line moved slowly. Partially because the line was wide and not single file, so more people were in line then it appeared and partially he was interacting with everyone. 

After an hour of playing Words with Friends, I was pretty close to the front. I got to see the photo selection and see what other people were having signed. From the photos, I learned two things; Scott Wilson was in Gypsy Moths.  A movie I remember seeing a few times as a kid on late late late night TV. And the young Scott Wilson looked like Al Lieter, the journeyman pitcher that is currently on the MLB network.

Just as I got to the front, a few VIPS were added to the line in front of me. Then Scott needed a bio break.  Hey, even actors need to pee now and then. When he came back he was apologetic, like he needs to apologize for being human?

I had my photo selected and handed it over.  The handler was clueless and didn’t take my money. I excused myself and paid; then I stepped back to Scott.  I asked if ever been to Texas before. He mentioned hitching across the state in the 60’s. The 60’s was a different time and hitching wasn’t a death wish. But across Texas is a slow and intimate way to see the state. You'll truly realize how big it is. I instantly had a few follow up questions I wanted to ask about that experience but resisted. I knew a lot of people were still waiting.

AH

Asami and Kurando Mitsutake #TFW 2014

There is a genre of Japanese movies that I’ve seen more than I should admit.  It’s over the top and crazy with little plot. I can’t say it’s a guilty pleasure because I can’t say I’ve really enjoyed them. Then again, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy them either.

I can recall the first time I saw one of these blood fests.  I was sick.  I took the day off from work to rest and veg. I dragged myself to Blockbusters and rented a few movies. One of which was Machine Girl with Asami. I watched the movie as I lay on the couch with a fever. And I thought huh.  Maybe a year later I rented another movie of the genre from Netflix. Before I knew I saw a dozen or more.

So I actually knew who Asami was when I saw her name on the Texas Frightmare website.

As I wandered around the floor at Texas Frightmare, I found the table with both Asami and Kurando Mitsutake. I greeted both in Japanese although I struggled. Kurando spoke very good English. Asami only said a few words.

I got a photo from each signed. Yes, I have a soft spot for Japanese actors. I thanked them in Japanese and left.

AH

Chris Marquette #TFW 2014

Yes, another year has passed by since the last Texas Frightmare Weekend.  Frightmare makes guest announces throughout the year.  One of their early announcements included Chris Marquette.    

For me, he’s most memorable in Joan of Arcadia and Fanboys.

He was the first autograph I picked up on Friday night. He seemed to just be settling in, although I expect he was already there a few hours.

Embarrassingly, I admitted I enjoyed Joan of Arcadia and I tried not to beat him down with talk about the show. He seemed happy to talk about it.  After we recapped the Odyssey of getting Fanboys to the theaters, I had him sign and I left.

AH

Ed Harris USA Film Festival 2014

I’ve always had a thing for quirky movies. They don’t need to be box office smashes for me to like them.  One of the first movies I remember being captivated by was Knight Riders.  It’s a Romero movie but not a horror movie.  Ed Harris was the star of that film and I’ve been a fan of his since. 

He arrived looking casual in a sports coat, blue jeans, and worn cowboy boots.  He signed for everyone all the while insisting he need needed to leave.  As a young boy, maybe 8 years old came up, he bent over. The little one only had a program of the film festival.  Ed asked the boy his name.  Then he signed the program.  He personalized it.  He wrote an inscription as he repeated to the kid.  It basically said, be a good boy, but not so good that you don’t have some fun too.

A nice quirky inscription from a favorite actor.

AH

Carol Kane USA Film Festival 2014

Carol Kane has played a lot of quirky and iconic roles. I was very excited to see that she was coming to Dallas.

I got to the movie theater late; yes, work.  When I arrived, I was told that Carol Kane held onto her handler and bent her head and marched into the movie theater.  Ugh, not an auspicious start.

So being addicted to autograph collecting we didn’t give up.  We know as a group we can be intimidating. We even have some local hounds that give us a bad name.  When we saw that she was leaving, we actually queued up and minded our p’s and q’s.  Someone asked politely for the group if she’d mind signing some autographs.  She said no and walked to the elevator and left.

If happens. People are not obligated to sign.  We were naturally disappointed.  We chatted among ourselves and for the most part the night was over.

Less than 5 minutes later, the elevator opened and she was with her handler coming back to us and said she would sign.  We dutifully formed a line and got our items signed. 

Afterward, I was told that was a first, to have someone leave and then have a change of heart and return.  I can’t say I’ve seen that either.  I’m very happy I got to see it in person.

AH

Catherine Dent US Film Festival 2014

I had no business tracking down Catherine Dent’s autograph. I barely knew who she was and would have never recognized her. I was slightly greedy and wanted to add her to my collection nevertheless.

She was schedule do to appear, the next night at the theater and I had planned on getting her then.  Luckily I was carrying all of the photos I printed and showed them to a fellow hound. He mentioned she was at the festival this night. He had barely recognized her (dressed down sans glamour makeup) but would point her out to me when she left.

After a couple of hours, she was leaving and my friend did call out her name so she turned and knew who she was in the crowd.  She kindly agreed to sign a photo for me.  She looked me dead in the eyes and smiled as asked who to make it out to.  She was sweet about the implication I was only getting it if she personalized.  When a beautiful woman looks you in the eyes, it’s had to turn them down. 

I told her my name and she signed.  As she was handing it back, she smudged the ink.  Still I got the autograph and it was one less I needed/wanted.

AH

Fionnula Flanagan USA Film Fesitval 2014

When Fionnula Flanagan walked up the stairs she seemed confused and then delighted that people were there to see her. 

She commented on every photo or DVD jackets handed over to her to sign.  She smiled and flirted with the guys saying they were too young to know who she was or to even have seen that movie.  She commented about one photo handed to her where she had red hair.  Then I told her how much I loved red hair.  She arched an eyebrow as she wondered what to do with me.  She asked my name and then signed.  I swear she winked as she handed back my photo…or maybe that was just wishful thinking.

AH

John Turutto USA Film Fesitval 2014

For me, the big film festival in Dallas is the USA Film Festival. I seem to have better luck there and the celebs that come to support the movies have more ‘wow’ factor.

John Turtutto is one of those celebs.  He’s been in a few movies that you instantly associate with him.  For mom and dad, who aren’t up to date on movies, he played Monk’s brother.

I had to work this day and I was late.  Late meaning, I wasn’t able to get to the theater as early as I hoped.  It happens.  As I was driving up to the parking lot, I saw my fellow hounds swarming him.  I knew as I found my parking spot and rode of the slow elevator I had missed my opportunity.

My friends showed me their successes.  And then they quickly swarmed Stephen Tobolowsky, who rode the elevator up with me.  I wasn’t part of that swarm as I had gotten his ‘graph the previous year. 

Even though I missed my chance when John entered, I still had a chance when he left. So I waited.  My friends hung out with me.  Not so much for support but for a second chance at additional signatures.   When john finally left the theater, my friends, let me approach him first. I asked for an autograph and held out my clipboard, he started reaching for it and then his handler announced they were going to eat.   His hands fell and he turned away.  I said ‘sure’ and walked away.

And we waited some more.

When his group finally returned from dinner, my friends again let me go first. This time I got a nice signature.  I thanked him and left. He signed for a few others and then he entered the theater.

After a long day at work and a long day at the theater it was time to go home and see the wife and cats and relax.

AH

Clark Gregg DIFF 2014

Dallas has a couple of film festivals a year. One of them is DIFF.  I haven’t had much luck with DIFF the last few years.  So I’m not too excited when I look over the movie and talent appearing.

I’ll admit I got excited when I saw that Clark Gregg was coming to town to promote his Indie movie Trust Me.  I quickly found a cool photo on google and printed it.

When the day arrived I got to the theater early. I had the chance to hang out with some friends and just enjoy the weather and company.  Just as one fellow hound got done telling us how silly we were for showing up early, because we all know he wasn’t going to show until the end of his movie, another hound said there he is. Yeah, it was like that.  He arrived really early.

He seemed surprised we were waiting.  He took photos with everyone and signed for everyone. I mentioned I really like the surprise twist of the latest episode of S.H.I.E.L.D.  He gave a wry knowing smile and said there was a lot more coming.

Even after he worked his way through us, he didn’t disappear. He hung out in the theater lobby and talked to other guests.  As other fans approached, he continued to sign or pose. He left whn his movie was about to start.

AH

Skeet Ulrich Cinemark 50 to 1 Tour 2014

So after the Self Reliance Expo, I drove to Plano to hang out with some fellow hounds. We were waiting for the 50 to 1 bus tour.   The author, the director, the man that inspired the movie, and Skeet Ulrich were to appear.

When they were all set up, we got in line and got a mini poster signed by all 4 people. I also handed a photo to Skeet.  While he signed, I told him how much I enjoyed his old TV series, Jericho.  One of the things I liked about the show was in the beginning, you were sure if he was a good or a bad guy.  He smiled ruefully and said we still don’t know.

After the line for signing was done, my friends got their photo taken with Skeet.  He was friendly and stayed as for everyone waiting a photo.

Side note: Since me and the hounds got there early, we were hanging out inside the theater. We chatted but kept an eye out for the beginning of a line.  Lines have a way of magically appearing so if you aren't careful, you are at the end of a very long line. 
We saw two men discussing something and hands making sweeping and pointing motions.  They looked like people 'in charge'.
I was volunteered to go over and talk them. I found out where the line was to start and what the process was going to be. Then the younger guy asked me about my shirt.  Yeah, I was wearing a UofA shirt. So we chatted a little.
After the event we chatted again. I could have been his father; I'm getting old.  He was doing a documentary on the movie and the tour. Who knows, maybe you'll see me in the that film.

AH

Les Stroud Self Reliance Expo 2014

I got to the Self Reliance Expo about 15 minutes before Les Stroud was scheduled to speak.  The expo was small and many of the vendors were selling the same things.  I wasn’t really there for the vendors.  I just wanted get an autograph.  Within those 15 minutes, I had walked the whole floor.

When Les Stroud arrived, the masses gathered around the stage. He spoke, answered questions, and sang.  He was open and answered questions on a variety of topics including his competitors. He repeated several times his show was dangerous. He really was isolated. His rescue team was usually miles off and most likely out of communication range.  Regarding his rival shows, he admitted they were good and entertaining but the stars were more of a MC and were reenacting skills instead of surviving.

He shared a few funny anecdotes. Being chased by a bull elk and refusing gifts of whiskey and jerky from natives as he filmed were the most memorable. He talked about Bigfoot, being scared, and almost dying. He gave advice and then sang some more.

As I listened, I watched the table that was set up for signing. When a line started to cue I joined it about 5 people back. When Les told the crowd he’d be signing, the line grew and I ended up being about 20 people back. 

He was very friendly and posed for photos with everyone. Most people were buying books and getting those signed. When I handed over my photo, he paused and told me he liked it. He mentioned it was taken in Africa.  He signed, we shook hands, and I left.

AH