Constance Towers USA Film Festival 2019

Constance Towers was the Guest of Honor for the USA Film Festival.  The Wife knows her from General Hospital.

Several of us asked her for autographs. She was nice and she seemed surprised people asked for her signature.

After we were done for the night, a fellow hound and I were leaving to go eat at a restaurant and to talk about the day. We shared the elevator with Constance. We thanked her again for the time she gave us.  Others on the elevator were unaware of who she was. It was amusing to see them stare and try to figure it out without asking.

AH

Melissa Gilbert USA Film Festival 2019

If you read the previous post, I had a spoiler. MelissaGilbert was also at the film festival. While I never watched Little House on the Prairie, it seems everyone else my age did. She and Timothy both attended this festival together.

As the couple walked up the stairs together, the hounds split and surrounded both of them.  She was friendly and signed for everyone. She commented on a few photos. I’m not sure if she said this about my photo or another one but she mentioned something about ‘when she was a red head’. While those days are past, she looks good with the more natural coloring.

AH

Timothy Busfield USA Film Festival 2019

The name that excited me most at this year’s film Festival was Timothy Busfield.  The Wife and I know him from Revenge of the Nerds.  That movie was filmed on the U of Arizona campus while we attended.  We saw parts of the sets as we walked around campus and we know an extra or two.

The Wife also remembers him from 30 Something. A show I refused to watched.

As I was tracking down photos, I realized he was in Little Big League. That is one of our favorite movies. When I shared that factoid with The Wife she figuratively grabbed me by the collar and told me get a photo from that movie. While I would have preferred a photo with only him in it, I do like the one I got signed.

When he saw it, he took the photo and walked to his wife. He raised it above the people that buzzed around her and said: Honey, Look. It’s Ken Griffey Jr!  Can you believe I worked with him!

That made me laugh. I’m excited to see Timothy Busfield. He was excited to see a photo of himself with Ken Griffey Jr.

AH

USA film festival 2019 – encores autographs

It seems every year I have success at the USA Film Festival. 

I rarely get autographs from the same person more than once. I do make expectations, especially when it comes to books. At this year’s festival, I picked up 4 signatures that I have gotten before.  Some I have previously written about and some I haven’t.

Udo Kier – He was nice. He walked to the front door and stopped to sign for us. Then he saw how many people wanted his autograph. He said he would sign but he wanted to it inside the theater. I assume he wanted out of the sun and the heat. Like the Pied Piper, we followed him to the lobby and handed him our items. He tried to personalize everything. 

Stephen Tobolowky – always a very gracious signer. He seems to always stop, sign, and chat. My Wife knows him from Groundhog Day. I thought he was funny in Californication.  Everyone is looking forward to seeing the Deadwood movie.

Traci Lords – I was happy to see her in Dallas. She is interesting and has an interesting story. One of the hounds brought a copy of her book and she mentioned she was happy to see someone actually buy it.

Dale Dickey – the previous time I got her autograph was at this Film Festival many years ago.  No one knew she was there. I saw her sitting in a chair outside the theater and I just stared. I wasn’t sure if it was her or not. At the time I was the only one to notice her.  I looked for her image on IMDB and showed the photo to fellow hound.  I asked if he thought that was her.  He said yes and went straight over to and chatted with her. All I had at the time was a 3 x 5 card.  This time I printed a photo.  While I would have loved an image from My Name is Earl, I couldn’t find one I liked.

She is friendly and always tries to comment about the photos being handed her to sign.  She gives a comment or two about the show or a quick amusing anecdote.

AH

Brenda Strong and Sharon Lawrence USA Film Festival 2017

The last 2 autographs I picked up at the USA Film Festival in Dallas were Brenda Strong and Sharon Lawrence. Both women were very pretty, friendly, and nice. It was nice to add both to my collection.

AH

Karen Allen Heavy Sigh USA Film Festival 2017

I rarely get multiple or duplicate autographs from a celebrity. I’ll do it for authors but somehow that is different in my mind.

Karen Allen was also in town for the USA Film Festival and I just could not pass up the opportunity to get another autograph. I found a photo on-line and printed it.  On Friday night, as she was leaving the theater, we asked for an autograph. She stopped and genuinely asked: From me? I was able to get her to sign and then she gave me that heart melting smile I knew so well from Starman and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

On Saturday a fellow hound had a couple of photos he needed signed from Karen and asked if I could help. He gave me 2 photos to get signed.  I did not hesitate before saying yes.  I knew it would give me another opportunity to look her into the eyes and she receive that incredible smile.  She was just walking by herself back to the theater when she stopped for us and signed. No handler, no entourage.

After signing she just wandered in the theater.  She is very down to earth and friendly.

AH

Mary Lynn Rajskub USA Film Festival 2017

Everyone tells me how nice Mary Lynn Rajskub is. They tell me how easy it is to get her autograph. However, it’s not so easy to pronounce her last name.

She was attending the USA Film Festival and I missed Mary Lynn as she entered the theater. An hour later she was leaving to get something to eat. Not the best time to ask. I was the only one in my group that didn’t already have her. So I rushed over. She was ahead of me but I was NOT going to run up and tap her on the shoulder. So I’m trying remembering how to say ‘Rajskub’. I could not form the name in my mouth. I was damn sure not going to shout ‘Chloe!’

I stopped in my attempt and was slowly heading back to the group. Sheepishly, I was going to have to admit I failed because I could not pronounce her name. Then she stopped and turned back toward me. She was surprised to see a hound standing there looking lost.

I lifted my photo and asked if she had time to sign for me.  She smiled and said sure. She looked at the print and said something like: That photo.

I said: if you don’t want to sign this, I can track down something else. 

She smiled and said: No. The photo is 20 years old!

She signed and I thanked her.  I still think she looks like the image in the photo. And I never had to butcher her last name.

AH

Nancy Cartwright USA Film Festival 2017

Nancy Cartwright was in town to screen her movie, In Search of Fellini. 

I will say Nancy Cartwright made us earn this autograph. She previously turned us down 3 times. On the fourth request, she relented as one of the guys pleaded that he had to leave and could not stay until after the movie.  She signed for the 5 of us.

She asked my name. She personalized my photo and said: ugh, read hair.

After the screening of her movie and the Q&A, she signed for her audience. I’m sure that was the plan and fans of her would have bought a ticket and attended the signing. I would have done that too if I knew about that plan. I heard the movie was actually quite good and it starred Ksenia Solo who I adore.

I want to add a few comments about the ‘earning’ the autograph. I don't believe any celeb is required to give an autograph or stop for a photo. Many people believe it is part of the job description. While not all, some of my fellow hounds feel they are entitled to an autograph. I understand their feelings. It doesn't take much time to sign something and it doesn't really cost the actor anything.
While I want the autograph to add to my collection and I’m disappointed when I fail, I don’t think I must be given on demand. Part of the hunt is failure. Otherwise if would not be a hunt. Failures make the successes meaningful.

AH

Charles Haid USA Film Festival 2017

I watched the first episode of Hill Street Blues and loved it. I could not believe they shot two of the ‘main’ characters at the end of the episode. It shocked me.  Then the show quickly devolved into a soap opera. I bailed. Charles Haid was one of those cops shot and I always remembered that.

I got Charles’ autograph at the top of a long flight of stairs at the movie theater. He looked at the photo and laughed. He said it looks like he is still running up stairs 30 years later.

AH

Linda Gray USA Film Festival 2016

Everyone knows Linda Gray from the TV show Dallas. She is also a stable in the Dallas area. She is one of the nicest and sweetest people you’ll meet.  None of the hounds have anything negative to say about her.  She always makes time for an autograph or a photo request.  She’ll even  recognize you and say hi after she sees you a few times.

AH

 

Kelly Lynch USA Film Festival 2016

Kelly Lynch is very fashionable. She wore a black outfit that was very revealing in the chest area. I was a gentleman and did not look for any wardrobe malfunctions.

As she signed, he mentioned the photo was from Magic City and there will be a movie based on the series.

AH

 

Bruce Davison USA Film Festival

Bruce Davidson was nice. He paused while in the theater to sign. As I was about to ask for a second autograph (for a buddy that couldn’t make it to the event), another hound stepped up and got his attention.  After he was done with the other hound, he walked away and I lost me chance for help my buddy.

AH

Courtney Hope USA Film Festival

Courtney Hope walked right past me and my friends.  They were all distracted by another arrival. I was busy trying to find my photo of her. 

Courtney is very pretty and very friendly.  She was excited that people recognized her and her friends were thrilled that they were hanging out with a ‘celeb’.

As I handed over my photo, she looked at the photo and smirked.  One of her friend’s giggled. I told her upfront, I’m always impressed with martial art skills. We even exchange a couple of sentences about karate before another hound asked her for a signature.

The story could have ended right there…

One of the other actors at the film festival had passed me.  So I entered the theater lobby and got him to sign. As I was turning away, Courtney was there.  I side stepped to avoid bumping into her.  She recognized me and said hi.  Things were calmer inside the building. Just to make idle conversation, I confirmed she was from Dallas. She admitted she said grew up in Plano. I idly threw out the comment that I used to manage a 7-11 in Plano. She got excited. She asked which one. I told her. That was the one she always went to for her red Slurpee. She loved red Slurpees. She had to have one every day!  Did I remember her as a customer?

Okay…now I’m thinking quickly.  Retail was not my forte. I was not a very nice person when I managed a 7-11. It’s amazing my wife married. Through the retail hell flashbacks, I realize she is WAY too young to have been one of my customers. So I relaxed. 

I told her that was interesting. I told her that she won’t have liked me if I was there. I was always throwing the kids out.  She laughed.  She admitted the teenagers were a little obnoxious but she was always a good kid.   We both laughed.

AH

USA film Festival April 2015

Dallas has a few film festivals every year. Some years are better than overs and some festivals are better than others.

This year, I went to the USA film Festival just 1 night. To be truthful, the whole event fell off my radar.  If a fellow hound hadn’t asked me if I was going, I would have totally forgotten.  I went when the festival screened ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’.  Yes, the movie from 1959 with Pat Boone.  And yes, Pat Boone is who I was looking to get.

He arrived early and willingly signed for everyone.  He was friendly and open and patient.  He fielded a few ad hoc questions from the fans and was in no rush.

My goal was met and I should have left.  But I had printed some photos of 2 costars, Arlene Dahl and Diane Baker. I was  hoping to also get them.  So I waited with my fellow hounds.

In the meanwhile, Peri Gilpin, from the series Frasier, arrived.  No, she wasn’t in ‘Journey’ but was there for another screening at the festival.  She looked fantastic.  I just stood on the side watching my friends’ stuff as I didn’t have anything for her to sign.  One of my buddies had an extra photo he gave to me. So I was able to pick up the autograph. 

Peri seemed very surprised people knew she was there and that they wanted her autograph. She posed with everyone.  Before she slipped into the theater, she turned back to us and asked if she missed anyone.  She really seemed to enjoy the interaction.

The night wore on. ‘Journey’ is a long movie. We waited a long time. We were told that both Arlene Dahl and Diane Baker were present for the movie and Q&A.  That was good news. Our vigil wasn’t for aught. Even though it was late and we had been there much longer than we wanted, we waited.

When we finally saw the last 2, they came out a side door.  Security was busy shouting at us to make room.  Someone shouted they would not sign. We asked anyway.  Both Arlene and Diane stopped and signed.  Arlene seemed truly thrilled that people were there for her.

Security finally got the group moving again and the signing was over.  We left and compared signatures. A small crowd had amassed wondering what was happening. We answered but the crowd didn’t get it and left shaking their heads.

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

Jim Beaver USA Film Festival 2013

The USA Film Festival also brought Jim Beaver to town.  It seemed natural for him to attend as he grew up in the Metroplex.  All Supernatural fans love him and know him as Bobby Singer.  He’s even gotten my wife to say ‘idjets’ once or twice.

Several of us waited for Jim Beaver to arrive.  We never saw him. We wondered if he just missed him as he wasn’t wearing his baseball cap. He waited until after the movie screening.  We anxiously scanned every face.

Finally someone saw him and as he left the theater. He turned right instead of walking forward to the stairs. He wasn’t waiting for a car to pull up. Very odd, as most actors have a driver.  He was going to take the light rail home or he parked his car with the common folks. This was probably why we missed him arriving. We never looked toward the other parking lot.

We hustled to catch up.  He stopped.  He looked very surprised anyone wanted his autograph. He took his time to sign.  He did a flourish with his hand before he signed each photo; much like a batter or golfer taking a practice swing.  He signed and posed for a few photos.

I was the last. I thanked him and I also mentioned how happy I was to see him in another episode of Supernatural.  Since he was killed off the previous season, it was unexpected.  I asked if he was going to show up in other episodes and said ‘you never know’.

AH