Popcorn at the Ready

For as long as I can remember I’d had a dream, a secret wish.  Secret, because my parents would have laughed in my face if I’d voiced it.  I’d learned long ago that I never really mattered.

Even when I was given the lead part in our school play, they couldn’t be bothered to come and watch me.  I envied the kids in my class whose parents did attend, encouraging and supporting them.  The movie channel and a bowl of popcorn had meant more to mine.

That said, I couldn’t get enough of the movies on the silver screen.  Week after week, I’d buy a ticket at the cinema just to disappear into this magical world.

Leaving school, I couldn’t believe my luck when I was offered a job as a trainee receptionist at a small independent film studio.  My wishful dream had suddenly become just a little bit closer.

I was in awe of the actors, producers and directors that came through the door.  Some just nodded and walked by but there were one or two who stopped for a chat.  One of which was a celebrated director who seemed to take a shine to me.   And it was he who gave me my big break.

A jobbing actress had been taken ill and he wanted me to replace her!  Apparently, I had just the look for the part which, thankfully, consisted only of two lines, because I was petrified!   Somehow the studio managed to arrange an Equity card and, before I knew it, I was in front of the camera.

What can I say?  That part changed my life.  The camera loved me, as did the audience.  Within a year, I was being offered leading roles.  My star was ascending.  When Hollywood beckoned… I never looked back.

I’m relating this lounging beside the pool in the grounds of my Beverly Hills mansion, having just read that my latest blockbuster movie is showing on the movie channel.

It isn’t without some gratification that I find myself imagining my parents watching it… lounging on their sofa… popcorn at the ready.