This year we attended the Chiller Theater Expo in Parsippany, New Jersey in April and for the first time we made it into a mini weekend trip. Our children love hotels and the pool. After we had some downtime fun we explored the expo and set our sites on who we would like to meet.
I heard some of the original cast of West Side Story (1961) were going to be there and I knew that is where I had to stop by first. I cannot tell you what a joy it was to meet and be able to speak to these iconic performers. West Side Story (1961) is a special film for me because it was the first time I saw a Puerto Rican person in a big film. I was able to meet David Bean (Tiger), Russ Tamblyn (Riff), Tony Mordente (Action), and Eddie Verso (Juan).
I unexpectedly spent some special time with both David Bean and Tony Mordente who are Broadway legends. We chatted about life, the film, the reimagining of the film, family, and even personal philosophies. They were both so lovely and gracious to spend that time talking to me. I still cannot believe this happened to me and my daughter actually captured some of our conversations on video so I can look over those magical moments over and over.
We also met the likes of Lea Thompson, Burton Gilliam, Jamie Farr, and one of the writers of Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster (1921), Ron MacCloskey. Everyone was so nice and warm. We usually can't get to everyone we want to meet because there are also vendors selling vintage movie goods, horror movie products, and movie collectibles. We also have a good time walking around and taking in all the different things that this expo has to offer. Our kids have been going since they were little and I take particular joy in sharing my love and passion for film with them.
I will leave you with a funny anecdote that Jamie Farr who played the iconic role of Corporal Klinger in M*A*S*H and as the Sheik in The Cannonball Run movies, shared with my husband and I. My husband loves The Cannonball Run movies and after he told Mr. Farr about how much he enjoyed the films Mr. Farr said, " during the filming of Cannonball Run there wasn't anyone that wasn't drinking on that set because you know, Dean Martin was there."
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