Idle American: Oh, for another chance

On occasion, I’ve been in the presence of the rich and/or famous. Usually, though, I am lost among hundreds - maybe thousands - turning out for political rallies or tent shows. At one, I blathered excitedly upon winning a box of Cracker Jacks! (Better to remain silent and let others think you an idiot than to speak and remove all doubt.)

At least twice, though, I’ve associated with a few well-known figures away from crowds. One was a world-renowned actor, the late “Hoss” Cartwright, star of Bonanza on TV. Another is Gary Moore, a native of tiny Forsan, Texas. In 40-plus years, he’s become well known in movie theater circles, head man for Premiere Cinemas. (Big Spring - where he owned his first theater - is where he began his career as a 12-year-old, repairing theater seats and selling concessions.) Now, he is head man for Premiere - one of the nation’s largest independent movie chains.

He is a leader in his profession, humble to the core, without ever mounting a stage, except perhaps to change a light bulb. The chain has 245 screens, mostly in Texas.

As admitted earlier, I have usually clamored at crowded venues, trying to get a better view or seeking a less perilous place to stand.

In the cases of Cartwright and Moore, however, it was them and me. Only recently have I admitted that our meeting was as random as it gets, attributed to either blind hog luck and/or a minor perk for public service.

There was nominal interest in the Alpine Chamber of Commerce in 1965. As a youthful educator and new in town, the presidential title was thrust upon me, there being no other candidates. (Veteran university teachers knew better.)

Ha! Double ha! Little did we know that soon, Cartwright, a graduate of Sul Ross State University, would return to Alpine to lead the homecoming parade. He’d ride on the back of a convertible, me Ubering him as chamber president. I remember tilting upward as he plopped downward.

Knowing I should say something, I didn’t want the question to be so innocuous that his response would be accentuated by a yawn.

“What would you do if you had life to do over?” I asked. Tears flowing, he answered, “I’d still be teaching school in West Texas.”

Some 18 years ago, Premiere Cinemas came to Burleson, opening a 14-screen house with all the bells/whistles and state-of-the-art seats.

A few hundred people were present for the grand opening. Having worked at a drive-in theater during high school, I was fascinated by the fancy-schmancy concession area. For a moment, I was face-to-face with a guy who seemed to be as at home selling popcorn as he would be repairing an oil field pump jack or grabbing a quilt to smother a rig fire. I asked him where he grew up. He said I wouldn’t know. I said I might.

He was shocked when I said, “Forsan, Texas,” forewarned that it is a small community in Webb County, where I’ve spoken several times.

I raced to my car to get one of my books, autographing it to the OWNER of the new theater. (I printed too many, so it was a small gesture.)

Then, recently - almost two decades later - as I was leaving a matinee movie, Chris Chamblee, a manager, stopped me in the lobby to introduce a man who looked vaguely familiar. Sure enough, it was the popcorn-serving - and maybe light bulb-changing - theater magnate.

Immediately I remembered our meeting at the theater’s grand opening; he recalled the book gift.

Again, he was attired in jeans.

Actually, I learned years ago never to ask this question - even next of kin - if they’ve read my books, and surely I was possessed by a major memory lapse. I asked the fatal question. (Aside: If you put my books down, you can’t pick ‘em up.)

His eyes darted and face reddened. “I haven’t read it yet.”

“Which one did I give you?” I asked. “Remember the title? Cover color? Hardback?” He couldn’t recall, but claimed it to be on the nightstand of their guest bedroom.

Dr. Newbury, longtime president of Howard Payne University, lives in the Metroplex with Brenda, his wife of 60 years. Website: www.speakerdoc.com. Email: newbury@speakerdoc.com

‍