"Victim" with Dirk Bogarde (1961)

Here is a highly provocative and interesting English film from 1961. "The Victim" stars Dirk Bogarde as a successful Barrister, with high morals as well as a past which is not quite behind him. It begins in such a way which mirrors the secrecy which surrounded the issue at the time, and as a result you are left wondering just what it is that the young victim "Boy Barrett, played by Peter McEnery, is running from. Dennis Price also co-stars in his role as a closeted stage actor.

Married, sucessful and certain to be elevated to the House of Lords, he faces a choice, either stay silent, or risk destroying his comfortable and repected life to stand up for what is morally right.

This film was made at a time when homosexuality was a crime in England, just as it was here in America, and it raises many questions. What is the nature of these "criminals"? And who is the bigger threat to society? The blackmail victims; albeit  "lawbreakers", or the blackmailers themselves?

When Barrister Farr (played by Bogarde) begins to stand up for principles, questions are raised about how far things can go without hurting society; or himself. This is a fascinating film from whichever perspective you view it. And seeing it over 60 years after it's release, makes it even more so.

Bert Shepard

True baseball fans will know this story. I hope my post will do justice to all who face adversity with the inner strength this fellow did. I first ran across him in a book several years aago.

While flying a P-38 over Germany during the war, Bert was shot down. As a result he was taken prisoner, lost his leg and was later traded in a POW exchange with Germany in early 1945. I know, you’re saying “So what? A lot of guys were wounded, maimed and came home when the war was over.” And you’re right about that. But there’s something special about Bert’s story.

On August 4, 1945; only 7 months after being exchanged as a POW; Bert was home and working. He had mastered the art of walking on an artificial leg while a POW in Germany. So, when he came home he was quick to return to work. Actually, it was kind of an extension of his old job.

The night of August 4, 1945 saw the Washington Senators baseball team being soundly whipped by the Red Sox. In the 4th inning the score was already 14-2. Bert was watching the game anxiously; he really loved the Senators and wanted the team to win. But things weren’t looking too good on that score. (Forgive the pun.)

While Bert probably wasn’t that surprised at the manager’s decision to put in a relief pitcher, he was surprised at the choice of the man who would be pitching. It would be Bert.

You see Bert was a pitcher before the war; and afterwards; in only 7 months’ time, he had become the Pitching Coach for the Washington Senator’s. And on the night of August 4, 1945, he made history; when he took the pitcher’s mound and became the first man with an artificial leg to pitch in a Major League Baseball game. You may know him as Bert Shepard.

"Smile" - Nat King Cole and Charlie Chaplin

 

 

"Smile" has always been one of my favorite songs. I hum it to myself when I'm down, or alone. Charlie Chaplin wrote the tune for the film "Modern Times" in 1936. He even wrote  "Eternally" (later retitled as "Terry'sTheme") for "Limelight" in 1951. But "Smile" is what he is most remembered for.

The lyrics were added in 1954 by Geoffrey Parsons and John Turner. By 1954 Nat King Cole made it the standard we all know and love. Louis Armstrong did it as well. And even Michael Jackson did a version of it. So smile, everyone.....smile. 🙂

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Charles Chaplin / Geoffrey Parsons / John Turner