ul hands.As we stepped into the lobby the energy was infectious. The room itself was as beautiful as always. The flowers were perfectly arranged. The long stem, high ball, and low ball glasses glistened in the rack above the sunken bar.
The clerk at the front desk checked us in and presented us with room keys that were adorned with a miniature one sheet poster of the soon-to-be released movie "A Prairie Home Companion."
As we stepped into our room we marveled at the view of the park and river below. I settled in, flipped through the local paper, turned to the clock and informed my bride that we had an hour.
We were aware that the worldwide premiere of the film was going to be shown that night at the famous Fitzgerald Theater – what we didn't know was that there was going to be a parade. Moreover, the parade was scheduled to leave from the St. Paul Hotel.
I just love a parade. And this one was going to beat the band – actually it would be led by the beat of a band. According to the reports there were going to be horse drawn carriages under the stars –I don't mean the type that comprise constellations – I mean the type who stick hands and feet into fresh concrete on Hollywood streets.
At 5:30 we pushed the L button of the elevator. Seconds later, the doors slid open and the scene bedazzled us. The lobby was full of sharp dressed men and women.
Truth be told, I am educated in the ways of film and film makers. I've been to several premieres over the years. What struck me most about the parade and this evening in St. Paul was the unaffected, sincere feeling of the night.
Due to tight schedules and harried lifestyles it is often difficult to get celebrities to attend movie premieres in Hollywood - even when the actors live there.
May 3rd re-enforced a special feeling I often get in St. Paul. This is a city where the citizens care about each other. Maybe it's the harsh Minnesota winters Garrison Kiellor immortalizes in his radio monologue and show. Maybe it's the size of the place and its rich history – whatever the cause, the city that served as the home for the movie and its cast and crew surely must have impacted the actors in the film. Many of them not only showed up for the parade, they had fun. Each was gracious. They waved, they laughed, they signed autographs and they engaged with the crowd as if they were lucky locals who were riding the float.
The participation of the cast and crew is a testament to the movie, the director - Robert Altman and "A Prairie Home Companion's" creators, performers, and followers.
Imagine your self standing on the porch and let the parade begin . . .
4 pm - We slipped our key into the slot and stepped into the room with a view
5:30 pm - Below our window the coaches arrive. I check my wife's shoes to make sure this isn't a Cinderella story that no one told me about.5:53 pm - The lobby is a flutter with all the goings on. In all the excitement I fumble with the settings of my new fancy pants camera
6:03 pm – "It's Him . . . It's Him!"
6:17 pm - These kids can play!
6:18 pm - A great director directs. Mr. Altman is one of our best.
6:20 pm – Does Ms. Lohan have a blanket contract?
6:20 pm - Best of friends!
It's a sign.
6:22 pm - Bet that trio can sing.
6:24 pm - Just Another Day in St. Paul
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Comments: 4
Beryl, hope all is great with you. I am surprised to hear that some folks "didn't get a glimpse." It may be due to your fellow citizens politeness! I simply worked my way towards the front when possible, said "excuse me" several times and acted as if I belonged - - Actually, that's also how I try to live my life on the planet.
Philip - how fun! (Except for the part about not being invited to the events.)