OK, so Independence Day came and went, but I still wanted to write this post ( was just too busy over the weekend with my own little Fourth-of-July disasters). Have you ever heard of the movie, "The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters"? Probably not. Have you ever heard of Jean Shepherd's "A Christmas Story"? Most likely. What's the connection? Both were written by humorist Jean Shepherd and both feature the same characters (only Ralph was a teenager played by Matt Dillon in The Great American Fourth).
Why is one so well known and the other not? Most likely because the Great American Fourth of July came out in 1982; a year before A Christmas Story, and was made for and aired on PBS. The movie has never been put into distribution and only a handful of grainy VHS-taped copies exist (I actually have one of these I found and duped back in the mid 80's). Why do I know about it? Because I was in it! No, not as an actor but an extra.
You see, when I was in high school (I was a senior in 1982) Jean Shepherd visited my school as part of his quest for a marching band to use in his movie. The antiquated, military-style uniforms of our band fit the bill, and the Matt Dillon character was equipped with a CHS (Chelmsford high School) uniform and bass drum. I wasn't in the band but I did twirl a baton (don't laugh), and the majorettes, along with the cheerleaders, were also included in the fun two-days of shooting in Boston. We had the opportunity to portray a 4th-of-July parade and picnic (complete with tug-of-war). And yes, if you know where to look, you can see me in the film (blond Farrah Fawcett hair and all).
Anyway, this time of year I tend to think of that unknown movie and my connection to it. Especially when faced with my own little disasters (like this Fourth of July, trying to unclog the kitchen drain as over 40 guests arrived for a family get together).
If you ever have a chance to view "The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters" - go for it! It's no where as good as "A Christmas Story" but worth a look nonetheless.
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