One Big Happy by Rick Detorie for August 01, 2021

I remember the days when smoking was allowed in the balcony of theaters.

Good old Optional Wednesdays!

I remember smoking being permitted in the entire movie theatre. Sometimes local live entertainment before the movies, too. I also remember a penny candy store right next door.

Thursday nights were Grocery Bingo. Winners got bags of groceries. This was a big deal and a real thing in The Great Depression.

WOW beat the ‘modern’ “super dippy stars” of today who make everyday underwear optional or you’d thunk it by the paparazzi posts all over the internet.

My town’s movie theater had all that, well, except for the underwear optional thing. I doubt my Mom would’ve gone for it anyway.

And for that dime/nickel, you got the news (latest from the Front in France!), a cartoon (What’s up, Doc?), the short (Hey Moe!), the B movie and FINALLY the Feature!

Yes, all before MY time, but my grandmother told me all about it!

Yeah, but now I’m gettin’ old, don’t wear underwear

That’s why I wish I had a pencil thin mustache

The “Boston Blackie” kind

A two-toned Ricky Ricardo jacket

And an autographed picture of Andy Devine