Biography Progress Report #32: My George McFly Moment
Year of Ann Dvorak: Day 298
Like most kids in 1985, I was enchanted by the movie Back to the Future. Sure the DeLorean time machine and skateboard chase was cool, but the scene that stuck with me more than any other is at the end of the film. It’s the part where Marty is still adjusting to his alternate reality and a humbled Biff bursts into the McFly home with a box of George McFly’s latest book. While viewing that for the first time, I thought that authoring a book and making first contact with the finished product had to be one of the best feelings in the world. I was only 11 at the time, but right then and there I knew I wanted to one day have my George McFly moment. In 1998, I started working towards that goal when I committed myself to telling Ann Dvorak’s story.
Maybe it took almost 30 years, but that moment finally came on Wednesday night. I arrived home from work and my husband handed me a package from the University Press of Kentucky. I was grateful to open it with my daughter on my lap and the hubby standing by my side. And even though I could not coax her into smiling for the photo, I think she was excited to see mommy’s book and I hope it’s something she’ll remember.
As for the book – well, it’s downright gorgeous! Everything I could have hoped for and more. As you can see, the photos look great and as Glen Creason commented, it’s got a kick-ass index.
Thanks again to all of you who have stuck with me as I journeyed down this long, long road. It may have taken a hell of a long time, but after seeing the final product, I can say with all honesty that it was worth it.
Hee hee. I think she’s just annoyed that you took her away from her colors and counting!
More specifically, the Wizard of Oz colors and counting books, which I guess I can live with. I trimmed off the part where she jumps out of my lap and shrieks, “Can we read my Wizard of Oz books now?”
I guess even Ann can’t compete with the Wizard!
There are probably very few who can compete with the Wizard for a 3-year-old’s attention!
Downright adorable. Congratulations.
Okay, if you could get a hold of Doctor Emmett Brown’s DeLorean time machine for one ride back in time to meet the subject of your book at any time in her life, what date would you program it for?
Congratulations! The book looks absolutely fantastic! I can’t wait to purchase it 🙂
My initial reaction would be to visit Ann right before walking out on her contract in 1932 or marrying that last husband in 1951 and warning her about the consequences. However, that would probably do absolutely no good. Instead, I would go to early 1929 and hang out with her when she was an MGM chorus girl. She seemed like a lot of fun at that time. Then I would go to New York and see “Animal Crackers” on stage, which is my standard time travel wish!
Thanks for the well wishes!
it was a long road to your McFly moment but looks like the results were well-worth it! i’m looking forward to reading it!
btw last night i saw Mr Dvorak Leslie “Nails Nathan” Fenton in “Murder at Midnight”, fun little murder cheapie with Alice White. Fenton playing a person the cops got their eyes on as usual, lol 🙂
Thanks Paulie! I actually haven’t seen Fenton in too many films. Is he any good in that one?