July 24, 2021 (Saturday)
I see by the calendar that it’s Saturday. I’ve been reminiscing about Saturdays in Houston as a child. At some point in my growing up, Saturday become Movies Day. I was 9 or 10 years of age when I started attending the movies every Saturday if the money was available. It only cost five cents, but even that was not always available. If somehow I possessed a nickel, it was off to the “picture show.”
I recall the movie began with selected short subjects, like The Three Stooges or a comical documentary by Bob Benchley or the guy who would say, “Monkeys is the cwayziest people.” Then the weekly serial episode, like Gene Autrey or Captain somebody. It would always end on a cliff hanger that killed the hero. But on the next Saturday he would have experienced a miracle and was living to fight the bad guys. Then came a cartoon or two, and the kids in the audience went wild with cheers. Finally, the first feature, usually a third rate cowboy show of some kind. After that some previews of coming attractions, another cartoon, and then the second feature, maybe a thrilling cops and robbers flick. Finally, after hours in the cool theater, it was time to go back out into the summer heat and make our way home. That was a lot for a nickel, wasn’t it?
After the movie, we got together with our friends and played “Cowboys and Indians” or “Cops and Robbers.” When we tired of that, it was a short break for koolaid or water, then a brief visit with the kid who lived in the house where we took the break. After that, it was back outside, running and jumping and playing games like “follow the leader,” “leap frog,” “May I” or “Simon says.” We never lacked for ideas. There was always something to do.
It was good to be a kid. Memories are made that last a lifetime.