It was a rare slow day at East Coast Image. We didn't have to do logistical planning for a trip somewhere, Our phone wasn't ringing off the hook with new clients (we were already booked up) and I actually had some extra time to catalog the vast archive of images we'd accumulated. Chris looked to improve his bowling game.
So it came as a surprise when we got a letter in the mail from Hollywood Studios inviting us to the world premiere of "Dreamer".
"Dreamer? What movie is this?" I asked as I looked at the invitation.
Chris read the accompanying letter.
"Huh, this is the movie we did in 'Frisco." He said. "The title was changed."
"I wonder why they changed it?" I said.
"Probably the Grateful Dead wouldn't let them use that line from Sugar Magnolia." He replied.
"That sounds about right." I said. "So, are we going?"
"I don't know, I'm not all that eager to go all the way up there. I'd rather wait for the premiere down here."
"Well, I'll go then." I said.
"Hey, it's your wheels." He said with a shrug of the shoulders as he went back to his bowling game.
When I got home that night, there was a phone message for me.
"Hey, Jim...um...I miss you...and, uh...I'd really love it if you came up to San Francisco for my movie...so call me baby."
I recognized the voice immediately.
It was the film's star, Blake Lively.
All the memories of our time there came rushing back. I immediately called the number on my caller ID and it went to voice mail. She even sounded sweet giving her "I'm not here now..." message.
"Hey Blake, I got your message...I'll see you in 'Frisco darlin'."
I was smiling as I left my message.
Two days later I was airborne and headed back to San Francisco. For V.I.P. guests like me the studio gave us rooms at the same hotel we'd been at during filming. As I walked into the lobby, all the memories of my last trip came flooding back. I checked in, got some dinner and headed for the premiere at the Fillmore West.
It was a gala to be sure.
The marquee was lit up with multi-colored lights;
"World Premiere Tonight...Dreamer...starring Blake Lively"
I smiled as I saw her name "up in lights" as it were.
The flashbulbs were everywhere and I wondered how I might find Miss Blake. I had called her number a few more times without an answer. I made my way into the theatre and showed my invitation to the film company reps. Luckily, I saw Mike Murphy from Hollywood Pictures who recognized me.
"Hey! Jim, I can't believe you came all the way up here!" he said. "Did your partner come too?"
"Nah, he's too jaded for events like this, so he sent his Lieutenant." I replied. "Uh, who's here from the film?" I asked looking around and trying not to seem like a starry-eyed fan.
He stared at me, and smiled.
"I know who you want to see, pal!" he said with a nod of his head and a wiseguy smile. "She's here, she's here." He said. "Look, I gotta take care of some stuff, enjoy the film and we'll see you at the after party."
"What after party?" I asked.
"At Compass Point, it's a club up the road, just ask around." He said as he walked away.
