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A.C. Lyles and Shirley Temple look at a copy of the
Jacksonville Journal in this undated photo.
Credit:The
Times-Union |
Shirley Temple, one of
Hollywood’s biggest and brightest stars at the height of the Depression—her
break out film Bright Eyes (1934), featuring “On the Good Ship Lollipop”—has
gone to her reward.
She
joins her good friend, and my friend, A.C. Lyles, who died just over four
months ago.
Now it’s appropriate to add one more poignant story to my
reminiscence of A.C.
During
our conversations, A.C. mentioned how close he was to Shirley, and told me she
was ailing.
They
spoke at least every other week, he said.
The
last time I talked with A.C. was Thursday, July 25—almost exactly two
months to the day before he died.
It was
time for him to be just talking to his peers, also at life’s sunset, with whom he shared so many fond memories.
So, at
the very end of the conversation, I asked A.C. if he had spoken with Shirley
recently. He said, he had meant to call her that day, and thanked me for
reminding him. He would call her first thing the next day!
That
was the last time I spoke with A.C.
Rest in
peace Shirley and A.C., back together again and talking up a storm!
Mary Claire Kendall is currently writing a book about legends of Hollywood, focused on stories of recovery, for publication in 2015. She will be on the red carpet at the Oscars interviewing the stars.
Mary Claire Kendall is currently writing a book about legends of Hollywood, focused on stories of recovery, for publication in 2015. She will be on the red carpet at the Oscars interviewing the stars.
This piece was published exclusively in
Breitbart’s “Big Hollywood” at http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Hollywood/2014/02/11/Lights-Go-Out-on-Shirley-Temple-Classic-Hollywoods-Bright%20Eyes
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| The Author |
I too, knew A.C .and met him in the long ago days when I was producing, writing, directing and acting in MABLE'S FABELS on KTLA. I'm probably the only one old enough to remember.He was always so gracious to everyone, and had known my father-in-law before I did: Jesse L. Lasky, about whom you've written. Shirley Temple was a star of my childhood. Best wishes with your book.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful reminiscence, Pat... yes, gracious was his middle name... I miss A.C.... and, thanks!
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