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School Daze: 1920-1940 105
“I haven’t touched
a drop of alcohol since the invention of the funnel.”
“Somebody left the cork out of my lunch.”
––W.C. Fields
W.c. FIelds
Hallie’s sister, Laura, was an actress and dated lots of film stars, including the creator of the original Keystone Cops, Mack Sennett. One night, Laura brought Mack and his friend, W. C. Fields, to our house for a corned beef and cabbage dinner. It was an enormous treat to have two famous movie people as guests, and we all had a great time. W.C. Fields later invited us to his house for a Mexican dinner prepared by his girlfriend, Carlotta. He lived in Los Feliz in a very large Mediterranean villa.
The living room housed a huge billiard table, but the rest of the place was beautifully furnished. We were seated at a large dining table and I was placed next to W.C. himself. Wine was being poured, and because I was a teenager, I refused any spirits. Mr. Fields put his arm around me, saying he wanted me to taste a particular drink and let him know my opinion. It was Sauternes. To my amazement, I liked it and told him so. “Aha!” he shouted. “My dear child, remember this important moment. Write down the date I started you on the right road in life! Drink up! Enjoy life!”
Above
W.C. Fields autographed this photograph for me when I was a teenager. “To my little sweetie Janet from her friend, W. C. Fields.”
Opposite
AphotoofmeatLaRew.
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