I think I like the old movies so much because they remind me of going to the Columbia Theatre with my mom.  Today’s movie, Love is a Many Splendor Thing is just one of those movies.  I think the song hit the charts before the movie came out.  My mother used to dance around the house singing it.

Some afternoons mom and I would walk to town and get lunch and then go to the movies.  My brother and sister were in school so I must have been 4 or 5.  I remember less about the movie as I did about the majesty of the Theather.  The beautiful staircase that lead to the balcony and the restrooms that I just always had to see on the pretense of having to go. The pop corn and the candy was the other treat.  We went on the days the cleaning lady was there so my brother and sister didn’t come home to an empty house, although my grandfather was usually home by 4 pm after work.  We lived with my grandfather in his house.  I think we lived three blocks up the hill from downtown, our church, the school and a couple blocks farther to the movie.  I usually feel asleep during the movie after the popcorn and candy.  At home, during dinner we just told everyone we went shopping and we usually had bags to prove it. The movies were mom and my secret. The old movies bring back these memories.  I can hear her heels clicking on the pavement as we walked up State St.  We always stop at church to light a candle before heading home.