Backs to Nature

In those depression years the short features were designed to entertain average folk on their own level in an immediate way that they could relate to. When the audience laughed it was not at the physical humor but because they recognized themselves in the less than perfect Patsy. Times were hard and there were few things available to distract from the realities outside the movie house.

It was practice then for folks to go once a week to a movie, usually the matinée on Saturday, where news of the world plus a couple of short features were shown for less than the night time price of admission. Popcorn was a nickel and at intermission we all held our tickets hoping our number would be called for a prize.

Ms.Kelly and many others provided entertainment when so many needed it. It is a mistake, I think, to compare her work to others more polished as she portrayed the everyperson through herself. Coarse, vulgar (common) and delightful all at once.

I miss her.