ON MY DAY OUT, I decided to go see "The Help" since I had read and enjoyed the book a year or so ago. What I didn't factor in was my tendency toward theatrical narcolepsy. Sleepy Mr. Bob never, ever snoozes in the theater, but when I was 19, he had to take me to see the movie, "From Here to Eternity" twice so I could see the complete film. I gave up going to the legitimate theater when I dozed through a stage production of "Ragtime" at $70 a seat.
Last Thursday I arrived at the multi-screen theater at the appointed time, purchased my ticket, stoically passed up the refreshment counter and selected a seat in the back row on the aisle. Soon I was asked to move by someone who had brought a friend in a wheelchair so I heaved my bones up and moved a row ahead and one seat over so that my head, which sports rather large hair, wouldn't interfere with their view and resettled myself.
I'm in the habit of snapping a picture with my iPhone and immediately sending it to my kids, just to show where I am and what I'm doing. It's a superfluous act on my part, for I don't think I get many comments back. So I did that, and got through the endless coming attractions, none of which were of interest......it must be my age showing......and when the opening credits came on for the featured film, I was out like a light before they even finished rolling. When I sleep at the theater, I'm aware that I'm doing it but am helpless to lift my eyelids, so that went on for a while before I'd had enough rest and regained consciousness, berating myself in the process, for paying the price of a theater ticket in order to sleep.
I was surprised to find someone sitting next to me in a nearly empty theater. I don't think any of my belongings was missing, but it was startling to think that a criminal could have helped himself.
Since I had read the book, I wasn't at a total loss when it came to picking up the plot and I saw enough of the film to know that I was pleased at the casting, directing and acting (not usually the case when a book is made into a movie). I definitely recommend seeing it and also urge you to consider reading the book first. And remember to get a good night's sleep ahead of time.
