So I have a 10 year old in the house, which necessitates the watching of “cheesy” Christmas Movies on Disney+. We watched one yesterday, spoiler alert, the girl becomes Santa. Shocking I know, but we all knew that plot twist was inevitable. Anyway, prior to the movie I saw a few preview from a few vintage movies. Yeah, that is right. 1991 is now considered vintage film. Ugh. Anyway, this movie preview that I saw was from the film staring Billy Crystal called City Slickers. The movie is generally predictable, not that good and a real poor attempt at comedy. To save you the two hours, here is how it goes. Middle aged men go on a Western Excursion retreat and learn to be Cowboys. They have some challenges where they confront their fears and weaknesses, and are able to demonstrate a little courage and return better men, more appreciative of their families.
Anyway, the preview reminded me of one of the most powerful conversations between two actors in a film that I have seen. It is a moment when the character, Mitch played by Billy Crystal, is having a conversation with Curly, the weathered and experienced old cowboy played by Jack Palance. Here is how the conversation goes:
Curly:
Do you know what the secret of life is? [points index finger skyward] This.
Mitch:
Your finger?
Curly:
One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don’t mean shit.
Mitch:
But, what is the “one thing?”
Curly:
[smiles and points his finger at Mitch] That’s what you have to find out.
The One Thing. That is an amazing concept. Is there one thing that we should be pursuing and if so what is it?
Guy Reams
