Wednesday, January 21, 2015

A Disgrace in the Sun (FF)

copyright Georgia Koch

It was a nice day to row on the lake, Montgomery Clift had convinced Shelley Winters, and although she was uneasy about it, she agreed to go.

As they took to the small boat and Clift began rowing, Clift had a dark secret. He had met Elizabeth Taylor and nothing would ever be the same. He hated himself for what he planned to do, but he had no choice.  

Elizabeth was waiting for him.

As they reached the center of the lake, Clift brandished the oar overhead. He saw the look of terror in Shelley's eyes. 

"Shel," said Clift, "I know these are your favorite oars, but Elizabeth Taylor wants to buy them.  Sorry, but we'll make a bundle!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No, this isn't exactly the way it plays out in "A Place in the Sun," but it's much nicer I think. And it allows me to pay homage to this great movie as my Friday Fictioneers' response to the picture prompt above.

I always thought Montgomery Clift was a fascinating actor.  I would have liked to have been just like him except for the dying young part. Then again, it's kind of impossible for me to die young at this stage of the game.

I hope those oars fetch the price Clift and Winters are hoping for because from the picture above,  the two of them sure as hell could use a better boat!

29 comments:

brudberg said...

So much nice Perry.. I think I prefer your version.. but I guess I'm a peaceful man.

Perry Block said...

You and me both, Bjorn. However, in the price negotiation over the oars, Clift beat Ms. Taylor to death. So, there is drama after all. Thanks for writing.

Dawn said...

I enjoyed this one! Great imagination Perry.

Perry Block said...

Thank you very much, Dawn, I ... wait a minute! Dont you enjoy all of them?!!

Dawn Q. said...

Personally, I was waiting for Shelley to dive into the lake, hold her breath and swim to safety... Ala The Poseidon! I was pulled right into this one, Perry... kind of like Shelley.

Anonymous said...

I didn't know you had a thing for Montgomery Clift.

Perry Block said...

A platonic thing, a platonic thing! Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Perry Block said...

That's a pretty good alternative. Next time Rochelle posts a picture of a boat or of ShelleyWinters, I'm all set.

Anonymous said...

This is quite imaginative, Perry. And you captured it so beautifully, the rowing on the lake...well, just that part! And you put this together so fast. You're such a pro. Well done, Perry, as always!

Perry Block said...

Thanks, Amy. Yes, yes, I did do all those things and so much more too! And I was very happy with your offering too except next time I want to actually see the monster, okay?

Sandra Crook said...

Ms Taylor demonstrated quite a preference for the things that weren't hers in the first place. :) Nice one.

N/A said...

.... Ok, truth time. I have irrational hatreds of certain actors. I don't know why, some people just irk me. Shelley Winters, although she may be a lovely woman, is one of those irrational hatreds. I say strike her with the oar, keep all the profits. Nice one, Perry :)

Thug life.

N/A said...

Burn. And you are so right, Sandra.

Perry Block said...

I think that might be a very appropiate comment for a story about a boat, a fisher being one of the things that wasn't hers in the first place.

Perry Block said...

I hope you won't feel bad about this after your diatribe, Jean, but Shelley Winters, lovely women though she is, has been dead for many years. Plus she always spoke well of you. But thanks for your comment and I hope you're doing well.

Unknown said...

Never did see the original but guess it had more (leading) edge than your pastiche. Ah, the golden days of the silver screen!

Perry Block said...

No, my version is way better! And I came in under budget. Thanks for wriiting, Patrick.

Sally said...

You led us on nicely there until the end.

Perry Block said...

It wasn't me that led you on, Sally, it was Montgomery Clift! Thanks for writing.

Russell Gayer said...

Oh come on, Randy. Don't you remember Perry's post about bromance?

Russell Gayer said...

Perry, I think it's safe to surmise that you're one of those writers with no oars in the water. I was never crazy about Shelly Winters (despite what you may have heard), but Montgomery Clift did have talent, and Liz Taylor a shopaholic for husbands.

Perry Block said...

You know I understand that when Liz Taylor died, a general invitation was sent to every man in America for fear that one of her husbands might have been left out. I know I was married to her twice and I'm pretty sure you were too. Bjorn told me he only got as far as engagement but had to break it off because she had already married Doug MacIroy. Well, at least I got my 15 minutes of Liz. And believe it or not, Shelley Winters was a babe when she was young though I never married her.

Unknown said...

You sucked me in.

Anonymous said...

Gosh Perry -- You do have a creative mind. Well written.

Anonymous said...

Dear Perry, This is so cleverly done! I always thought Shelley Winters was pretty when she was younger - but then all of us were too. I loved Montgomery Clift too. Elizabeth Taylor was absolutely beautiful but she was a home wrecker for sure - Debbie Reynolds and Princess Leah from Starwars would too. Awesome job! Nan :)

Perry Block said...

For a moment there I saw the word "sucked" and thought the worst! Thank you for the compliment, Irene.

P.S. Joshi said...

Funny piece, Perry. I liked your story much better than the original movie. But you knew that when Montomery Clift fell for Liz, Shelley had to go. With those old movies, you just knew who wasn't going to make it to the end, especially if they coughed. People payed for their crimes also. Well done. :) --- Suzanne

Subroto said...

Much better ending. Would the story have changed if they had eBay then?

Anonymous said...

Dear Perry,
Those oars better go for enough to get Shelley a ticket home. My guess is she'll be handing that fellow his walking papers soon enough after that stunt. Still, I'm happy for a lighter telling of this tale. Fun stuff!

Cheers!
MG