I came home, made a late dinner, lit some incense, and watched Kim, a movie I have not seen since I was 8 years old. It has “dated” very well, in terms of humor and action, although seeing white actors play Indians is a bit jarring. Errol Flynn is ridiculous, campy, and perfect, he makes it all look so easy – leaping on his horse, stroking his beard, thinking and scheming – and Dean Stockwell, age 14, carries the entire movie on his small shoulders. He’s in almost every scene, but he shows no wear and tear. He knows what he is doing at all times. He is a complete and total natural. He has to be a street urchin, a fighter, a cunning and conniving operator, a precocious social animal (winking and leering at the pretty Indian lady he is sent to give a message to), a lost little boy – he has to fight, and cry, and do all kinds of physical stuff too – climbing, jumping, hanging upside down – it’s all him. He’s funny, sweet, a little bit intimidating (like the Artful Dodger would be intimidating if you met him and tried to talk to him as though he were a normal little boy) – he’s sad, he’s illiterate, he’s brave, he can be unscrupulous, and he has deep love in his heart for the Holy Man. He also has flowery language at times, not normal kid speech. It’s a lot for a kid to do. He’s fantastic. And it’s uncanny – you never catch him “acting”. He does not ham. I can’t think of a hammy moment in his whole career. His talent guides him to what is true, natural, and ultimately right. He was kind of a phenom as a child actor, in that regard.
But more than that, the movie is so much fun! I loved it when I was a kid, and it still is fun to watch.
I read once in some interview recently, Stockwell was asked, “Who taught you about sex?” (Ah, nothing like a nice personal question to start out the morning.) And Stockwell replied “I did a movie with Errol Flynn when I was 14. I got quite an education.”
Their rapport in the film feels genuine. They feel like equals. Co-conspirators.
I promise to watch Kim if you show us this haircut. I must take what pleasure I can out of other people’s hair triumphs.
I need to see this haircut. Soon.
Think That Girl.
That Girl?? really??? soooo cute…i expect a cell phone pic from work in my e-mail in the next 15 minutes…Kate? can i get an AMEN????
Mitchell – hahahaha Okay … hang on a second. It’s pouring here – which means the FLIP is not as PRONOUNCED as it was last night … and I’m doing all of this from my blackberry. Hang on …
But it’s girlie, and soft, and kinda glam.
I’m in love with it. i’ve been looking so dowdy lately.
Nope – it’s not working. I’ll send you a pic tonight.
You’ve reached a new all-time high with the title “Hair and Also Dean Stockwell.”
Welcome to Dunkin Donuts! How can I help you?
Yes, I’d like a medium iced decaf with skim milk, and Dean Stockwell.
…
$1.92, please.
Sheila, I just sent you email containing an artist’s rendition of you with Marlo Thomas’ hair, and by “artist” I mean “me” and by “rendition” I mean “5 minute photoshop.” I hope it gives you a chuckle.
A little D&D, a little Stockwell. A little haircut, a little Stockwell. Life is beautiful!
hubby, the real dean stockwell.the other man is a fraud.that is claiming dean stockwells acting name for years…ku klux klan activity.theives
hubby, the real dean stockwell.the other man is a fraud.that is claiming dean stockwells acting name for years…ku klux klan activity.theives