... From a Man Who Once Played The Saint

By: FXGuy Mood: nostalgic Date: 08/10/2007 10:40:05 Music: Viva Las Vegas! by The King

Do any of us know anymore what a "Class Act" really is..?

Is it such a term that has faded with age to a time that now placates itself with "N" this and "B" that and a Hoe is somebody reprehencable instead of a gardening impliment?

A class act was referenced to someone who set themselves apart from just the general populace- much more than "Riff-Raff" [and no- that's not refering to some character from The Rocky Horror Picture Show...]

It seems like today's Snoop Dog or Brittany or Paris is met with some degree of notoriety not only fame-wise but by notoriousness.  Gone are the days of a Gregory Peck, Jimmy Stewart or even a May West of their generations I suppose...

Ah, but then I harken back to the mid-to-late 1990s and Anne Margarette.

Now there's a Class Act in a person if ever I met one.

With The Disney-MGM Studios now changing their name to Disney's Hollywood Studios, I'm harkened back to my meeting and getting to know Mz Margarette.

In the early-to-mid 90s DMS offered Guests a chance to meet a Star of The Day- basically a well known celebrity would come stay with us for a week and for a little extra hospitality they'd opt to perform a motorcade and handprint ceremony for their adoring fans.  It was actually quite the show!

Depending on the star, often time security was provided to make things a bit more comfortable them- nothing elaborate unless we got a real "powerhouse" like a Harrison Ford or Sylvester Stallone was at the time- I happen to be on that select entourage for Ann Margarette when she joined us...

She was charming, affable and incredibly pleasent with those of us on her 'Bod Squad'- not like some I'd had the 'pleasure' of meeting many times prior.  Though she could be ruffled over unpleasentries or anything else we as human beings would seldom tollerate, she always seemed to handle them with a certain poise I've seldom if ever seen before or since.

She seemed intrigued with me- our conversations [small and quick as they were] could flow from one thing to the next and nothing surfaced to which either of us had at least a working knowledge of, or an opinion based upon.

The only thing she couldn't understand was my rigid stance and watchful eye when we'd finally start her motorcade- seldom a smile cracked through either...  I'd explained to her that it was more my worry over her safety than the need for a smile at that particular moment in time that had me looking the way I did- but no Guest was ever sniped at nor would I ever raise my voice in anger or place demands- it just isn't/wasn't me.

What was ever so classy was inevitably she told me, "Russ, I'm going to have you smiling all the way back to the area gate before this week is over- mark my words!" as if to say "Straighten up mister- or I'll give you something to smile about!"

The last motorcade on the last day turned out to be quite memorable for me and I still would hope to her as well.

During the trip up to the handprint ceremony Ann would smile and wave to the crowds of admirers but then she'd pause a moment, look at me and show a concerned, almost contemplative face to me- as if she was thinking diligently what she could say or do to get me to smile...

On the way back; half way down Hollywood Blvd, she launched into her plan...  She turned to me coily and motioned me to step up closer to the convertable she was riding in.

She then looked at me and mentioned almost tisking; "Ah, such a sad and concerned look for a man who once played The Saint"...  Without even waiting for a responce, she turned away and waived more to the crowd even calling out to a few who called her by name.

Think about that for a moment The Saint- she was talking about Roger Moore- who before his days as Bond, played the title character of the English Television series.

I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear- especially as she made the comment so cooly and heartfelt. Not to be outdone, Anne turned back to see how her handy work had faired.

Noting my stupid grin, she too broke into a sexy smile that'd melt ice.  She then leaned to the back of the convertable and with that incredible demureness she's so famous for and said "That's what I've waited all week to see, young man."

Class.

Something you just don't see anymore.

If you ever wonder why I've chosen the little stickman icon as part of my avitar, signature or "whatever"...  Look up Roger Moore and remember this story.

I continue to be:

FX