23 September 2016

Published September 21, 2016 by rochellewisoff

Friday Fictioneers and Poppy

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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit. 

PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

PINOCHLE CHARLIE’S DAUGHTER

            Rose Borach’s heart sank. “Fania, don’t quit school. You’re too smart to end up like your worthless father.”

            “I won’t.” The skinny seventeen-year-old glided across the room with the grace of a ballerina. “My grades stink and I’m still in the eighth grade.” She sang, “Give my regards to Broooaddwaaay!” With an exaggerated curtsy, she kissed Rose’s cheek. “Someday you’re gonna see my name in lights.”  

            “What name? Borax? Jenny Waters? Muddy Waters?”

***

            Two years later in 1910, nineteen-year-old Fania burst through Rose’s door and flashed her newly signed contract. “Look, Ma, I’m in the Ziegfeld Follies. Me! Fanny Brice!”

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For those not familiar with this great lady of the theater, may I introduce on of my childhood heroes.

106 comments on “23 September 2016

  • Well, Miss Heartburn, looks like your “aunt Fanny” was quite talented. 😉 Nice story. We need to work on a one-woman play about her. I think you’d be a natural. Sound good to you? That video was great, too. Vintage stuff.

    Five out of five “Daaadddyyy” 😀

    Liked by 2 people

  • Love reading the true story of “Funny Girl” (one of my favourite Barbra Streisand movies).
    I never realised it was based (somewhat) on truth!
    You have a gift, dear Rochelle, of bringing people to life!

    Liked by 1 person

  • Wonderful.
    Thank you for the link. My wife and I watched it with great appreciation, not only for her talent, her serious singing,and on-stage presence, but for what we could see as her physical and facial moves that must have influenced and broke the ice for such greats as Groucho Marx, Jerry Lewis, and Barbra Streisand.

    Randy

    Liked by 1 person

  • Ah, I wondered where this one was going. So that was Fanny Brice’s real name? How amazing and what drive she must have had to make it in the way she did. As Morgan says, inspiring stuff, Rochelle. I love how you find these wonderful women for us to admire – always a pleasure and your love of history always shines through, which as a history grad myself, I always love. Best wishes 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Samantha,

      That’s the fun of Friday Fictioneers that roped me in right from the start, ie the way we each approach the prompt. I challenge everyone (and myself) to think outside the box, to see beyond the obvious. Thank you for reading and commenting…that’s the other part of Friday Fictioneers that drew me in…the interaction. Through this challenge I’ve traveled the world without leaving my desk. What great fun. Thank you for being a part of it.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

    • Dear Tracey,

      My cousin Kent thinks I look like her. I don’t know about that, but I think she was amazing. One of those people I wish I could’ve met in person. Thank you for taking the time from grandmothering to read and comment.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • What a wonderful story about an amazing woman. The only thing I didn’t like in the video was that they said she wasn’t beautiful. I was thinking what Neil said above: you have a great talent to bring almost forgotten people/heroes/stars of the past to the present and fill them with new life.

    Liked by 1 person

  • Dear Fanny Bricetag,

    Another excellent slice of history. As a schoolboy, biographies were my favorite reading material. I always loved reading about real people and real events. One that stands out in my memory was a journal written by school teacher who was in the cavalry during the Civil War. He was only in a few minor battles, but it was the day to day life (and hardships) that made the story fascinating.

    You bring history to life. Perhaps you should collaborate with Ken Burns.

    Best regards,
    Mr. Center of the Universe

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Mr. COTU,

      I’ll ring up Mr. Burns right away. 😉

      I, too, enjoyed reading biographies as a schoolgirl. And I love to veg out with a good documentary about a famous person. I suppose that’s why I enjoy writing these short little bios. Happy to have taken you along for the ride. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Fanny Bricetag.
      (this might just be my favorite nomme de plume yet.)

      Like

  • Dearest Rochelle,

    I recall lyrics to a verse of “Jingle Bells” that mention Miss Fanny Brice. Seems the classics inspired both of our stories. Yours, exceptional as always, is as educational as it is entertaining. I tip my hat to you.

    Musically Yours,
    StepHonie

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Amy,

      I certainly enjoyed the film clip. I was afraid it was kind of long but figured it’s the reader’s choice to watch or not. I’m glad you liked my story. She was an amazing lady. Funny Girl didn’t do her justice. (Nor was it completely factual 😉 ) Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

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