Note: The inLinkz closes every Tuesday evening at 6:55 CDT to make way for the next that opens a few hours later.
Our Mantra
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 © Magaly Guerrero
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
SPLIT WEEK
“Papa, how could you fire Joe?” Myra Cutler flung her dance shoes into her suitcase. “He was an asset to the show.”
“You’re only off by two letters.” Frank, head of the Cutler Comedy Club, embraced his seventeen-year-old daughter. “All that wastrel has on his mind is my talented baby girl. You’ve no future with him.”
Pulling back, Myra clenched her teeth. “We’re going to be huge Vaudeville stars.”
___
A year later, in 1895, after a show in Piqua, Kansas, weary from performing, Myra gave birth to the third member of their act—Joseph Frank Keaton—better known as Buster.
***
Buster, Myra and Joe Keaton known in Vaudeville as “The Three Keatons”
For those unfamiliar with silent film star Buster Keaton, here’s a taste of his comedic genius.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
You bring history to life, Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Neil. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I remember Buster Keaton. He was a talented performer. Good story based on fact, Rochelle, and well written as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Suzanne,
There was a lot more to Mr. Keaton than met the silent screen. Interesting man. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle you have gone and done it again, this was a great snippet from history.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michael. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
You gave voice to the brilliance surrounding the silence of Mr Keaton. Brilliant writing of historical fiction yet again, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neel,
What a perfectly lovely thing to say. I’m glad you enjoyed this bit of history. I certainly found the research entertaining. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I guess Joe had some good genes to pass on! Talk about a family business! Great peek into the lives of these particular brand of stars.
You did it again, Rochelle! Brought to life the past. I just love how you do that…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dale,
I’m happy to have you in my fan gallery. Always pleased to have you accompany on Memory Lane. Thank you, my friend. Mil gracias.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m just glad I get to join you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Any time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once again you hit on one of my all time favorites. I have always adored Keaton, a man I consider to be both a genius and an American tragedy. There was a candid camera bit late in his career when he sits in disguise.next to a couple in a diner, improvising one minor catastrophe after another. And who can forget his cameo in Sunset Boulevard? There are a number of fine documentaries about him on YouTube that I heartily recommend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Josh,
Your comment fills me with smiles. I think I remember the Candid Camera episode. I watched quite a few documentaries on Mr. Keaton before trying to sum him up in 100 words. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I like how he always tried to get his dad into his films, too.He uses his dad’s gags in a few of them, like going through a brick wall to escape the cops. This makes me want to watch College again. That’s probably my favorite, though it’s hard to choose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was amazing. He used his mother in films, too. Interesting family and a fascinating man. I could easily go on a lost weekend binge watching his films.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If these two lines weren’t said, they should have been:
“He was an asset to the show.”
“You’re only off by two letters.”
🙂
janet
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Janet,
Originality is the art of concealing your source. 😉 I’m glad you caught those two lines. So nice to see you in my corner of the woods. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Love this clip! Just watched it with my thirteen year old and we were both chuckling. These masters of old cinema amaze me. We watch cinema now with its garish special effects, but in early cinema it was all real – just astonishing.
Love your story Rochelle, that fiesty Myra running off to catch up with her man. So lovely. Thanks so much for sharing such a great tale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lynn,
Looking at the silliness in the film it’s hard to imagine the outrageous risks Mr. Keaton took. No stunt men there. It appears that he came by his feistiness honestly, didn’t he? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
An astonishingly gifted man, such a way of moving and that face – so mournful and expressive. He had gifts alright 🙂
LikeLike
I have heard about Buster Keaton most of my life, but had never seen him. Thanks for solving a mystery in my entertainment history.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Joe,
Never seen Buster Keaton? I’m so pleased to have righted that wrong in your life. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great little story – another one of your “before the story” stories. I love the clip you posted with it. The house looked like it was designed by Picasso, so perhaps they are better off without it 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Trent,
We wouldn’t think so now but in the time the movie was made, people were able to buy prefab homes. In any case, I enjoyed the flick…particularly when he nailed the car to the side of the house. 😀 Glad you enjoyed my story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
My favorite straight-faced funny man!
This was such a good story! So well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Emmy,
He was more interesting than I realized. Definitely more than met the eye. Glad you like my story. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLike
You share the most interesting historical tidbits 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Linda. Very kind of you to say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Great Stone Face. I loved his films. Saturday afternoon wouldn’t have been the same without the silent films on the TV.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jane,
He was a legend in his own time, wasn’t he? Still is. I enjoyed his films, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great story with an interesting history lesson. Well done my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Bridget. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH! I love Buster Keaton. We have silent film show series at the local theater. There’s a Wurlitzer in the floor. Last year two Buster Keaton films were part of the series. Fun!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lish,
He was amazing, wasn’t he? Hope you liked my story, too. 😉 I would love to attend a silent film festival. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I did like your story, very much. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
He he, I gathered, Lish. I’m such a comment junkie. 😉
LikeLike
Lovely, especially the clip at the end. Thank you for a the chuckles today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear April,
I’m always happy to send out chuckles. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Illuminating, as always. You do this so well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sweet of you to say so, Sandra. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Love (and dance) won’t be denied. They will certainly find a way… even if they have to pack their old lives (while baring their teeth), in order to create a proper tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Magaly,
Indeed, love and dance do find their ways. ;). Thank you for leaving such a delightful comment…and providing such a wonderful photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve always loved Buster Keaton films, how wonderful to learn about his family here. Your story makes me want to watch again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Gabi,
They were some fun films, weren’t they? He actually put his parents in his movies. Nice way for the son to return the favor. Thank you for such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! I loved Buster Keaton movies. It’s no surprise he came from a background of performers. Fun story, Rochelle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Eric,
He was an amazing performer and, it appears, came by it honestly. Thank you for coming by. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Rochelle,
Otra vez … muy interesante
This was way, way, way before my time. But, I enjoyed learning this little bit about them.
Leads me to want to know more. Fun video …
Muy amable,
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Isadora,
No doubt our parents enjoyed these films first hand. 😉 At least mine did as small niños. Humor is timeless, yo creo. These films are still fun to watch, aren’t they? Gracias.
Abrazos y shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Rochellle,
I must say it was a fun video. I’ll have to view some more of them. Good for a laugh and I enjoy a good laugh.
Buen fin de semana …
Besitos y Shalom 😍
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
Fantastic, Buster Keaton the movie star gets a human face. Had me googling again. Great story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Subroto,
I’m always happy to send my readers away wanting to know more. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Very funny, Rochelle… the house made me giggle straight away… so those were dancing shoes, were they? I wondered about them when I peered at the picture… i also appreciated your writing… it’s so effective with no adjectives… I suppose that’s what FF teaches you…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Valerie,
The thought of your giggling delights me. I don’t know if the shoes are dancing shoes or not, but in my story they are. 🙂 I’ve learned a lot about stronger writing through FF. Thank you for gracing my page. I love your visits, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a cheery start to my day. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your stories are always so interesting and informative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Clare. You made me smile. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you for adding some cheer to my day, Hilary. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Show biz runs (ran) in the family, it seems. I used to watch Buster Keaton when I was little, along with Harold Lloyd.
Loved the line about the “asset” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali,
I wish I could say the ‘asset’ line was original, but it fit so well in this piece. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Confuse-us Yogini,
How wonderful of you to feature a comic genius. I’ve long been an admirer of his work. When I was in my twenties there was a TV station in Tulsa that showed comedy classics from the early days of film every Sunday. Most of those stars had spent years working vaudeville before going into movies. I loved them all, but WC Fields was my favorite.
Mr. Classic
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Mr. Classic,
My dad was a great fan of Vaudeville. He spoke of it with reverence and affection. I must say he passed that love of the classics down to his daughter. Glad you enjoyed. When I look at Mr. Keaton’s slap shoes in this clip I can’t help but think of a certain class clown. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
You always give us a gem of a story and a nugget of information.
LikeLike
Dear Lindy,
What a lovely compliment. Many thanks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I adore how you bring history and story together. Beautiful. You give life to the past.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for such a wonderful compliment, Stephanie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
Thank you for yet another interesting snippet from history brought to life by your storytelling. If only they’d taught history like this at school, I might have stayed wide awake in lessons!
Buster Keaton was great. Just loved him.
All best wishes,
Sarah
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sarah,
Oddly enough, history was a one of my weakest subjects. It never had a face or a heart. But I was always well rested. 😉 I always look forward to your comments. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
If my son gets to teach history, which he’s hoping to do, I will remind him to include face and heart in his lessons so his students don’t sleep! His history teacher in his first school was fantastic, so inspired him forever in the subject.
All best wishes,
Sarah
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sarah,
I had one teacher two years in a row who was amazing. I probably learned more between the ages of 12 and 13 than any other. Mr. McShane, he added drama and excitement to history. I wish your son all the best. He could be embarking on an adventure and taking young minds with him.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another little gem, Ms History Teacher!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ms. Lizzy. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great story Rochelle! All the comedy greats sometimes have to fight for it… good for her! Love was clearly a winner
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Laurie,
Myra knew what she wanted, didn’t she? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank goodness his daughter didn’t listen. The world would have missed out on Buster Keaton. Love can drown out all other voices except that of the beloved.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rommy,
Myra gave up a lot for her beloved and the world would be a dimmer place if she hadn’t. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Love this. You do bring history to life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for a great compliment, Cindy. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
the father’s reaction was expected. i’ve heard it many times: as dads go, no man will be good enough for their daughters. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Plaridel,
My father never forgave my husband for taking his baby girl. 😉 Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have an amazing command of history that weaves its way into your fiction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for such a lovely compliment, James. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Lovely story, Rochelle, and based on a real person and event, which is an extra bonus:) Joseph Frank, son-in-law and father-in-law linked forever in their son/grandson’s name. Lovely idea of reconciliation. I haven’t a clue, but I suppose they got on in the end…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Luccia,
I really don’t know about later relations with Myra’s father. I’d like to think there was reconciliation. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful story. I love Buster Keaton. Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Kathy,
I’m glad you enjoyed my story and took the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Fantastic. I’ve learned something I didn’t know previously, and I’ve laughed. What could be better?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Louise,
Your words are music to my eyes. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
History must be taught this way! So interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for such a wonderful comment, Yuhu. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLike
Another great story of history in the making, Rochelle. Great stuff
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Michael. Glad you enjoyed my snippet of history.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I guess she didn’t listen to her father, lucky for Buster.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dawn,
I suppose if she’s listened to her father I wouldn’t have known to write this story. 😉 Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
LOL..well, yes, there is also that!
LikeLike
Love Buster! Great story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Connie! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how you manage to bring history into your stories 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Claire. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike