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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 © Ted Strutz
My weekly admonition to over 70 participants. Please keep your stories to 100 words or less. Thank you for your consideration.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
READY FOR MY CLOSEUP
Addie beamed. “Isn’t my little girl just the prettiest thing?”
“Her ears are a bit large,” said Addie’s mother Bertha.
Glory’s ruffled skirt flared as she skated along the sidewalk way ahead of the other children. Puffs of ribbon adorned her glossy hair and covered her ears.
“You spoil her.”
“Glory is special.” Addie shrugged.
“She’s a daydreamer. Her marks in school are deplorable. What can the future possibly hold for such a child?”
Not many years later, Addie Swanson once more beamed with pride when Gloria’s image graced the screens of movie theaters from one coast to the other.
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The actress as a child
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Gloria Swanson 1899-1983
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
great combination…
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Thank you, Mihrank.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And that, of course, is the point of a child – potential
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Dear Neil,
That child certainly had potential, didn’t she? She just didn’t display it much in the classroom. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Regardless of what the Bertha thought, the daughter of her daughter fulfilled her potential. Isn’t that the way of mothers and daughters? 🙂 Once again, I learned a piece of history from your writing, Rochelle!
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Dear Jan,
My mother wanted me to take secretarial courses. I refused and took art and languages instead. In retrospect I’m glad and must say that, while Mom protested and disagreed, she never forced me. She did teach me to type so I’m grateful for that. Who knew the keyboard would become such an essential part of our lives. 😉 Always happy to teach a bit of history along the way. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Maybe Addie Addie somehow noticed something Bertha couldn’t see
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Dear Larry,
Actually Addie was very supportive of her daughter. Thanks for coming by for the matinee.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Turned into the beautiful flower that she was meant to be. You never know what would happen and how would things shape up in the future. Lovely story, Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
She not only blossomed but turned into a cinematic legend. Thank you as always for you sweet words and appreciation. They mean so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Just goes to show ya…..
different strengths and talents!
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Dear Yvette,
I’m of the belief that everyone has a strength or talent. Thanks for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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good belief to have 🙂
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The photograph of her as a child is simply stunning. Old photographs seem to capture so much more than those currently in vogue. A lovely story of belief and commitment. Well written as ever.
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Dear Sandra,
Ms. Swanson was a fascinating woman. I, too, fell in love with the picture of her as a child.. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The ever doting mother… but this time justifiably so. Nice story.
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Dear Trent,
Addie was a doting mother, but Gloria was determined and certainly made her own way. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Everyone has something the excell at – you just have to find it.
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Dear Irene,
I completely agree with you. Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Sunset Blvd” remains one of my favorite 20th century American films.
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Dear James,
Interestingly, Gloria Swanson took the role after others turned it down. In a 1980 interview with Barbara Walters, she said that she wasn’t like Nora Desmond at all. She was quite content with her past and present. Ah but we always will see her as Nora, won’t we?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, who hasn’t heard of Gloria Swanson? Perhaps only the very young, who have not yet learned the magic of old films. Great story, Rochelle.
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Dear Linda,
She was one of the early greats, wasn’t she? Thank you for stopping by for a remembrance.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved this – thanks for sharing the story behind the legend .
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Thank you, Bettina. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fitting tribute to a wonderful actress! Love the extra pics of her, too!
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Dear Jelli,
There were so many wonderful pics of her to choose from. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And what a glorious career and life she had 🙂
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She did have an amazing career, Iain. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Many actors and actresses were deplorable in school, or dropped out. You have to wonder how much farther they might have gone with a formal education. Food for thought. Also, I cannot count the people I know who were not so beautiful or handsome as a child but blossomed in many ways. Good story.
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Jennifer Lawrence is a prime example, isn’t she? I don’t know that everyone will is suited for college as we’ve seen in our own family. Glad you liked the story, m’luv.
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I have heard so much about Sunset Boulevard and now after reading this I feel I have to watch it now. Fascinating story from a time when stardom meant something.
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Dear Subroto,
I saw an interview with Ms. Swanson from the 1980’s. While Sunset Boulevard won her an Oscar nomination, she insisted that she and the character were miles apart. She was most definitely a silent film superstar. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
That was beautifully done! If only all parents had that much faith in their children’s potential – even if that potential is not yet known! Bertha needs to focus on other things that the ears of her granddaughter….
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I’m not sure exactly who mentioned Gloria’s ears to Addie. It was one of the grandmothers. But, of course, this is fiction. 😉 But the truth is that Addie did support her little girl. Thanks for your wonderful comments, as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hah! I thought you found an extra little tidbit of info. See how well you do that?
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Ah, maternal pride. Where would we be without it? Another interesting peek at a life I didn’t know much about. I love that early photo of her.
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Dear Sarah,
I love going back in the lives of famous people and playing “what if.” 😉 Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like the way you select details that give the story depth, for example “as she skated along the sidewalk way ahead of the other children.” As always, a well-told tale, Rochelle.
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Dear Penny,
Thank you so much your encouraging comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a good example of how a child should be raised.
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Thank you, Alice. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So interesting Rochelle, I’ve learnt from your story. Stunning pictures. I wonder if Addie was worried that life ‘on the stage’ for her daughter was too uncertain and unsafe ? She was being protective ?
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Dear Francine,
From what I’ve read Addie was very supportive of her daughter’s decision. But, what mother doesn’t worry over her children’s choices? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A good mother fostering a good child into a good career. Much better than a lot of the moms who shepherded (loosely) modern actors. Well done in creating a great picture!
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Dear Mile,
I think she was a good mother. At least from what I’ve read. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great tale, Rochelle. So Gloria had a pushy Mum, or do you think the pushiness came from the girl herself? I wonder if her spoilt nature came out in her marriages? I’ve just read she was married six times- clearly not a happy lady. Love your ‘before they were famous’ stories, the way you sprinkle clues and little anecdotes from the early lives of famous people. Lovely idea. And I adore that early photo of her – that hat is amazing
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Dear Lynn,
I think Gloria pretty much pushed herself, but from what I’ve read, her mother did support her. I do love mining for those historical nuggets. 😉 Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure Rochelle 🙂
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I just love stories like this. They give me hope. They told Bill Russell his thumbs were too small and he would never make it as a center in the NBA. He retired from the Boston Celtics decades ago and some of his records still have not been broken. Great piece of history, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
There are those stories out there of people who were told they would never amount to much. Love them. Of course Stephen Hawking comes to mind. He was given 2 years to live, 50 years ago. 😀 thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sweet story, Rochelle. I had forgotten about this photo. We were camping high up in the Sierras and photographing the stars moving across the night sky, didn’t see Gloria though.
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Dear Ted,
I so appreciate your generosity with your photos. As you know when it comes to photo prompts it’s not what you’re looking at that matters, it’s what you see. 😉 That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many comments, so much praise, so what to say next…?
I thought the reveal was going to be someone else, but what a lovely “put that in your pipe and smoke it” story.
God she learned from her parents, there are no limits.
Words for you, too, maybe, Rochelle?
Shalom
Kelvin
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Dear Kelvin,
Some people are born to inspire, aren’t they? Thank you so very much for your kind words. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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What a wonderful transition … reminds me of the ugly duckling a bit.. there is a potential for everything in every child I think… we just have to see and support it.
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Dear Björn
So many similar stories out there. I love the stories of kids who were told “you can’t” and they not only did but exceeded. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a woman. I have her autobiography and I often reread parts of it because she was amazing and her story is quite addictive. Lovely story from you, Rochelle, and great pictures.
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Dear Jilly,
I’d love to read more about her. Fascinating woman. 😀 Thank you for such affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A touch of humour from a different angle from me Rochelle.
Gloria Swanson had a presence on screen and was a stunner in her time.
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Dear Pensivity,
She was a stunner indeed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanx for another fascinating piece of history. I don’t believe that I’ve seen any of her work. I noticed that she learned to use her hair, and other adornments, to conceal her ears and highlight her face. 🙂
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Dear Archon,
The story does make me wonder if her ears were really all that big. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I did my level best to figure out who your historical character was. Fail! Nicely done. She was a beauty for sure.
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Dear Lish,
Gloria Swanson was one of the queens of the silver screen before talkies. At any rate thank you for your kind words. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Swanson
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve heard of Gloria Swanson, I was playing a mind game as I read your story, trying to figure out who the character might be. I love your historical missives for that and have started to “play” with each historical story like a delightful pop quiz.
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I love that her mother is her biggest fan.
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Dear Dawn,
It’s always a good thing when your mother’s in your corner. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A mother sees in her child that which is not obvious to the rest of the world.
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Dear Susan,
In this case, mom was right. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another lovely piece of historical fiction, enriching us a little more. Thank you so much Rochelle. Shalom.
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Thank you, Anurag. What a lovely thing to say.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She was not only pretty but had a lot of confidence no doubt learned from her mother. My parents were raised by Victorians and about her age. People of that era could love you but still be honest to a fault and outspoken about any problems you had. My grandmother was like that. Another good story based on history, Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Sarah,
It was a different era for sure. A more innocent time, but not as innocent as one might think. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Her daydreaming took her to stardom, I discovered after I Googled who she was 🙂 Mum was right.
Nice one!
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Dear Ali,
Happy to send you to Google. So much to learn. So little time. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s hope for us daydreamers then. What I found interesting about this lady was that she lived in such a dramatic time period. Considering she was born in what looked like the olden days and lived till the 1980s. I’m comparing her childhood photo to the last one of her in her golden years. The changes in social justice, feminism and technology that she experienced throughout her life must have been quite thrilling for her.
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Dear Fatima,
She did see many changes indeed. Her interviews on You Tube are very interesting. And, from one daydreamer to another, yes…there is hope for us. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Speedy Alka-Seltzer W(T)F,
I wonder how many people have been failed to achieve success because of the size of their ears? They are under much more scrutiny than noses. After all, it’s very common for a film director to scream at casting, “Find me a Jew with a big nose.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Pardon me while I filibuster,
Colon Bladder,
Speaker of the Outhouse
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Dear Colon Bladder,
Afraid I’m not very Speedy this week. Adrian Brody would resemble your remark. What a shnoz and what an actor. However neither Ringo Star nor Jimmy Durante were Jewish. Clark Gable and Bing Crosby had ears that looked like open car doors…guess it’s different for guys. Sigh. Thanks for taking time out from your speaking engagements to comment.
Shalom,
Speedy Alka-Seltzer W(T)F
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Even cinema greats have their flaws. Good one as always, Rochelle!
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Thank you, Liz. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely homage story. So true to how mothers and daughters play off each other too.
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Many thanks, Anne. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Her childhood photo is very captivating especially her eyes. It seems she was meant to be who she was meant to – a great legend- right from the beginning. Some people have that spark right from the beginning. But without some support there could be a chance that the spark could die.
I loved the image that you’ve painted of her “ruffled skirt ” and “glossy hair”.
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Dear Norma,
Thank you for such affirming comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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it had to do with movies. i didn’t have any idea to write until i read your story. 🙂
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Thank you, Plaridel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glory would probably not have become a self-confident actress if her mother hadn’t believed in her so much. A lovely story, Rochelle.
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Dear Magarisa,
I agree. A supportive parent can do so much. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this and I love the mother’s confidence.
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Thank you, Louise.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A mother’s knowing love triumphs over a grandma’s more practical one. I could see Gloria bouncing along in her dress – lovely.
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Dear Sarah Ann
Glad you enjoyed my story and took the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good for her – a child can always make something of her life even if it is in unexpected ways.
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Dear Colline,
Every child is born with potential. I believe that. I’ve three sons…all different personalities and living up to those potentials in their own ways. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is what I believe too.
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Nice bit of history. There’s a lesson for all of us. I’m having trouble linking up. There are TWO broken links. Could you remove them, please? I will try again later tonight or tomorrow. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.
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Dear Candy,
Thank you for your kind word. FYI I’ve deleted your links. I did look for your story but couldn’t find it. I’ll look for you tomorrow.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle
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Truly beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. It took a Michaelangelo to see the angel in the stone before working on it to make his sight a reality!
A mother is even better than Michelangelo, for she works with ‘living stones’ in collaboration with the Creator!
Beautiful account!
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Dear Sabina,
Mothers have a high calling. Molding and encouraging little souls. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you!
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Excellent, Rochelle. Frequently creative people don’t have excellent marks because their minds are elsewhere.
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Dear Sascha,
I was the quintessential daydreamer so that part I could relate to. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glorious! A fun story… such talent
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Thank you, Laurie! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely bit of history and interesting story of a mother who believed and encouraged her daughter. Very nice! =)
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Dear Brenda,
Thank you for your lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I would say that they don’t make them like that anymore, but that could bring social media down on my head so I won’t.
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It’s amazing how much a mother can contribute merely by believing in her children’s potential.
Superb storytelling, as always.
Love and best wishes…
Moon
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Dear Moon,
A good mother never stops believing in and loving her child, does she? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As always, so well written and so informative!
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Thank you, Connie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Welcome!
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