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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.
Genre: Historical Fiction circa 1935
Word Count: 100
MAY THE SCHWARTZ BE WITH YOU
Nine-year-old Melvyn Kaminsky held his breath as he stood by the tenement window watching for Uncle Joe’s checkered cab. He could always tell when it was his uncle’s because he was so short the cab appeared to be driverless.
Uncle Joe’s friend gave him two complimentary tickets for a Broadway play— Anything Goes by the great Cole Porter, starring Ethel Merman.
Melvyn hid on the cab’s floor so Uncle Joe wouldn’t get in trouble for giving out free rides.
From the dizzying last row of the second balcony, the future Mel Brooks decided there was no business like show business.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I loved the description of Uncel Joe
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Dear Neil,
It’s how Mr. Brooks described him. 😉 I couldn’t resist using it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That title made me laugh! A fun and funny man 🙂
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Dear Iain,
I’m glad you caught the title. Not everyone notices them. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of my favorite actors.
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Dear Danny,
He’s an amazing talent, isn’t he?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the tenderness in their relationship
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Dear Vartika,
If only I’d had more than a hundred words I could’ve elaborated. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes I wish that too
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Great descriptions. I can really see the story play out.
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Thank you, Tanille. I couldn’t ask for a better compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a lovely story about a very talented man. Loved the way he described Uncle Joe and Uncle Joe’s friend had no idea that when he gave Mel tickets to the Broadway show, how it would change his life. He and his wife, Anne Bancroft, a great actress, were married for 40 years. She was the love of his life. I can just imagine who he used to make her laugh.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele
I love reading about celebrities in long term marriages. Mel Brooks is a personal favorite. Such a sharp witted talent. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story! Mel Brooks has certainly been a gift to all of us 🙂
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Dear Linda,
If only I’d had more than 100 words. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a phenomenal life & career he has lived. Thanks for the story & the link to his life. And, arguably, due to hiding in a Taxi to go to a Broadway show. Great job.
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Dear Jan,
I’m sure there was more to Mel’s decision than a Broadway show, but it certainly had a great influence. 😀 Thanks m’luv.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And the rest, as they say, is history!
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Dear Keith,
LOL, I just left that very same comment on another FF’rs story. 😉 Thank you for stopping to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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PS, After all, Mel Brooks did write the History of the World. (sort of)
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I can see why young Mel would be transfixed by Merman singing Porter. I thank Mr. Brooks for the many lung-clearing laughs via his designs over the years. Young Frankenstein is one of my favorites by him.
Thanks for using my photo this week, Rochelle!
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Dear Lisa,
I love Young Frankenstein, too. Excuse me…Frahnkenshteen 😉 Will never hear Puttin’ on the Ritz the same way. Thank you for your kind words re my story and thank you for the lovely photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I love the ensembles he had in his films. It’s one of those gestalt — or is that geshtalt? — things. You are very welcome on the photo 🙂
Shalom,
Lisa
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I’ve always been a big fan of his. I’v met his nephew the Senator. He creeps me out because we are so on opposite sides unfortunately
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Dear Larry,
It’s sad that we’ve become the Divided States of America. I’m also a big fan of his.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love Mel Brooks. I literally would not be here if it weren’t for Mel Brooks. My parents’ first date was to see “Blazing Saddles.” My mom was not interested in seeing “a Western,” but my dad talked her into it, and here I am. “Spaceballs” and “History Of The World Part 1” are my favorites. Now that Carl’s gone, it concerns me that Mel won’t be far behind.
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Dear Nobbin,
Well hurray for Blazing Saddles. Not just a western. 😉 I’ve had the same thoughts as far as Carl being gone. 😦 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Goes to show, you just never know what even can change the course of your life.
Wonderful, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa inspirational love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I’m sure we can all look back on our lives and pinpoint to those milestones that shaped us. 😀 Thank you for being one of my treasured milestone encounters.
Shalom and lotsa memorable hugs (in person some day, I hope)
Rochelle
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Aww shucks!!
Shalom and Lotsa love with in-person hugs one day!!
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Hey, Rochelle,
I missed the announcement that the first Friday in June is Funny Friday. Well done. 🙂
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
Some weeks require humor, do they not? 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
For me, all times require humor.
Peace,
Bill
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True story! 🥸😜
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Jazz hands to you mi amiga.
Tracey
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Querida Tracey,
Gracias para los Jazz hands. Back atcha.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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Beautiful little slice, as usual, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Jen.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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mel brooks is one of the best. anne bancroft married him, didn’t she? 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
No argument. And their marriage was one of those unusual long and happy ones. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful story. And what a character description of Uncle Joe.
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Many thanks for your flowing comments, Neel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely insight into a great character and what inspired him to take up his profession. I particularly enjoyed hearing the spoken version with the piano background. 🙂
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Dear James,
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the spoken version. I’m never quite sure. 😉 Mel Brooks is an amazing talent. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The gift of these tickets turned out to be a gift to all of us. Love the story.
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Dear Gabi,
It’s those little things. I’m sure Uncle Joe had no idea what an impact his small gesture would make on his young nephew. (And the rest of the word.) Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha, for the first time ever I guessed who it was from your title (great film, seen it many times!). You have found my level 🙂
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Dear Ali,
Nothing wrong with that level. 😉 May the Schwartz be with you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s fascinating to think how small events can lead on to much bigger things and even set the course of a person’s whole life. In this case, his life has also impacted on and brought joy to so many others. You show it so well here, Rochelle.
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Dear Margaret,
Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is great! I love it
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Not sure why it didn’t pick up my info but Anonymous would be me. I really enjoyed this.
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Third time is a charm? LOL I really liked this. Both of the mystery commentators are me.
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Dear Andrea,
WP can be really strange. Thank you for identifying yourself. 😉 There are a couple of commentors who always end up in my trash folder. Go figure. Glad you enjoyed my little story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love this description. And the car looking like it drove itself is a terrific image that sets the whole scene and mood in the piece! Brilliant
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Thank you, Laurie. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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